May 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Fashion Trap and the Black Tie Secret with Black Lures
Lure manufacturers create flashy designs to attract buyers, but many anglers find that black lures outperform them by providing high-contrast silhouettes visible to fish in various light conditions.
May 9, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Outdoor Radio Show – May 9th Recap
Happy Mother’s Day to al the Moms, and Fish On. If you missed last week’s show, catch it here. Montana […]
May 9, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Reports – May 9th
Montana Spring fishing is going strong. Listen to those reports of beasts from the deep here, lots of improving weather […]
May 7, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Record-Breaking “Moped” of Fish
Bill Saunders, a Washington-based waterfowl call maker and serious walleye hunter, recently learned that one man’s “embarrassing” catch is another […]
May 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Joint Management in Fishing: A Solution for Wisconsin?
The article discusses ongoing jurisdictional conflicts over fishing rights between the Lac du Flambeau tribe and state authorities in Wisconsin. As the tribe seeks to halt fishing to conserve walleye and muskies, tensions rise over who holds management power. The situation mirrors historical debates in Montana, questioning the efficacy of joint management models.
May 2, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Fort Peck Lake: Trophy Walleye, Pike and Smallmouth Without the Crowds
Escape Montana's crowded fishing spots at Fort Peck Lake. 134 miles of shoreline, trophy walleye, pike and smallmouth, plus affordable access and solitude.
May 2, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Reports – May 2nd
Montana’s Spring fishing is in full force across the region with our lakes, rivers, and stream open and producing nicely […]
May 2, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Outdoor Radio Show – May 2nd Recap
Docks are in, the fish are biting, and yes our Montana weather is started starting to normalize for our seasonal […]
Apr 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Albino Bass: What It Is and What To Do With It
That ghost-white bass isn't a mistake — it's a rare genetic freak. Here's the science behind it, its survival odds in Montana water, and whether you keep or release it.
Apr 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Crappie Harvesting: Best Practices for Southern and Northern States
Crappie fishing ethics vary by region: in Texas, keeping legal-sized fish is encouraged due to short lifespans; in Wisconsin, focus on sustainable practices by diversifying your catch instead of targeting only large fish.
Apr 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
Big Fish Club: Ed Darnell’s 31-Inch Walleye
Edmond Darnell caught a stunning 31 1/4-inch walleye, setting a personal record and earning membership in the Big Fish Club after an exciting fishing trip with Eddie Mindt.
Apr 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Teen Angler Breaks Two Fishing Records in Five Days
Sixteen-year-old Ryder Humphries set two world records in five days while fishing on Alberta's Bow River, showcasing exceptional skill by catching an all-tackle length champion and a junior record fish.
Apr 24, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
New state record burbot hoisted out of Kootenai River
Caleb Wilson, a local angler from Troy, hauled up the Kootenai River’s most legendary fish. And not just any legendary fish, a new state catch-and-release record.
Apr 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Colorado’s Water Crisis Is Sending Trout Anglers to Montana This Summer
Colorado's water crisis is pushing anglers north. Learn how Montana trout streams benefit and what it means for your summer fishing plans this season.
Apr 18, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Report – April 18th
With Spring here, the waters are flowing. Whether it’s a lake, stream, pond, or creek, you can catch those Montana […]
Apr 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Fort Peck Walleye Spawn: Bays, Temps, and Rigs Right Now
Fort Peck walleye spawn is peaking this week. Here's exactly where fish are holding, what temps trigger the bite, and which rigs are working right now.
Apr 17, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Below-Normal Snowpack, But Idaho Outfitters Expect Strong Whitewater Season and Urge Early Bookings
With snowpack levels at about 75 percent of normal in the Salmon River Basin and Clearwater Basins, outfitters won’t have to worry about delaying the start of the whitewater season because of scary, high-water peaks that aren’t safe for the general public. So that opens the door for booking trips earlier than normal.
Apr 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Fort Peck Post-Spawn Walleye: Where the Big Females Go Next
Fort Peck's big female walleye are leaving the shallows right now. Here's exactly where they go and how to catch them this week.
Apr 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
Experience the Best Smallmouth Fishing in Montana
Captain Lee of Fish On Charters excels at locating elusive smallmouth bass, ensuring an active fishing experience. For an exceptional day on the water, contact him at 406-844-FISH.
Apr 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Fort Peck Walleye Spawn 2026: Peak Bays and Rigs Producing This Week
Fort Peck walleye are in peak spawn mode right now — here's which bays are firing, what rigs to run, and how many days you have left.
Apr 8, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Drought, Low Snowpack and Dry Soils Point to Low Hebgen Reservoir Levels This Season
Drought conditions, low soil moisture and low snowpack are contributing to a forecast of low water supply to Hebgen Reservoir this season.
Apr 7, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Despite March Storms, Warm Weather Causes Early Snowmelt and Reduces Streamflow Forecasts
Storms in the first half of March delivered one to ten inches of snow water equivalent (SWE) to SNOTEL sites in the northwest, west, and central regions of the state.
Apr 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
What a Pike’s Diet Reveals About Nature
Turns out this pike wasn’t a mutant; it just ate something so vibrant it effectively turned the predator’s stomach into a leaky fountain pen.
Apr 4, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Reports April 4th Missed it, listen here
April 4th, the ice is pretty much gone and the rivers and lakes are opening up. So if you Missed […]
Apr 4, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Outdoor Radio Show – April 4th Recap
If you missed it, you can catch the full episode now for statewide fishing updates, spring conditions, and all the […]
Apr 2, 2026 · Angela Montana
Watch This Funny Fish Mishap: A Must-See Video!
A girl’s attempt to save a fish results in an unexpected mess, leading to a humorous moment that delights her father in this entertaining video.
Apr 1, 2026 · Angela Montana
Best Places to Catch Steelhead on Upper Salmon River
Steelhead fishing on the Upper Salmon River shows clear success upstream of the East Fork, with 4-hour catch rates, while downstream conditions remain poor with long wait times.
Mar 30, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Beyond Maclean: 7 Fly Fishing Books Every Montana Angler Must Read
Rivers are blown out. Here are 7 essential fly fishing books with Montana roots to read while you wait out spring runoff.
Mar 30, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Fresno Reservoir Public Meeting April 9: What Hi-Line Anglers Need to Know
Montana FWP hosts an April 9 open house in Havre to share updates on Fresno Reservoir fisheries management, 2025 netting results, and 2026 Milk River water forecasts.
Mar 30, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Canyon Ferry’s Sunken Tree Hotspots: Where Walleye Are Stacking Now
Canyon Ferry is post-ice-out and walleye are stacking near submerged Christmas tree structure. Here's exactly where to target them this spring.
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 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Zebra Mussels 2026: Which Montana Waters Are at Risk and What Every Angler Needs to Know Before Launch Day
Zebra mussels threaten Montana's top fisheries in 2026. Here's which waters are at risk and what FWP's boat checkpoints mean for you this spring.
Mar 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Holter Lake Fishing Report 2026: What’s Biting Right Now After Ice-Out (And Where to Find Them)
Current Holter Lake fishing report: post ice-out walleye, perch & trout action, dam tailwater conditions, and exactly where fish are holding right now.
Mar 26, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana’s Drift Boat War: The Data Behind Crowded Rivers
Montana's rivers are overwhelmed with drift boats. Locals blame outfitters, guides blame DIYers—but the data reveals surprising truths about who's really crowding the water.
Mar 25, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why the San Juan Worm Catches Montana’s Biggest Trout (Even If Purists Hate It)
Montana's most controversial fly pattern works because trout eat worms. Here's why the San Juan Worm deserves respect from even the snobbiest anglers.
Mar 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Michigan Angler Got Jail for No License – Here’s How To Avoid This In Montana
A Michigan angler just got jail time for fishing without a license. Here's what Montana's penalties look like — and why FWP is watching right now.
Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Grey Bear Boat Ramp Closes March 30 for Construction—What Yellowstone Anglers Need to Know
Grey Bear Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River will see partial closures starting March 30 due to construction. Work wraps up April 30; campground stays open.
Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Scout Troop 214 Collected 1,600 Christmas Trees to Build Perch Habitat at Canyon Ferry
Scout Troop 214 sank 1,600 Christmas trees into Canyon Ferry for perch habitat. Here's what anglers need to know before ice-out this spring.
Mar 23, 2026 · Angela Montana
Opportunity for Anglers: Shape Montana’s Fishery Future
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks a "Licensed Angler" for its Citizen Review Panel to assist in restoring wild fish habitats. Meetings happen in June and December, with applications encouraged.
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 19, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
The Big Timber Pond Project: Why Montana Anglers Are Diving Into This Particular Permit Application
Montana's FWP seeks public comments on the Big Timber Ranch Private Ponds License proposal, focusing on its environmental impact and water management before the March 30, 2026 deadline.
Mar 18, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
4 Fly Fishing Hacks From a Montana Guide That Make a Difference on the Water
Montana guide Tim Cammisa shares 4 practical fly fishing hacks for spring trout season on the Madison, Gallatin, and Yellowstone rivers.
Mar 18, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Anglers help Fish and Game monitor trophy rainbow trout fishery on Lake Pend Oreille
Anglers on Lake Pend Oreille continue to play an important role in helping Idaho Fish and Game monitor the lake’s trophy rainbow trout fishery. Through the Lake Pend Oreille Angler Science Program, anglers voluntarily record details about their fishing trips and the trout they catch.
Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Outdoor Recreation Hit 5% of GDP — What Hunters and Anglers Need to Know
Montana's outdoor rec sector hit 5% of GDP in 2024 — here's why that $3.8B number matters for public land access and conservation funding right now.
Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana’s $3.8B Outdoor Boom: What 32,000 New Jobs Mean for Your Hunting Season
Montana's $3.8B outdoor economy now ranks 3rd nationally, but explosive growth means more crowded trails, harder access, and tougher hunting seasons ahead.
Mar 15, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
North Idaho angler hauls in new state record cutthroat trout
Imagine then the wave of hysteria after reeling in a 27-inch long Westslope cutthroat trout one day. For Coeur d’Alene angler Kyle Hatrock, that day was Feb. 1.
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 15, 2026 · Angela Montana
How Weather Affects Fish Feeding Behavior
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.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Hard Lessons Montana Outdoorsmen Learn Too Late Every Spring
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.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Smith River Permit 2026: The Complete Guide to Drawing, Planning, and Floating Montana’s Most Coveted Trip
Your complete guide to the Smith River permit 2026 lottery — deadlines, odds, standby tips, outfitter options, and insider float planning advice.