Jul 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Flathead Lake: The Complete Fishing, Recreation, and Wildlife Guide for Montana Outdoorsmen
Flathead Lake is Montana’s crown jewel for fishing, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of every season.
Jul 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
8 Weeks Out: Montana Bowhunter’s Elk Conditioning and Tune-Up Plan
Montana archery elk opens in early September. Here’s an 8-week physical and gear prep plan built for high-elevation backcountry hunting.
Jul 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
8 Weeks Out: Your Body and Bow Are Already Behind
Montana archery elk opens in early September. Here’s exactly how to spend the next 8 weeks getting your body and bow ready for the mountains.
Jul 10, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Blackfoot River floating closure below Weigh Station Fishing Access begins July 15
The Blackfoot River near Milltown will be closed to floating from Weigh Station FAS to the I-90 bridge starting July 15 due to BNSF railway bridge construction.
Jul 9, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
A tail of two suckers: Angler buddies set fish records for two species in Catostomidae family
Two Montana fishing buddies made history on Salmon Lake when Todd Smitham landed a record largescale sucker, while pal Jonathan Miller already holds the longnose sucker record.
Jul 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Biologists cautiously optimistic that late spring moisture will help boost mule deer numbers in north-central Montana
Montana FWP biologists are cautiously optimistic that late spring rainfall will improve mule deer numbers in north-central Montana after three years of drought-driven population declines.
Jun 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
60 Days Out: How to Scout Your Limited-Entry Archery Elk Unit Before September
Draw results are in. If you’re holding a limited-entry archery elk tag, here’s how to spend the next 60 days scouting smarter before September.
Jun 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Most Montana Hunters Never Learned This Trigger Technique — Here’s Why It Matters
Montana Wild's new Shoot Better Series tackles the trigger mistake most hunters make. Fix it before elk season opens this fall.
Jun 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
You Drew a Limited Entry Archery Elk Tag: Your 60-Day Scouting Blueprint
Draw results are in. Here’s how to use the next 60 days to build a real kill plan before Montana’s August archery elk opener.
Jun 20, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
You Drew a Montana Archery Elk Tag: Build Your Scouting Plan Now
Drew a Montana limited-entry archery elk tag? The 60-90 day window before August is your most critical scouting period. Here’s your action plan.
Jun 20, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Yellowstone Green Drake Hatch Peaks Now: Tactics for Late June
The Yellowstone green drake hatch is peaking right now. Here’s your tactical guide to timing, flies, and the best stretches from Gardiner to Livingston.
Jun 19, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Antelope Hunting in Eastern Montana — Skull Bound TV Captures Everything We Love About This Hunt
Skull Bound TV heads to eastern Montana for pronghorn. Here's what makes this hunt special — plus tags, tactics, and public land access tips for Montana hunters.
Jun 19, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Right on target: Trout Creek archer takes first in NASP Western Nationals
Trout Creek teen James Lacy, 16, claimed first place among 1,232 competitors at the 2026 NASP Western National Tournament, earning a spot at the championship in Daytona.
Jun 18, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana’s Free Fishing Weekend Is June 20-21: What You Need to Know
Montana's free fishing weekend runs June 20-21, letting everyone fish without a license. All other rules apply, plus AIS inspections and water safety guidelines remain in effect.
Jun 18, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Tips for a good float trip from Montana FWP
Montana FWP shares essential float trip etiquette tips for boaters heading out this season, covering boat ramp behavior, river sharing, and safety best practices.
Jun 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Summer adventures continue at Lone Pine State Park
Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell offers summer programs including Junior Ranger activities, archery, outdoor movies, and wildlife encounters for all ages through August.
Jun 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Can Arkansas Hunters Really Prepare for a Montana Spring Bear Hunt? Deadhaul Outdoors Finds Out
Arkansas hunters attempt to get ready for a brutal Montana spring bear hunt. Here's why the mountains don't care how hard you trained.
Jun 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Beavers Rewilded 12,000 Montana Wetland Acres Better Than Anyone Expected
Montana restored 12,000 acres of dying wetlands — then beavers moved in and changed everything. Here's why it matters for hunters and anglers.
Jun 15, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Bighorn River Fishing Report: Mid-June 2026 Flows, Fly Patterns, and Whether It’s Worth the Drive
Bighorn River fishing report for mid-June 2026: current dam flows, top fly patterns, water clarity, crowding intel, and honest trip-planning advice.
Jun 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Invasive fish found in community ponds in Three Forks and Livingston
Invasive northern pike found in Three Forks Ponds near the Madison River, and bass discovered in Livingston's Sacajawea Lagoon, prompting concern from Montana FWP fisheries staff.
May 6, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Tick Season Peaks Right Now — Are You Protected?
Tick season is peaking across Montana right now. Here's what hunters, anglers, and hikers need to know to stay safe this May.
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 · montanaoutdoor
The Royal Teton Ranch Deal Explained: What Montana Hunters Need to Know About the Conservation Win That Protected Yellowstone’s Northern Corridor
How the Royal Teton Ranch conservation deal protects elk migration, river access, and hunting habitat in Montana's Paradise Valley near Yellowstone.
Apr 27, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
FWP announces public comment opportunities
Montana FWP seeks public comment on Recreational Trails Program grant awards and other environmental assessments. Visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices to review and submit input.
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 · montanaoutdoor
Bear safety workshop happening in Bozeman on April 20
Montana FWP hosts a free bear safety workshop in Bozeman on April 20, featuring bear spray practice, grizzly and black bear mounts, and expert safety tips for bear country.
Apr 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Missouri River BWO Hatch: Days Left Before Runoff Shuts It Down
BWO hatches are peaking on the Missouri, Bighorn & spring creeks RIGHT NOW — but runoff is closing this window fast. Here's where to go this week.
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 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
The Ultimate Fort Peck Boat Ramp Rundown
Fort Peck Lake offers extensive shoreline, abundant fish, and varied boat ramps with different elevations. It's crucial to know these elevations for safe launches, especially with fluctuating water levels.
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 7, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
How to Judge a Bear’s Weight Before You Pull the Trigger
Montana's spring bear season opens April 15. Here's how to field-judge a bear's weight and age before you pull the trigger.
Apr 7, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
The Skwala Stonefly: The Star of Spring on the Bitterroot River
The Bitterroot River's BWO hatch is peaking right now. Here's exactly where to wade, what to tie on, and how long you have before runoff ends it.
Apr 5, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
LMU 312 Closes to Female Mountain Lion Hunting April 6
LMU 312 closes to female mountain lion hunting at 7:30 p.m. on April 6, 2026, per Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission order. Check FWP's site for current quota status.
Apr 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
14 Bear Encounters in the Bitterroot: One DIY Hunter’s Hard-Earned Spring Tag
A DIY hunter logs 14 bear encounters in Montana's Bitterroot Valley before finally closing the deal. Here's why this one's worth your time.
Apr 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Draw Results 2026: Exact Dates by Species
FWP posts elk, deer, antelope, sheep, moose & bison results on different dates. Here are the exact 2026 dates — plus what to do the moment results drop.
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
Reminder: Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area vehicle registration for shed hunters opens April 1
Shed antler hunters can register online April 1-19 to access the Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA by vehicle when it opens at noon May 15. Registration is free and unlimited.
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 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Six Wolves vs. One Grizzly: Who Really Wins in Montana?
Spring bear season opens April 15. Here's what science and trail cam footage reveal about wolf-grizzly showdowns — and what it means for your safety this spring.
Mar 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
How to Age a Black Bear in the Field: Montana 2026 Guide
Montana's spring bear season is almost here. Learn how to age black bears on the hoof before you pull the trigger 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 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Bozeman ‘No Kings’ Protest Packs Streets: What Montana Hunters Must Do Now
Bozeman's 'No Kings' protest drew massive crowds over public lands fears. Here's what it means for your elk, deer, and upland access this fall.
Mar 26, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
FWP releases 2026–2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Montana FWP releases its 2026–2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, focusing on trail access, inclusive recreation, facility maintenance, and conservation balance.
Mar 25, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Full Moon Sunset Hike at First Peoples Buffalo Jump — April 1
Join ranger Andy Keller for a full moon sunset hike at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park on April 1. The 3-mile guided hike begins at 7 p.m. Registration required; $4 fee.
Mar 25, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Upcoming Montana State Park Events
Montana State Parks hosts wolverine presentation March 28 and a full moon sunset hike April 1, both at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park near Great Falls.
Mar 25, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area vehicle registration for antler hunters opens April 1
Shed antler hunters heading to the Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA by vehicle can register online April 1–19 ahead of the May 15 noon season opener near Seeley Lake.
Mar 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Foothills Sheds Are Dropping Now: Best Montana Units This Weekend
Warm March temps are dropping elk and mule deer sheds early across Montana. Here's exactly where to look this weekend before the window closes.
Mar 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Warm March 2026 Is Moving Merriam’s Strut Zones — Scout Now
Montana's warm dry March is shifting where Merriam's toms strut. Here's how to adjust your pre-season scouting before the April opener.
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.