Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
2026 Montana Fishing Licenses Are On Sale Now: Prices, License Types, Stamps, and the Fastest Way to Buy
Montana’s spring bite is already turning on—and 2026 fishing licenses are available now. Here’s the simple breakdown of resident and nonresident costs, the required Conservation License, species-specific permits (like paddlefish and sturgeon), and the quickest ways to buy through FWP before the opener rush.
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 · Angela Montana
5 Weird Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Catch Big Largemouth (Video)
Bass anglers will try almost anything to trigger a strike—and sometimes the strangest-looking baits are the ones that get crushed. Here are five of the “weirdest” bass fishing lures anglers swear by, according to Get Ur Fish On. Watch the video to see them all.
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 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
10-Year-Old Lands Vermont State-Record Fish and $26K Prize — Why Fishing Derbies Keep Hooking Anglers
A 10-year-old angler landed a 28.5-pound freshwater drum during the Lake Champlain International Father’s Day Derby and eventually earned Vermont state-record certification — plus about $26,000 in prize money. From Lake Champlain to Montana’s seasonal contests, the appeal is the same: one unexpected bite can change everything.
Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Lake Cascade Perch Debate: Would a 14-Inch Slot Limit Bring Back the 2-Pounders?
Anglers are split over Lake Cascade’s missing 2-pound perch: is it a natural age-class reset, or too much harvest and pressure? One longtime angler says the lake is loaded with 10–12 inch fish and isn’t ready to panic—while others argue slot limits and reduced daily limits are the only path back to jumbos.
Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
From Leather & Wood to Plano Plastics: The Evolution of the Tackle Box
Tackle boxes started as leather and wood in the late 1800s, shifted to mass-produced metal, and then boomed into post–World War II plastic icons from brands like Plano and UMCO. Here’s how a simple gear carrier evolved alongside American fishing culture.
Feb 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Wilkins’ 15-Minute Battle on the Ice
What started as just another drop through the ice quickly turned into something much bigger for angler Don Wilkins. Almost […]
Feb 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
An Epic Ice Fishing Moment: Catching a Trophy Pike
Ice fishing can lead to unforgettable experiences, like catching a trophy pike. Underwater footage captures the excitement, showcasing the thrilling moment from below the ice to its triumphant pull.
Feb 9, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Snowpack Deficits Grow Across Montana After a Dry, Warm January
Well below normal January precipitation and unseasonably warm temperatures stalled Montana’s snowpack accumulation last month.
Feb 9, 2026 · Angela Montana
Unforgettable Ice Fishing: A 32-Inch Walleye Experience
An ice angler captures a thrilling moment, pulling a massive 32-inch walleye while his kids watch, creating lasting memories and sharing the joy of fishing together.
Feb 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
12 Creative Duct Tape Uses for Fishing Trips
Duct tape is an invaluable fishing tool, offering twelve innovative uses such as repairing gear, waterproofing shoes, securing items, and improving grip, making it essential for any fishing trip.
Feb 5, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Magic of Kids with Their First Fish
Taking kids ice fishing fosters excitement and connection to nature, emphasizing the joy of their first catch over limits or gear. Such moments create lasting memories and build confidence.
Feb 3, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
New Idaho State Record Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Caught Ice Fishing
The mere act of even catching a Yellowstone cutthroat is a bucket list for many anglers. This one broke a record
Jan 30, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Fort Peck announces winter access for motorized vehicles
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Fort Peck Project has announced winter guidance for motorized access at Fort Peck Reservoir located near Fort Peck, Montana.
Jan 24, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Outdoor Radio Show – January 24th Recap Last Weeks Show
Missed this weekend’s show, listen now, listen here. Montana Outdoor Radio Show · Montana Outdoor Hr 1 January 24th Montana […]
Jan 24, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Report – January 24th 2026
Ice is here, in different places, and fishing is to be had. Listen here for reports on your favorite spots […]
Jan 17, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Outdoor Radio Show – January 17th Recap Last Weeks Show
Missed this weekend’s show, listen now, listen here. Montana Outdoor Radio Show · Montana Outdoor Hr 1 January 17th Montana […]
Jan 17, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Report – January 17th 2026
Warmer weather across Montana for anglers has created challenges for many ice fishermen, however there is hope on the horizon […]
Jan 15, 2026 · Angela Montana
When You Unexpectedly See a 40-Inch Giant
When one unexpected sight in the water makes the entire hike worth it…
Jan 10, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Outdoor Radio Show – January 10th Recap Last Weeks Show
Missed this weekend’s show, listen now, listen here. Montana Outdoor Radio Show · Montana Outdoor Hr 1 January 10th Montana […]
Jan 10, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Report – January 10th 2026
The hunt for ice continues across Montana for anglers with scattered reports despite the changing weather conditions this season. Find […]
Jan 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
How a Peaceful Fishing Trip Went Wrong
This fishing trip, sadly, isn't so much about the fishing as it is how not to act…
Dec 31, 2025 · Angela Montana
Sometimes You Just Have to Let the River Do the Talking
When you don't catch much, but it doesn't matter….
Dec 25, 2025 · Angela Montana
Alert: Guided Montana Fishing Trip. Zero Cost.
his Christmas Giveaway Could Put You on the Water for Free. but the Deadline Is TOMORROW!
Dec 24, 2025 · Angela Montana
Federal Waterways, Just a Click Away
Google Maps for fishing? The MAPWaters Act might make it real…
Dec 12, 2025 · Angela Montana
If Midnight Ling Are There, Here’s How to Catch Them
Is This the Missouri’s Most Elusive Fish? Anglers Can’t Agree.
Dec 11, 2025 · Angela Montana
Spoiler Alert: Hunters Were ‘Posting’ Long Before Social Media
What makes YOU hit ‘post’ after a successful hunt or catch?
Dec 3, 2025 · Angela Montana
Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report 12.2.25
Before You Hit the Upper Ssalmon River, Read This Steelhead Alert…
Dec 2, 2025 · Angela Montana
Montana State Record Fish
Montana anglers, meet the fish that made history…
Nov 20, 2025 · Angela Montana
Underwater Tension Between a Pike and Spinner
Have you ever seen a pike stalk a spinner lure? If not, you should…
Nov 12, 2025 · Angela Montana
IDFG Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report 11.12.25
The Upper Salmon River was buzzing with anglers last week—conditions bounced around, but the steelhead bite picked up just in time for the weekend.
Nov 5, 2025 · montanaoutdoor
Helena’s Team Grey Bull Lands $500K+ at Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament With 398-Pound Black Marlin
A six-man crew from Helena, Montana, took home more than half a million dollars at Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Team Grey Bull beat out a packed field to place third in the Billfish Division after landing a 398-pound black marlin.
Nov 4, 2025 · Angela Montana
Reminder of Why to Take a Kid Fishing
The best catch of the day is the kiddo who can't stop giggling when they catch a fish!
Nov 3, 2025 · Angela Montana
Is There a Catch to Catch and Release?
New research is sparking debate over whether catch and release really protects the trout we love….
Nov 1, 2025 · Angela Montana
Snagging Chinook Salmon with a Fly Rod
Way to go, Scott!
Oct 25, 2025 · Angela Montana
Ryker Bair is Hooked Again, Reels in Big Catch at Fall Mack Days
Ryker Bair’s return to Fall Mack Days brought him a catch worth bragging about…
Oct 21, 2025 · Angela Montana
Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report 10.21.25
Steelhead season is heating up on the Upper Salmon River as cooler temps and rising numbers at Lower Granite Dam signal more fish moving upriver and better catches ahead!
Oct 17, 2025 · Angela Montana
Fishing Up the Past
You never know what you’ll pull up…just ask this angler!
Oct 2, 2025 · Angela Montana
The Muskie That Could Have Made History
Did you hear about the angler that pulled up a 59½-inch muskie that would’ve smashed records?
Oct 1, 2025 · Angela Montana
Snagging Season Is On—But Cleaning Stations Are Off
Fort Peck Marina reminds anglers to plan ahead this snagging season—the fish are running, but the cleaning station is closed.
Oct 1, 2025 · Angela Montana
A Brief History of Questionable Math
Walleye, weird units, and the lengths humans will go to avoid boring math…
Sep 22, 2025 · Angela Montana
2025 Fall Mack Days – week 3 update
Week 3 of the 2025 Fall Mack Days brought big lake trout, tight races at the top of the leaderboard, and plenty of prizes still up for grabs with six weeks left in the tourney!
Sep 20, 2025 · Angela Montana
The Great Braid Debate–Fort Peck Edition
The braid color battle was on at Fort Peck for these anglers….
Sep 18, 2025 · Angela Montana
From Trophy Catch to Technicality
Cliff Chamberlan reeled in a 6.1-pound pink salmon on the Salmon River…but why was his catch unrecognized?
Sep 16, 2025 · Angela Montana
How To Clean and Fillet Fresh-Caught Salmon
Check out these tips on how to clean and fillet your salmon!
Sep 10, 2025 · Moosetrack Megan
Pablo Reservoir closed for invasive species treatment
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Flathead Irrigation Project, will be treating invasive species in Pablo Reservoir Sept 8th-12th, 2025.
Sep 10, 2025 · Moosetrack Megan
Former catch-and-release state record holder gets dethroned…by his wife
Angler Brandi Holt’s 44-inch flathead catfish edges out her husband’s prior record by two inches.
Sep 8, 2025 · Moosetrack Megan
Seeley Lake Boat Launch Improvement Project Begins September 8
Construction on the Seeley Lake Boat Launch Project will begin on September 8, 2025, and is scheduled to continue through October 17, 2025.
Sep 8, 2025 · Moosetrack Megan
Update: Fishing reopens without restrictions on select rivers in Yellowstone National Park
Effective immediately, select rivers and streams that were partially closed to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low flows are now open without restrictions.