Changes are happening around Montana with weather conditions, regulations, and fishing conditions. Get prepared, and be prepared right here for […]

Walleye and lake trout are being caught in deeper waters, 25-40 feet and 125-140 feet respectively, with jigging techniques proving effective. Deep-running lures, particularly the Salmo freedivers, work well for walleye. For pike, trolling crankbaits in white or silver has yielded better results, especially in the mornings.

Tyler Harmon and his son made an unforgettable catch while fishing on the Ohio River, reeling in a 72.75-pound blue catfish, setting a new West Virginia state record. Harmon’s son initially mistook the fish for a shark. The catch, made on a specific fishing rod, could qualify Harmon for a $20,000 payout.

On September 1, 2026, rain transformed the Yellowstone River, causing muddy conditions but expected clearing later. Flows are at 2,080 CFS, with effective fishing focused on deeper runs and seams. Paradise Valley creeks are productive with small bugs, while Slough Creek offers excellent conditions. Terrestrials remain the most effective bait.

Holter’s kokanee are proving elusive, with varying success among anglers. Currently, trolling at depths of 60′ to 90′ yields fish averaging 2-5 pounds, using dodgers and squid or wedding rings. Walleye are also active, favoring drop-offs and responding well to jerk baits. Perch catches remain inconsistent.

On September 2, 2026, Jonathan Miller reported that Canyon Ferry is experiencing early fall conditions, resulting in improved fishing opportunities. Walleye and rainbow trout are becoming more active with cooler nights. Popular techniques include bottom bouncing, jerkbaits, and trolling, with specific bait colors recommended for different areas of the lake.

Hauser’s fall fishing is heating up as walleye transition to rocky areas, responding well to jerkbaits and paddle tails. Trout are active near Spokane Bay, with successful catches reported using marbou jigs. Meanwhile, kokanee fishing remains elusive, and anglers are advised to consider leaders for hungry pike.

Fishing at Holter shows promise as kokanee initiate seasonal shifts, averaging 2 to 5 pounds. Trolling with colorful dodgers and scented corn proves effective. Walleye are moving to drop-offs, responding to jerk baits. Perch fishing is inconsistent. Note, snagging season on the Regulating Reservoir opens September 1st.

Fall fishing at Hauser Reservoir is promising, with walleye, trout, and northern pike becoming increasingly active. Walleye are transitioning to rocky areas, best caught in early morning and evening using jerk baits and paddle tails. Trout fishing is thriving by Spokane Bay. Northern pike are hungry, presenting a great targeting opportunity.

Canyon Ferry is experiencing excellent fishing conditions for walleye and rainbow trout due to cooler nights. The South End is productive with bottom bouncers and crankbaits, while the North End emphasizes quality over quantity with jerkbaits. For rainbow trout, effective trolling occurs between White Earth and the Dam using deep-diving crankbaits and cowbells.

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WASHINGTON — September 5, 2026 — President Donald Trump has ordered the federal government to review whether gray wolves and Mexican […]

Montana elk hunters know logging can blow up a reliable spot overnight. Here’s how to scout new country and adapt before the season opens.

Discover 5 proven elk calling setups for Montana’s early archery season. Learn why pre-rut bulls respond differently and how to seal the deal.

Montana FWP has added a proposal to convert Thompson Island into a public fishing access site to the Oct. 15 Fish and Wildlife Commission agenda. The state would acquire a 32-acre island and access easement. Other discussion topics include fishing regulations, grizzly bear releases, and public use fees. Comments are due by Sept. 24.

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported that water from Lake Elmo tested positive for harmful algal bloom toxins. Cooler weather may help mitigate the blooms. Residents are advised to avoid discolored water and keep children and pets away. Monitoring will continue, with reports forthcoming on the situation.

South-central Montana’s wildlife faces challenges as hunting season approaches. While mule deer fawn recruitment improved, populations remain low. Elk herds are stable but mostly reside on private lands. White-tailed deer numbers increased slightly, while pronghorn declined, prompting reduced license quotas. Hunters must also participate in mandatory CWD testing at designated check stations.

Hunting District 300 will close to bighorn sheep hunting at half an hour after sunset on September 3, 2026, as ordered by the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission. Hunters need to be aware of the district boundaries and timing, and can refer to the Montana FWP Bighorn Sheep Hunting Guide for regulations.

On September 1, 2026, rain transformed the Yellowstone River, causing muddy conditions but expected clearing later. Flows are at 2,080 CFS, with effective fishing focused on deeper runs and seams. Paradise Valley creeks are productive with small bugs, while Slough Creek offers excellent conditions. Terrestrials remain the most effective bait.

Dale “Greybeard” Sanders, at 91, has reclaimed the record for the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail, previously set at 82. This retired Navy veteran undertook the challenge in two segments, overcoming adversity, including a fall on Mount Katahdin. His adventures highlight the idea that age is merely a number.

Holter’s kokanee are proving elusive, with varying success among anglers. Currently, trolling at depths of 60′ to 90′ yields fish averaging 2-5 pounds, using dodgers and squid or wedding rings. Walleye are also active, favoring drop-offs and responding well to jerk baits. Perch catches remain inconsistent.

Montana FWP confirms a third straight year of mule deer population gains in Region 7. Here’s what it means for hunters this fall.

On September 2, 2026, Jonathan Miller reported that Canyon Ferry is experiencing early fall conditions, resulting in improved fishing opportunities. Walleye and rainbow trout are becoming more active with cooler nights. Popular techniques include bottom bouncing, jerkbaits, and trolling, with specific bait colors recommended for different areas of the lake.

Hauser’s fall fishing is heating up as walleye transition to rocky areas, responding well to jerkbaits and paddle tails. Trout are active near Spokane Bay, with successful catches reported using marbou jigs. Meanwhile, kokanee fishing remains elusive, and anglers are advised to consider leaders for hungry pike.

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported that water from Lake Elmo tested positive for harmful algal bloom toxins. Cooler weather may help mitigate the blooms. Residents are advised to avoid discolored water and keep children and pets away. Monitoring will continue, with reports forthcoming on the situation.

South-central Montana’s wildlife faces challenges as hunting season approaches. While mule deer fawn recruitment improved, populations remain low. Elk herds are stable but mostly reside on private lands. White-tailed deer numbers increased slightly, while pronghorn declined, prompting reduced license quotas. Hunters must also participate in mandatory CWD testing at designated check stations.

Hunting District 300 will close to bighorn sheep hunting at half an hour after sunset on September 3, 2026, as ordered by the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission. Hunters need to be aware of the district boundaries and timing, and can refer to the Montana FWP Bighorn Sheep Hunting Guide for regulations.

Montana’s big game is in improved condition as elk, deer, and pronghorn enter fall after successful winter survival and beneficial spring rains. Elk and whitetail populations are robust, while mule deer prospects vary regionally. Pronghorn numbers have declined in the west but increased in the east. Hunters are advised to check updated regulations.

Montana FWP breaks down mule deer population trends in Region 3 after years of drought and hard winters. Here’s what hunters need to know.

Northeast Montana’s big game populations are recovering from recent challenges. Pronghorn numbers are thriving, while mule deer are rebounding with improved density and fawn survival. Elk populations, particularly in the Missouri River Breaks, have declined sharply, leading to reduced hunting licenses. White-tailed deer continue to struggle, but hunters may find better opportunities in prairie areas.

Northwest Montana’s big-game forecast is optimistic, indicating steady or improving populations of elk and deer. Elk numbers are rising, particularly in specific drainages. White-tailed and mule deer show significant improvement, while moose populations stabilize below historic highs. Hunters should check regulations and game-check stations before heading out.

Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a wolf hunting quota of 300 for the 2026-2027 season, opening Sept. 5. The decision reflects a new population model estimating fewer wolves. Multiple public comments were received, along with approvals for various wildlife programs and conservation measures during the meeting.

Southeast Montana’s wildlife recovery shows mixed results. Elk populations vary by area, with HD 700 struggling, while mule deer increased by 15 percent but remain below the long-term average. Pronghorn numbers soared to the highest since 2006. Hunters are advised to check regulations as access issues persist, especially for elk.

Area closure in place  KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are investigating a bear attack on a woman walking her […]

Fishing at Holter shows promise as kokanee initiate seasonal shifts, averaging 2 to 5 pounds. Trolling with colorful dodgers and scented corn proves effective. Walleye are moving to drop-offs, responding to jerk baits. Perch fishing is inconsistent. Note, snagging season on the Regulating Reservoir opens September 1st.

Fall fishing at Hauser Reservoir is promising, with walleye, trout, and northern pike becoming increasingly active. Walleye are transitioning to rocky areas, best caught in early morning and evening using jerk baits and paddle tails. Trout fishing is thriving by Spokane Bay. Northern pike are hungry, presenting a great targeting opportunity.

Canyon Ferry is experiencing excellent fishing conditions for walleye and rainbow trout due to cooler nights. The South End is productive with bottom bouncers and crankbaits, while the North End emphasizes quality over quantity with jerkbaits. For rainbow trout, effective trolling occurs between White Earth and the Dam using deep-diving crankbaits and cowbells.

(Choteau, M.T., August 18, 2026) – The Rocky Mountain Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest will be accepting […]