The temperature is heating up in Montana, and so is the fishing in many areas. Get the reports you need […]

The Jefferson River is currently low, warm, and filled with algae, prompting Hoot Owl restrictions that ban fishing from 2 PM to midnight. Ideal fishing conditions may return in September after irrigation ends, increasing fish activity. For now, anglers should seek cooler waters and wait for the river to recover.

The Brothers Wild Fishing hit Montana’s Flathead River and finally found what they came for — here’s why this one is worth watching.

Holter Lake is currently known for kokanee fishing, with varying success rates. Effective bait includes snap weights with big dodgers and scented corn. Walleye are found near weed beds, favoring perch-patterned lures. At the Regulating Reservoir, kokanee are caught at depths from 10′ to 45′, primarily using pink or chartreuse lures.

Walleye are found around weed beds, favoring subtle motions with lures like ned rigs and small paddle tails. The stretch from York Bridge to the dam is currently best for trout, with effective trolling using cranks and weighted cowbells at varying speeds. Kokanee are present but not abundant in Hauser.

Missouri River (Toston to Canyon Ferry): With the hot temps the fish have slowed down a little bit but are […]

Walleye are best caught with crawlers and slow death hooks in 15-25 feet, while bigger fish are deeper with jigs. For lake trout, target deep flats in 105-125 feet, though fish movement can be unpredictable. Northern pike are abundant, and salmon are best targeted with 8” flashers in 55-80 feet.

Canyon Ferry’s fishing remains productive, particularly for walleye, which can be found from 15 to 30 feet deep. Anglers have success using bottom bouncing with preferred colors like blues and fire tiger patterns. Trout are still biting but are retreating to cooler, deeper waters, primarily around 15 to 30 feet.

The Ruby River is currently experiencing fluctuating water levels due to irrigation and summer heat, leading to “Hoot Owl” fishing restrictions from 2 PM to midnight to protect stressed trout. July may still offer good fishing, especially with various insect hatches. Specific regulations apply in different river sections.

Flathead Lake is Montana’s crown jewel for fishing, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of every season.

Hunters who registered to be placed on the Surplus List can now check their status on MyFWP.

“I’ve never seen bears behaving quite like this,” said Shawn Stewart, a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife biologist who has worked in the area for more than five decades. “They’re bolder, breaking into vehicles and homes in broad daylight and approaching, following and even chasing people.

If you were camping or fishing in Yellowstone this morning, you may have felt a little extra excitement.

When this dispersed camping area at Hungry Horse Reservoir reopens it will have amenities, and will be for day use. What do you think of the changes?

The temperature is heating up in Montana, and so is the fishing in many areas. Get the reports you need […]

In southwest Montana, warming river temperatures are leading to increased fishing restrictions. The Madison River is completely closed to fishing from July 15, and hoot-owl restrictions apply to several rivers, prohibiting fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight. These measures aim to protect fish as high temperatures can cause stress and mortality.

Canyon Ferry offers excellent walleye fishing in Ponds 2 and 3, using bottom bouncers and various lure colors. Hauser is productive for walleye near the Eldorado Dredge Piles, with rainbow fishing thriving below Canyon Ferry Dam. Holter sees strong rainbow catches early, along with some walleye and northern pike near weed beds.

Hoot-owl restrictions will begin on July 11 at 2 p.m. for certain Montana rivers, prohibiting fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight. These measures aim to protect fish during high temperatures and low water conditions. Anglers are encouraged to fish during cooler hours or explore other water bodies with better conditions.

If you were camping or fishing in Yellowstone this morning, you may have felt a little extra excitement.

When this dispersed camping area at Hungry Horse Reservoir reopens it will have amenities, and will be for day use. What do you think of the changes?

The Ruby River is currently experiencing fluctuating water levels due to irrigation and summer heat, leading to “Hoot Owl” fishing restrictions from 2 PM to midnight to protect stressed trout. July may still offer good fishing, especially with various insect hatches. Specific regulations apply in different river sections.

Locals in Montana oppose US Critical Materials’ plan for an 11.3-square-mile rare-earth mine at the West Fork Bitterroot River, a prime fishing and hunting area. Concerns include noise from heavy trucks, potential ecological disaster, and negative impacts on wildlife. Despite community opposition, the mining company is advancing its proposal.

Flathead Lake is Montana’s crown jewel for fishing, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of every season.

Rock Creek near Clinton offers excellent fishing conditions this summer, with cooler water temperatures keeping fish active. Wade fishing is required as floating is not allowed. Anglers should focus on small flies during the morning and switch to caddis patterns in the evening, adapting techniques based on weather and water conditions.

A guided elk hunt in a Southwest Montana general unit ends with the biggest bull on the mountain after 3 hard days of searching.

DREAM Adaptive Recreation is in full swing for its 18th summer season, continuing nearly two decades of providing life-changing outdoor recreation opportunities for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities throughout Northwest Montana.

Temporary trail and wilderness campground closures expected through fall 2026

Planning on fishing in Yellowstone? Take note of the closure.

This content introduces an enticing Venison Tikka Masala recipe that elevates traditional venison dishes. It highlights venison’s nutritional benefits, including being low in fat, high in iron, and packed with omega-3s. The recipe emphasizes a yogurt-based marinade to ensure tenderness, making it a flavorful and healthy curry option.

BOZEMAN – As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in […]

Venison backstrap is a prized cut that requires careful cooking to avoid toughness. The Balsamic-Sesame Marinade enhances this lean meat with flavors from balsamic vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey. Marinate for 1 to 2 hours, then prepare it as desired for a delicious meal that impresses without needing expert skills.

Catch mid-summer walleyes effectively without expensive sonar screens. Employ classic tactics such as spinner rigs, vertical jigging, trolling crankbaits, midday slip bobbers, targeting weedlines, and using live-bait rigging. By focusing on fish habits and seasonal patterns, anglers can succeed without relying on technology.

Fort Peck’s fishing can be slow, particularly for salmon. Get the Net Outfitters LLC suggests a solution: while trolling for Kings, drop a jig when marking fish in the top 20 feet. This method often results in catching more Pike than traditional Pike fishing, adding excitement to slow days.

The Yellowstone River is flowing at 4,440 cfs, and the fishing report advises early morning excursions for successful trout catches, especially upstream where it’s cooler. Nymphing is effective for whitefish, while targeting trout requires dry flies like Caddis and Parachute Adams. Big streamers can also trigger aggressive bites.

The Flyhards ride horses deep into unnamed Montana wilderness for wild trout. Here’s why some fishing holes are worth keeping off the map.

Cameron Hockett of Fish On Charters has teamed up with The Captain from the Montana Outdoor Radio Show to catch chinook salmon at Fort Peck, landing an impressive 18 and 23-pounder. He offers guided trips until August 14th, with limited slots available. Call 406-253-8526 to book your adventure.

Joined by Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Idaho Governor Brad Little, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is publishing a proposed rule change that will give states more flexibility to manage grizzly bears in areas where the species has met or exceeded federal recovery benchmarks while preserving protections under the Endangered Species Act.

In southwest Montana, warming river temperatures are leading to increased fishing restrictions. The Madison River is completely closed to fishing from July 15, and hoot-owl restrictions apply to several rivers, prohibiting fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight. These measures aim to protect fish as high temperatures can cause stress and mortality.