May 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
2026 Upper Missouri Paddlefish update IV, May 21, 2026
Paddlefish activity is increasing as Memorial Day approaches, with elevated river flows prompting movement in the upper Missouri. Biologist Cody Nagel reports that current flows are 7200 cfs, enhancing angling success. Anglers should expect busy conditions at the Fred Robinson Bridge, where catching paddlefish is on the rise.
May 19, 2026 · Angela Montana
Calling All Habitat Heroes: Montana FWP Just Dropped a $1.8 Million Eco-Budget
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications for the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program until June 19, offering up to $1.8 million for projects enhancing local ecosystems.
May 18, 2026 · Angela Montana
Impact of Tagging on Montana’s Trout Fisheries
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is collaborating with Montana State University on trout research in the upper Jefferson River basin, revealing mixed trout population growth in recent sampling and offering rewards for reporting tagged fish.
May 18, 2026 · Angela Montana
Cold Weather Fishing: Catching Fish at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter 5.18.26
Despite poor weekend weather keeping most anglers away, those who ventured out found success catching rainbows using various techniques at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs.
May 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Hook, Line, and… Snagger? BOW Hosts Beginner Paddlefish Workshop
The BOW program hosts a beginner paddlefishing workshop in Miles City, focusing on snagging techniques over two days, covering biology, regulations, and hands-on practice for adults 18 and older.
May 15, 2026 · Angela Montana
2026 Northeast Montana Rainbow Trout Stocking Update I
Fish culturist Ryan Lott and his hatchery crew have commenced the 2026 stocking season, distributing rainbow trout across Northeast Montana, including over 30,000 fingerlings via helicopter to various reservoirs.
May 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
All About Paddlefish: New Tagging Options, Paddlefish Season Reminders
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks introduces new tagging options for paddlefish, requiring immediate validation upon harvest. Anglers must comply with specific reporting guidelines and can use e-tags or paper tags for their catch.
May 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Join the Meeting on Cutthroat Trout Restoration Efforts
Montana FWP announced a restoration project to protect westslope cutthroat trout in the Little Belt Mountains, including installing a fish barrier on Harley Creek. A public meeting is scheduled for May 20.
May 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
REMINDER: Lottery for three available upper and West Fork Bitterroot Commercial Use Permits open for entry through May 18
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has opened a lottery for three commercial fishing permits on the upper and West Fork of the Bitterroot River, accepting applications until May 18, 2026.
May 7, 2026 · Angela Montana
Get Ready for May: Montana FWP Hunter Education Schedules
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced Hunter Education classes for May 2026, offering various formats to accommodate learning styles across multiple locations statewide.
May 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
2026 Paddlefish Update II, May 6, 2026
The 2026 Upper Missouri paddlefish season is ongoing, but low river flows are concentrating fish downstream. Anglers are adjusting strategies as snagging activity is expected to rise over weekends.
May 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
Tough Luck, Tires: Fort Peck’s ‘Trout Pond’ Needs a Little Roadside Therapy
The Fort Peck Dredge Cuts Fishing Access Site has restricted motorized vehicle access due to hazards on the dike road. Walk-in access remains available for anglers willing to carry their gear. Repairs are expected within weeks, so visitors should check for updates before heading out. Happy fishing!
May 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
2026 Elk Hunting Changes in Region 1
Region 1 hunters face new rules for antlerless elk: B-Tags are now private-land only, PTHFV permits no longer cover antlerless elk, and archery hunting for cow elk is discontinued to reduce harvest pressure.
May 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 520
Montana hunting district will close to all black bear hunting half an hour after sunset on May 6, 2026.
Apr 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Big Bucks and Bigger Fines: Montana’s 2025 Poaching Recap
Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported over $120,000 in fines for poaching and hunting violations, highlighting the importance of compliance. Community tips helped, earning $28,000 in rewards, promoting conservation efforts.
Apr 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP’s Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report, April 27, 2026
Despite cooler weather reducing crowds, fishing remains productive across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs, particularly for rainbow trout, while walleye and perch catches are slower.
Apr 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Join the Free K9 Trap Release Workshop in Montana, April 29
Montana K9 Safety and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are hosting a free K9 Trap & Snare Release Workshop on April 29, 2026, to teach dog owners essential safety skills for outdoor adventures.
Apr 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
Final Report on Fort Peck Walleye Egg-Take Operations 2026
The final report of the 2026 walleye spawning season at Fort Peck Reservoir highlights extreme weather conditions and a successful last egg-take yielding 7.3 million eggs, totaling approximately 51 million for the season.
Apr 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Missed the draw? Montana’s nonresident backup list opens May 1
Montana’s Nonresident Alternate’s List opens for a second chance at hunting tags from May 1 to June 1. Join for free, with no risk to preference points, and wait for possible openings.
Apr 23, 2026 · Angela Montana
DPHHS, DEQ, FWP release PFAS fish consumption advisories and study results
Montana authorities released new PFAS fish consumption advisories due to detectable pollution levels in select waterbodies. The recommendations aim to inform the public about potential health risks while promoting safe fish consumption.
Apr 23, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park announces tours for 2026 season
Staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are pleased to reopen the cave and the upper visitor center for the 2026 season. Cave tours will be offered May 1 through Sept. 30.
Apr 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fort Peck’s Walleye “Egg-stravaganza” Hits High Gear
The 2026 walleye spawning season at Fort Peck Reservoir is thriving, with nearly 44 million eggs collected. Biologist Heath Headley reports favorable conditions, aiming for a target of 50 million before the weather turns cold.
Apr 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
Official Notice: Spring Black Bear Closure for BMU 411
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed the Spring Black Bear season in Management Unit 411 effective April 23, 2026, transitioning to a hound training season starting April 24, 2026.
Apr 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 510
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission will close hunting for all black bears in Unit 510 after sunset on April 22, 2026. Hound training season will start April 23, 2026.
Apr 18, 2026 · Angela Montana
Windy Weather Slows Fort Peck Walleye Spawn Collection: April 17 Update
The annual walleye spawn collection at Fort Peck has yielded 18.6 million eggs despite recent high winds. Crews anticipate increased activity as warmer temperatures encourage female walleye to spawn.
Apr 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Mystery Fish Kill: Black Crappie Die-Off Reported at Nelson Reservoir
Montana FWP is investigating a black crappie fish kill at Nelson Reservoir, prompted by reports of dead fish. Biologists are analyzing samples to determine the cause, with no current consumption advisories.
Apr 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 700 WITH HOUNDS
Montana's Black Bear Management Unit 700 will prohibit black bear hunting with hounds after sunset on April 19, 2026, reopening for hound training on April 20, 2026.
Apr 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Dust Off the Engine: Lake Elmo’s Giving You a Free Pass (Sort Of)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks allows gas motors at Lake Elmo on May 9 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for boat inspections and safety checks before the fishing season.
Apr 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
Unlocking Your Trapping License in Montana: What You Need to Know
Montana trapping licenses open April 15. Hunters must obtain a separate license, take a trapper education course, or show previous experience. Nonresidents need a notarized affidavit for reciprocity.
Apr 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP Draw Results: Check Your Deer and Elk Permits
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released the results for deer, elk, and nonresident combination licenses. Hunters can check results online or by phone, with upcoming application deadlines approaching.
Apr 15, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fort Peck Walleye Spawn: What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 walleye season at Fort Peck has begun amidst unpredictable weather. Biologists report rising water temperatures, capturing primarily male walleye, with hopes for a productive spawn in warmer days ahead.
Apr 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
Free Fishing Day for Kids at Ninepipes Reservoir
Catch the fun at the Ninepipes Kid’s Fishing Day on May 2nd! Free for K-12 students in Charlo, MT. No license or registration required.
Apr 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Ultimate Guide to Fishing at Holter, Canyon Ferry, and Hauser
Local fishing spots are thriving, with excellent catches of rainbow trout at Holter and walleye at Lake Helena and Canyon Ferry. Diverse bait options are leading to successful outings for anglers.
Apr 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Clark Fork River: Access During Bridge Repairs
Starting April 15, the Clark Fork river area near Triple Bridges will close for bridge replacement, affecting access but allowing river floating. Closures persist until Fall 2027 due to construction.
Apr 9, 2026 · Angela Montana
Peace Out, Pesky Stickers: Montana’s Boating Bureaucracy Just Walked the Plank
Montana has eliminated the requirement for colorful boat validation stickers, streamlining vessel registration to a one-time licensing process, allowing owners more leisure time on the water without bureaucratic hassles.
Apr 9, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Biologists observe leks to estimate bird populations
Mountain grouse males, such as the dusky grouse, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse, perform their breeding displays in forested areas, usually on their own or in small groups, and aren’t really “leks” per se.
Apr 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Translocated female grizzly emerges from den with two cubs
A female grizzly bear, released in Wyoming, emerged with two cubs, demonstrating successful genetic exchange between ecosystems. This effort marks a significant milestone in grizzly bear management and conservation.
Apr 7, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Feathered Midwives of Fort Peck: Montana’s Wildest Spring Tradition
Montana's walleye spawning process relies on human intervention due to fluctuating water levels, involving the use of barges and turkey feathers to ensure the survival of millions of eggs.
Apr 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Surplus nonresident spring hound licenses available
Hunters can purchase leftover nonresident hound licenses starting April 8 at 5 a.m. Limited availability; first-come, first-served online or at FWP offices.
Apr 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 4.6.26
Rainbow fishing is thriving at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs, with successful methods including various flies, jigs, and worms. Anglers are also catching occasional walleye.
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
Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission Announces Closure of Otter Trapping in Region 1
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has closed otter trapping in Region 1 due to approaching harvest quotas, effective April 4, ensuring species sustainability.
Mar 31, 2026 · Angela Montana
Game wardens seek information on mule deer fawn killed in Roundup
Gemini said
Montana FWP seeks information regarding a mule deer fawn illegally killed by a blow dart in Roundup. Similar incidents involving ducks occurred in Billings. Report tips to tipmont.mt.gov for rewards.
Mar 31, 2026 · Angela Montana
Game wardens seek information on blow-darted ducks in Billings
BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are seeking the public’s help in gathering information on a series of potentially related instances of ducks shot […]
Mar 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
Join the Public Meeting on Missouri River Bridge Closure in Craig
Lewis and Clark County warns of an upcoming closure of the Missouri River Bridge on April 8, 2026. A public meeting will discuss details and updates on local projects.
Mar 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Region 3 Otter Trapping Closure
If you’ve been keeping a close eye on the riverbanks in Southwest Montana, it’s time to shift gears. By order […]
Mar 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Shoreline Restoration Underway at Cooney State Park This Spring
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is initiating a stabilization project at Cooney Reservoir to address erosion caused by 2022 flooding, leading to temporary closures from April 6 to May 13.
Mar 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Join the Grizzly Bear Meeting in Big Timber
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a meeting in Big Timber on April 7 to discuss the recent increase in grizzly bear sightings and provide safety tips for residents.
Mar 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Antler Hunger Games: How to Score Your Spot at Blackfoot-Clearwater This Spring
If your idea of a perfect spring morning involves trekking through the brush in search of antlers, this is for […]