Weather significantly impacts fish feeding behavior, with factors like temperature and pressure influencing activity. Understanding these changes helps anglers adjust tactics for improved catch rates.

Mid-March is Montana’s most dangerous season. Here’s what kills trips—and sometimes people—when anglers and hunters rush back outside too soon.

Your complete guide to the Smith River permit 2026 lottery — deadlines, odds, standby tips, outfitter options, and insider float planning advice.

Mid-March in Montana means winter and spring are still arguing about who’s in charge. Ice fishing opportunities are fading quickly […]

The crew at Wildhook Adventures hooks into something massive on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith — one of Montana’s top tailwater trout fisheries.

Illegal fish stocking is one of Montana’s biggest fishery threats. Here’s why dumping bait fish or “pet” fish can ruin a waterbody forever.

Southwest Montana rivers splitting—Madison and Gallatin stable and clear, but Big Hole and western drainages rising fast from snowmelt.

Montana’s ice-out begins! Mid-March brings hot fishing action as winter loosens its grip. Late ice opportunities plus early spring river action await.

Oregon voters may ban fishing entirely. Montana anglers need to understand this growing threat and how to protect their own rights before it crosses state lines.

This past week, fishing on Peck was impossible due to warm weather and unsafe ice conditions, signaling the end of the season. Areas near the dam have opened up, hinting at potential boat usage soon. It’s an opportune time to service ice fishing gear and prepare for next winter.

Montana’s spring turkey season opens April 15. Here’s your one-month public land scouting and prep guide to punch your tag opening week.

Mid-March is Montana’s most dangerous season. Here’s what kills trips—and sometimes people—when anglers and hunters rush back outside too soon.

Realtree’s Spring Thunder crew chases Merriam’s turkeys in Black Hills country — here’s what Montana hunters can take from it for a DIY public land spring hunt.

Year-round Montana backcountry trail cam footage from Diaries of a Trailcam — with tips on how hunters can use this intel to scout smarter.

Apply for paddlefish permits by April 1 to participate in the unique season. Applications are easy online or in-person at local FWP offices or authorized retailers. Don’t miss out!

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens reported a rise in illegally harvested mountain lions in central Montana in 2025, including hunters who shot lions first and only purchased hunting licenses afterward.

Ready to hunt in Montana? Montana FWP is listing in-person hunter education classes and online-student field days across central and eastern Montana this spring and summer. Seats can fill fast, and students must be registered before class begins—here’s how to sign up plus the full schedule of dates and towns.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has ordered LMU 422 closed to all hunting of male mountain lions one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Check the official quota status page for the latest details.

This week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast features Ryker Bair and Patrick Casey discussing their experiences in Mack Days, highlighting the collaborative spirit among anglers as they share tips for successful fishing.

Pheasant Cordon Bleu is an easy, gourmet recipe combining pheasant with Canadian bacon, prosciutto, Swiss cheese, and breadcrumbs, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Montana hunters fund public land access more than most realize. Here’s the real breakdown before federal policy strips it away.

A tribute to Montana’s fishing dogs — plus dog-friendly access points and spring runoff safety tips for anglers heading out this season.

Montana elk are dying from Japanese yew, a common landscaping shrub. Learn why this ornamental plant is lethal to wildlife and what you can do to protect herds.

Montana FWP reports a spike in illegal mountain lion kills this spring. Here’s what violations are happening, penalties involved, and how to stay legal.

Wyoming rancher tells Senate how frozen diesel fluid regulations threaten cattle feeding in sub-zero weather, demanding practical solutions for farmers

Discover why Mount Jumbo’s spring trail closures protect crucial wildlife habitat and what every Montana hiker should know about seasonal restrictions.

A Wyoming study indicates that mule deer populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and other stressors, with current estimates dropping significantly since their peak in 1991.

MTSFW’s 16th Annual Pig Roast Banquet & Fundraiser on April 18, 2026, offers great food, raffles, and special guests from Mountain Men. Early tickets available, kids enter free.

Montana waterfowl hunters have a rare window to influence 2026-27 season dates and bag limits. Here’s what’s proposed and how to comment now.

Montana mountain lion hunters face strict new regulations amid rising illegal harvests. Learn the essential rules, quota systems, and penalties to stay legal.

Oregon voters may ban fishing entirely. Montana anglers need to understand this growing threat and how to protect their own rights before it crosses state lines.

This past week, fishing on Peck was impossible due to warm weather and unsafe ice conditions, signaling the end of the season. Areas near the dam have opened up, hinting at potential boat usage soon. It’s an opportune time to service ice fishing gear and prepare for next winter.

Montana hunters need to know where the legal lines are on vehicle-mounted thermal scanners before spring predator and bear seasons begin.

Apply for paddlefish permits by April 1 to participate in the unique season. Applications are easy online or in-person at local FWP offices or authorized retailers. Don’t miss out!

Montana crappie are moving shallow as ice retreats. Here’s where to find them and how to catch limits right now before runoff muddies the rivers.

Have you ever landed a ghost-white or golden fish in Montana? Here’s what those rare catches mean and exactly what to do with one.

Madison and Missouri hold steady while Big Hole surges 17%. Southwest storm changes conditions through weekend—here’s your fishing strategy.

Learn how Montana dam release schedules affect trout fishing conditions and discover when to hit blue-ribbon waters for optimal angling success.