This winter’s mild temperatures have kept rivers stable and trout active, leading to improved fishing conditions. As spring approaches, anglers should prepare for increased opportunities and strengthening hatches.

This weekend’s fishing report from Chancy’s Fish Camp highlights mixed ice conditions across local lakes. Anglers can find good action for perch, salmon, and trout, but should prioritize safety.

The main lake has refrozen, but ice conditions are unsafe for fishing, with only 1 to 1.5 inches of ice. Temperatures are rising, making future conditions hazardous. Prioritize safety.

Don Wilkins assessed ice conditions near the dam, reporting thickness of 7-9 inches, while cautioning about unstable areas. He advises waiting for colder weather before venturing out onto the ice.

At Fort Peck, open water is prevalent amid remaining ice, with more shorelines exposed. Cold weather has arrived, bringing snow and a wind chill of -16°. Safety is crucial.

The fishing report highlights varying ice conditions across local lakes, emphasizes caution with ice safety, and announces an upcoming fishing tournament at McGregor Lake with details about entry fees and fishing areas.

Strong winds continue to sweep across the area, according to the latest post from Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop at […]

February on the Missouri River offers quiet fishing with effective midges and nymphing opportunities. Despite snowpack challenges, warmer temps could encourage fish activity, making it an excellent time to plan summer trips.

Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop announced that the lake is unsafe due to strong winds, leaving no ice. Updates will follow after the storm, urging everyone to stay safe.

Ice conditions vary significantly, affecting fishing safety. Anglers report catches at Canyon Ferry, while Hauser and Holter have open water. Caution is advised due to deteriorating ice.

In this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast, host Downrigger Dale interviews Racheal Vargas, who teaches vital safety courses, including Wilderness First Aid and Pet First Aid, emphasizing the importance of community training.

Heads up, lion hunters — there’s a change you’ll want on your radar. The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has […]

Lakeside Lodging reports thin, snow-covered ice conditions with unstable areas and hidden hazards. Remain cautious when heading out, as not all frozen sections are safe. Stay safe and warm.

More than 15 hunter and bowhunter education courses are available for registration in north-central Montana. Spring is ideal for signing up to avoid competitive fall classes.

Heads up, lion hunters — there’s a change you’ll want on your radar. The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has […]

Before the license year ends on February 28, note that mountain lion and wolf hunting continue, along with some trapping seasons. E-tags will deactivate, so consider obtaining an offline license.

The Smith River Permit lottery results are available. Super Permit chances for failed applicants cost $5 until March 15. Floaters must pack out waste and register via phone before launching.

More than 15 hunter and bowhunter education courses are available for registration in north-central Montana. Spring is ideal for signing up to avoid competitive fall classes.

The Upper Salmon River steelhead fishing report indicates a mild winter facilitated fish movement upstream. High angler effort and favorable conditions resulted in good catch rates, despite some ice obstructing boat ramps.

Before the license year ends on February 28, note that mountain lion and wolf hunting continue, along with some trapping seasons. E-tags will deactivate, so consider obtaining an offline license.

The Smith River Permit lottery results are available. Super Permit chances for failed applicants cost $5 until March 15. Floaters must pack out waste and register via phone before launching.

The new permit season for conservation and recreation permits ends on February 28, 2026, with renewals beginning March 1, 2026. A License Ambassador program is launching for efficient sales.

The fishing report highlights varying ice conditions across local lakes, emphasizes caution with ice safety, and announces an upcoming fishing tournament at McGregor Lake with details about entry fees and fishing areas.

More than 15 hunter and bowhunter education courses are available for registration in north-central Montana. Spring is ideal for signing up to avoid competitive fall classes.

Strong winds continue to sweep across the area, according to the latest post from Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop at […]

Around 4:00 pm, Valley County Search and Rescue got the call — several people were stranded on Fort Peck Lake […]

Montana’s wolf hunting season has seen more than 200 wolves harvested, not quite nearing a 452 quota. Regions 1, 2, and 3 lead in numbers, with zero non-target captures reported. The season continues until March 15.

Montana is resuming boat inspections on March 7 to combat invasive mussels, with officials stressing the importance of these measures as out-of-state boats pose a growing risk to local waters.

February on the Missouri River offers quiet fishing with effective midges and nymphing opportunities. Despite snowpack challenges, warmer temps could encourage fish activity, making it an excellent time to plan summer trips.

He tagged a 170-inch Alabama whitetail fair and square — then the internet exploded. From bizarre accusations to conspiracy theories, this viral buck story proves the real drama starts after you post.

Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop announced that the lake is unsafe due to strong winds, leaving no ice. Updates will follow after the storm, urging everyone to stay safe.

An argument at an Alaska fish camp turned deadly, leaving one man dead and another facing murder charges. Authorities say the tragic Tuluksak shooting is a sobering reminder that anger has lasting consequences.

The Bureau of Reclamation will host a public meeting on February 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. at 1st Street Mercantile […]

Legendary turkey hunter Fox Haas, who passed away at 95, was pivotal in turkey conservation and inspired future generations, including his son, Toxey, founder of Mossy Oak.

An Indiana family faced tragedy during ice fishing when a heater caused a carbon monoxide poisoning. This incident emphasizes the importance of safety measures like CO detectors to combat unseen dangers.

Ice conditions vary significantly, affecting fishing safety. Anglers report catches at Canyon Ferry, while Hauser and Holter have open water. Caution is advised due to deteriorating ice.

Elk generally avoid humans, but they can be dangerous during the fall rut or when cows are protecting calves. Respect their space to ensure a safe encounter.

Canyon Ferry Lake is experiencing varying ice conditions, with some areas, particularly near the Silos, still frozen. Anglers report significant openings due to strong winds, but caution is advised.