Mar 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

5 Montana Walleye Reservoirs to Fish Before April Runoff Muddies the Water

Target Montana's top 5 reservoirs for prime walleye fishing in late March before April's snowmelt turns clear waters muddy and shuts down this golden pre-runoff window.

Mar 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Latest Fishing Update from the Macman, March 27

Spring brings fishing opportunities as local waters awaken. The Macman’s March 27 report outlines hotspots like Yellow Bay and the Delta, while highlighting the impending salmon season at Lake Mary Ronan.

Mar 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Don Wilkins’ Fort Peck Fishing Update: Early Season Insights

Fort Peck is thawing, with Duck Creek and Marina bays mostly ice-free. Caution is advised due to floating ice and debris. Fishing for walleye and pike is improving but remains inconsistent.

Mar 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

The Upper Madison Midday Hustle: Why You Should Be Fishing (Not Working) Right Now

The Upper Madison River is waking up for fishing. Optimal hours are 11 AM to 4 PM, focusing on nymphing techniques. Midge hatches are currently prominent, with Blue Winged Olives expected soon.

Mar 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Missouri River Rainbows Are Peaking Right Now — Before Runoff Hits

Late March is your last clear-water shot at Missouri River rainbows. Here's where to fish, what rigs are working, and how long you have left.

Mar 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Chancy’s Fish Camp Spring Fishing Report: Best Spots and Tips

Spring fishing is awakening, with Koocanusa excelling for rainbows and bulls, while Flathead Lake offers varied options. Scoop up lake trout at Swan Lake and explore deeper waters for success.

Mar 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Spring Creek Fishing Tips for Paradise Valley

Yellowstone Angler recommends using a Livingston Rod Co 8'9" 3-weight for fishing Spring Creeks, advising stealthy approaches and specific tactics as fish spawn and Baetis hatch begins.

Mar 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Best Strategies for Kootenai Fishing in Challenging Conditions

Fishing conditions on the Kootenai are challenging, with increased dam outflows and cold, murky water. Anglers are advised to use nymphs and prepare for upcoming improvements. Linehan Outfitting also highlights baseball optimism.

Mar 22, 2026 · Angela Montana

Early Spring Fishing Report: Navigating Flathead Valley’s River Flows

In March, the Flathead Valley's unpredictable weather has led to unusual fishing conditions. Despite challenges, trout fishing is thriving, with guides recommending slow, deep techniques and bright flies for success.

Mar 20, 2026 · Angela Montana

Don Wilkins’ Fort Peck Fishing Report: Shore Hot, Ice Cold

Fort Peck is still in a deep freeze from the Shafthouse to Rock Creek, so keep the boat on the […]

Mar 19, 2026 · Angela Montana

The “Anti-Winter” Strategy: Why March and April on the Kootenai are Montana’s Best Kept Secret

Spring fishing in Montana is prime between mid-March and late April, featuring slow trout behavior and a focus on nymphing. Anglers should utilize specific streamers and dry flies during warmer afternoons.

Mar 18, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Pre-Runoff Nymphing: 5 Rivers Still Fishing Before Montana Blows Out

Flows are spiking fast across Western Montana. Here's which rivers still have fishable nymphing conditions this week — and exactly what to throw.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Your First Yellowstone Cutthroat: Waters, Timing, and Flies Before Runoff

The pre-runoff window is closing fast in mid-March 2026. Here's exactly where, when, and how to catch your first Yellowstone cutthroat on the fly.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Bitterroot Up 55%, Big Hole Surging: Nymph These Montana Rivers This Week

Flows are rising fast. Here's which Montana rivers still have fishable nymph water this week — and when each one blows out.

Mar 15, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Stillwater Fly Fishing: Montana’s Best Move When Runoff Wins

Montana rivers are blowing out now. Here's how to pivot to stillwater fly fishing at Canyon Ferry, Holter, and Hauser this spring.

Mar 15, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Bitterroot Surges 55% as March Warmup Hits Montana Rivers: Where to Fish Now

Spring conditions arrive early with flows jumping 55% on some rivers. Here's where to fish this week as temperatures climb into the 50s.

Mar 14, 2026 · Kamp Cook

Montana Fishing Report – March 14th

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

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Big Hole Surges 21% While Madison Holds Steady: Montana Rivers March 14, 2026

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

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Where Montana’s Best March Fishing Is Happening Right Now

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.

Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana

Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 3.13.26

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.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Crappie Are Staging Now: Ice-Out Tactics That Fill Stringers

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.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Big Hole Surges 17% While Madison Holds Steady: Where to Fish This Weekend

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

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Where to Fish in Montana Right Now: Ice-Out Hot Spots and Spring River Action

Montana's ice-out season is here! Mid-March brings prime fishing as lakes thaw and rivers awaken. Get the latest conditions and hot spots.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry & Flathead Lake Ice-Out: March 2026 Predictions and Safety Updates

Discover Montana ice-out predictions for Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry & Flathead Lake in 2026. Get current ice conditions and fishing season timing updates.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How to Catch Trout During Montana’s Spring Runoff

Learn how to fish during Montana's spring runoff and high water conditions. Expert tips for finding feeding trout when rivers run high and muddy.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Bighorn River Fishing Report (St. Xavier) — March 11, 2026: Windy Week, Strong Nymphing on Sowbugs & Scuds, Plus Streamers

The Bighorn near St. Xavier is setting up for a productive week despite strong winds. Expect slightly warmer temps than Bozeman, consistent trout feeding on sowbugs and scuds, and surprisingly solid streamer action. Here’s the March 11, 2026 update from Yellow Dog Flyfishing, plus the nymph pairs and streamer patterns producing now.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Where to Fish Montana This Weekend: 72 MPH Winds and Rising Rivers

Western Montana rivers climbing fast with incoming storm. Madison stable at 329 cfs. Wind gusts to 72 mph today—here's where to fish.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana’s Ice-Out Fishing: Where to Hit Rivers and Reservoirs This Mid-March

Montana's mid-March ice-out brings prime spring fishing! Rivers warming, reservoirs opening up. Get the hottest spots and tactics for this week.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How to Fish Montana’s Rivers When Water Runs Dangerously Low

Montana's low rivers demand new tactics. Learn essential strategies for fishing drought conditions, protecting trout, and finding success when water levels drop.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Nymph Montana Trout Now: The Pre-Runoff Window Is Closing on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot & Blackfoot

Western Montana rivers are already running higher than normal for mid-March, and the clear-water nymphing window won’t last. Here’s how to take advantage of pre-runoff conditions—where to go, what to rig, and how to stay safe before snowmelt turns your favorite runs into chocolate milk.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana River Report: Western Rivers Spike 14% as March Melt Arrives (Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Blackfoot)

Southwest Montana rivers are holding steady and fishing well, but Western Montana is already surging—up 13–14% this week on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot as snowmelt kicks in. With a major Thursday–Friday weather system on the way, here’s a clear, river-by-river breakdown of flows, trends, and the best windows to fish before conditions change.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Upper Salmon River Steelhead Report (March 10, 2026): Improving Catch Rates, Stable Temps, and What to Watch Next

Idaho Fish and Game’s March 10, 2026 update points to increasing steelhead presence on the Upper Salmon River, with creel data showing improving angler success and river conditions (temperature and discharge) staying favorable for upstream movement. Here’s what the latest trends mean for anglers, conservation, and local businesses—and what to track as the season continues.

Mar 11, 2026 · Angela Montana

Jefferson River Fishing Report (Early Spring 2026): Where to Find Trout, Best Nymphs, and the Afternoon Bite

The Jefferson River is fishing tough but doable in early spring. Slow down, get deep in softer inside water, and plan around late morning through mid-afternoon. Here’s the latest Jefferson River report from Fins and Feathers (2/5 on March 9, 2026), including the nymph and streamer patterns producing now.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Dangerous Ice Warning (March 11, 2026): Canyon Ferry, Holter, Fort Peck & Flathead Lake Conditions

Mid-March is Montana’s most dangerous stretch for ice fishing. Here’s what local guides, marina operators, and FWP officials are seeing on Canyon Ferry, Holter, Fort Peck, and Flathead—plus late-season safety gear, best practices, and when to switch to open water.

Mar 10, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Fishing Forecast (Mid-March): Ice-Out Updates, Best Rivers & Lakes, and Top Flies as Spring Starts

Mid-March is Montana’s ice-out hinge point: dangerous, variable ice on many reservoirs, but growing open-water options and the season’s first meaningful midge windows. Here’s a historically grounded look at where to go this week, what to throw, and how to stay safe as waters transition to spring.

Mar 10, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Pre-Spawn Walleye Are Moving: How to Dial the Jig Bite Before They Slide Shallow

There’s a short spring window when pre-spawn walleye stack on breaks and points and the jig bite turns from slow to ridiculous. Here’s what Fish Head Assassin says to watch—water temps, weight, wind, and timing—so you stay in the strike zone while the fish are still willing.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Bozeman Early Spring Trout Fishing Report (March 9, 2026): Best Techniques, Flies, and Peak Time Windows

Early spring trout fishing near Bozeman is improving week by week as rivers transition out of winter mode. Here’s what’s working right now—best time of day, where trout are holding, and the nymph and streamer setups producing on the Gallatin, Madison (upper/lower), and Yellowstone as of March 9, 2026 (5/5).

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Lake Fork Tournament Cheating Scandal: Angler Accused After Weights Found Inside Largemouth Bass

A Lake Fork, Texas fishing tournament turned surreal when staff used a metal-detecting wand on a largemouth bass—and later, game wardens reportedly found fishing weights inside the fish. Now the angler involved is facing serious legal consequences.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Missouri River Fishing in March 2026: Unpredictable Weather, Midge Hatches, and Prime Streamer Days

March on Montana’s Missouri River is rarely predictable—and 2026 could be even more of a wildcard with low snowpack and warming water. Here’s what to expect for midges, nymphing, streamer fishing, swinging flies, and the fickle spring weather that can make (or break) your day on the Mo.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP Upper Missouri River Fisheries Meeting (March 16, Helena): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter Updates

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hosts its annual Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan update on March 16 at 6 p.m. in Helena. Hear population trends and management updates for Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter, and nearby Missouri River sections—and learn what keeps these popular fisheries producing year after year.

Mar 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck King Salmon Derby: Registration Opens in 6 Days (150-Boat Limit) — Get Your Team Ready

Online registration for the 1st Annual Fort Peck Montana Tournament of Kings opens in 6 days, and with a 150-boat limit, spots could go fast. Here’s what to do now to be ready when the link drops—plus how to stay in the loop.

Mar 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

7 Rookie Ice Fishing Mistakes That Cost You Fish (And How to Avoid Them)

Ice fishing isn’t just drilling a hole and waiting. Catch more fish by moving, experimenting with depth and presentations, and paying attention to structure—plus learn seven common rookie mistakes to avoid, straight from @Girlof10000Lakes.

Mar 9, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Spring Walleye Fishing Tips That Work: Live-Bait Jigging, Channel Points, and a First Run in a New Warrior Boat

In a new on-the-water video, Tom Boley breaks in a new Warrior Boat while targeting early-spring walleyes with a simple, effective plan: jig live bait on channel points, lean on sensitive gear for subtle bites, and use modern electronics (plus dependable battery power) to fish with more confidence.

Mar 8, 2026 · Angela Montana

Stillwater River Fishing Report: Cold Water Now, Better Trout Action Ahead This Spring (Montana, March 6, 2026)

Montana’s Stillwater River is still running cold despite a warmer-than-average winter, keeping fishing from fully turning on yet. Low flows have trout holding in deeper slots, where patient nymphing has produced action. Here’s what Montana Angler reported on March 6, 2026—and what to expect as spring temperatures rise.

Mar 7, 2026 · Angela Montana

Seeley Lake Ice Is Pulling Away From Shore: Anglers Report Deteriorating Conditions on the North End

Local anglers say ice conditions on the north end of Seeley Lake are deteriorating as warmer weather moves in, with open water growing along the shoreline. If you’re considering going out, use caution—ice can change fast when it starts separating from shore.

Mar 7, 2026 · Angela Montana

NW Montana Fishing Report (March 5, 2026): Echo Open, Flathead Lake Laker Bite, Koocanusa Rainbows — Chancy’s Fish Camp

Northwest Montana waters are opening up fast. Chancy’s Fish Camp reports Echo Lake is fully open with early smallmouth showing, McGregor is producing lake trout and rainbows, Flathead Lake is fishing well for lakers, and Koocanusa is kicking out rainbows and bull trout. Plus: which Flathead River sloughs are open, a Thompson River update, and an ice-safety reminder.

Mar 7, 2026 · Angela Montana

Canyon Ferry Lake Ice Is Gone: Boat Ramps Open and Spring Fishing Season Is Underway

Winter finally let go at Canyon Ferry Lake: the ice is officially gone, boats are already launching, and the ramps are open for spring anglers ready to get back on open water.

Mar 6, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck Ice Fishing Report (March 6, 2026): Rock Creek Lakers in 65–80 Feet as Warm Front Threatens Safe Ice

A short cold snap tightened the ice on Rock Creek just enough for Don Wilkins to get back out on Fort Peck and pick up several lake trout on jigs and plastics in 65–80 feet—while warning that a warm front could quickly end safe ice. Here’s the latest report, plus safety reminders before you go.

Mar 5, 2026 · Angela Montana

Best Nymph Rigs for the Gallatin River (Plus Top Flies & Where to Fish at 301 CFS)

With the Gallatin running at 301 CFS at Gallatin Gateway, The River’s Edge reports fishing has been phenomenal—and even a colder stretch shouldn’t slow the bite much. Most consistent action is still subsurface: nymph rigs through deeper seams and buckets, or covering water with streamers. Here’s what’s working, plus section-by-section tips for fishing the Gallatin from Yellowstone to the Valley.

Mar 5, 2026 · Angela Montana

Tongue River Reservoir Ice Update: Open Water at Ramps, But Boating Still Limited (FWP Report)

Spring breakup is underway at Tongue River Reservoir, with open water at both ramps and a few boats already out. But ice still blocks key stretches near the dam, between Sand Point and Pee Wee north, and at the far south end—limiting where you can safely travel right now. Here’s the latest access and ice update based on a recent FWP post.