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 31, 2026 · Angela Montana
Great Falls MT Area Spring Fishing Report
The Missouri River is awakening for spring fishing, featuring midges, rising trout, and post-spawn pike, creating ideal conditions for anglers seeking diverse rewards.
Mar 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
Spring Fishing Conditions: Stillwater River Update
The Stillwater River is returning to cool spring conditions after a brief warm spell. Fishing improves gradually as water temperatures rise, with peak productivity typically after spring runoff.
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 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
Gallatin River Fishing Report: Conditions & Hatches
The Gallatin is currently playing a bit of a “wait and see” game after the recent warm spell gave the […]
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 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 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
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 · 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 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 · 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 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 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
Hebgen Lake Ice Fishing 3.20.26
Garrett Ostler is relishing the lovely weather and ice conditions at Hebgen Lake, as shared in his video.
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 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 · 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 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
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 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
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 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.
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
Something Big Hit on the Bighorn: Wildhook Adventures Tangles With a Mystery Catch on One of Montana’s Most Legendary Rivers
The crew at Wildhook Adventures hooks into something massive on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith — one of Montana's top tailwater trout fisheries.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why Dumping Bait Fish Could Destroy Your Favorite Montana Lake
Illegal fish stocking is one of Montana's biggest fishery threats. Here's why dumping bait fish or "pet" fish can ruin a waterbody forever.
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 · montanaoutdoor
Oregon’s Fishing Ban Push: What Montana Anglers Must Know
Oregon voters may ban fishing entirely. Montana anglers need to understand this growing threat and how to protect their own rights before it crosses state lines.
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
Ghost Bass and Albino Walleye: Montana’s Rarest Fish Explained
Have you ever landed a ghost-white or golden fish in Montana? Here's what those rare catches mean and exactly what to do with one.