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

Caught a White or Golden Fish in Montana? Read This

Ghost-white bass, golden walleye, pink-eyed trout — these fish are real and showing up right now. Here's exactly what they are and what to do if you land one.

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

When Montana’s Dammed Rivers Fish Best: Reading Release Schedules

Learn how Montana dam release schedules affect trout fishing conditions and discover when to hit blue-ribbon waters for optimal angling success.

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 · montanaoutdoor

Why the Double Dry Fly Rig Outfishes Modern Setups on Montana Streams

Discover why Montana's forgotten double dry fly rig catches selective trout when modern setups fail. Learn this elegant technique for summer hatches.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Why Montana’s Best Trout Anglers Are Ditching PowerBait for Flies

Top trout anglers are abandoning PowerBait for natural techniques. Discover why fly fishing skills matter more than stocked-lake baits in Montana waters.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Four CSKT Staff Win Major Conservation Awards — Here’s What It Means for Flathead Fishing and Wildlife

Four CSKT staff earned statewide conservation awards. Here's what their decades of work means for Flathead fishing, wildlife habitat, and Montana's wild future.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How to Navigate FWP’s Hunting and Fishing Reg System Before Spring Seasons Open

Montana FWP's updated reg system is live. Here's how to navigate it fast before spring turkey, bear, and paddlefish deadlines hit.

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 · Moosetrack Megan

Nature is Fundamental to Ensuring that Economics and Communities in Montana Thrive

Investing in nature is one of the smartest investments governments can make, given the economic, health and public safety benefits nature provides, according to a new report commissioned by The Nature Conservancy.

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 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

When to Get Off the Ice: Canyon Ferry, Fort Peck & Flathead Lake Safety Before Ice-Out

Montana's ice fishing season nears end as March brings dangerous ice conditions. Essential safety tips for Canyon Ferry, Fort Peck & Flathead Lake.