Jul 28, 2026 · Angela Montana

PSA: Don’t Use Your Grandma’s Hunting License (And Other Lessons from Two Convicted Poachers)

Here’s the thing about trying to turn Montana into your personal, all-you-can-poach buffet: eventually, someone’s going to call the manager. […]

Jul 26, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

Harmful Algal Blooms Confirmed on Hebgen Reservoir- Advisory Issued

Bozeman, Mont. – July 24, 2026 – Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are present on Hebgen Reservoir in the Coffin Springs area […]

Jul 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Early Season vs. Rut: Why Montana Archery Elk Hunters Need to Ditch the September Bugle

Montana archery elk season runs early Sept through mid-October. Here’s why your rut calling tactics will wreck an early season hunt — and what to do instead.

Jul 22, 2026 · Angela Montana

FWP Sets Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at FWP Sites in Two Montana Counties

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions in Wheatland and Richland counties. Outdoor enthusiasts are advised to verify campfire rules before starting any fires on FWP lands to ensure safety while enjoying recreational activities.

Jul 20, 2026 · Angela Montana

Bighorn River Beatdown: Your July Cheat Sheet

In high summer, the Bighorn River offers optimal fishing conditions with clear waters at 1,490 CFS. Target fish effectively by timing your efforts: fish early for BWOs, during noon for PMDs, and focus on shaded areas in the heat. Evenings bring caddis activity. Avoid blind-casting during peak heat, and be ready for thunderstorms.

Jul 20, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How to Hunt Elk in Thick Timber — Tactics That Actually Work in Montana’s Dense Drainages

Spot-and-stalk doesn’t cut it in Montana’s thick timber. Here’s how to hunt elk in dense lodgepole drainages and actually fill your tag.

Jul 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Soup, Slime, and Solitude: The July Guide to the Jefferson River

The Jefferson River is currently low, warm, and filled with algae, prompting Hoot Owl restrictions that ban fishing from 2 PM to midnight. Ideal fishing conditions may return in September after irrigation ends, increasing fish activity. For now, anglers should seek cooler waters and wait for the river to recover.

Jul 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Hauser Fishing Report by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena 7.16.26

Walleye are found around weed beds, favoring subtle motions with lures like ned rigs and small paddle tails. The stretch from York Bridge to the dam is currently best for trout, with effective trolling using cranks and weighted cowbells at varying speeds. Kokanee are present but not abundant in Hauser.

Jul 17, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

Feeding of wildlife leading to increased bear conflicts in Red Lodge area

“I’ve never seen bears behaving quite like this,” said Shawn Stewart, a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife biologist who has worked in the area for more than five decades. “They’re bolder, breaking into vehicles and homes in broad daylight and approaching, following and even chasing people.

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 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

The Yellowstone is Chillin’ (But Get Out There Before It Grills)

The lower Yellowstone River is thriving as the Shield’s River recedes. Although the salmonfly and goldenstone hatch is nearly over, a variety of bugs are abundant, including caddis and drakes. Anglers should match flies to the hatching insects, as fishing conditions are favorable before the weekend heatwave arrives.

Jul 9, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Stop Losing Your Target in the Scope When It Matters Most

Lost a bull in your scope at the worst moment? Montana Wild’s latest tip fixes the most frustrating mistake hunters make in the field.

Jul 7, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Fly Fishing the Bitterroot River: What Montana Anglers Need to Know Before They Go

FiccaFishing heads to the Bitterroot River in southwest Montana for trout on the fly. Here’s what anglers should know before they go.

Jul 5, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Salmonfly Season on the Missouri River Means Dry Fly Chaos

Giant salmonflies on the Missouri River mean big wild trout eating on top. Here’s why this hatch is Montana fly fishing at its absolute best.

Jul 4, 2026 · Angela Montana

Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Copycat Big Boy Strawberry Pie Recipe

Kokanee Quinn discovered a nostalgic copycat recipe for Big Boy’s Strawberry Pie by Stephanie Gigliotti. This no-bake dessert features a buttery crust filled with fresh strawberries and a homemade glaze made with strawberry Jell-O. With minimal prep time and a chilling period, it offers a refreshing summer treat, best served with whipped cream.

Jul 4, 2026 · Angela Montana

Monster Chinook Salmon Caught by Young Angler at Fort Peck

Young angler Cooper Green achieved a notable feat by catching a 23-pound Chinook salmon at Fort Peck. This impressive catch underscores the reservoir's reputation for quality fishing. Having completed his multi-species quest, Cooper sets a high standard for young fishermen in Montana, marking Fort Peck as a premier fishing destination.

Jul 3, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck Walleye and Lake Trout: Where Don Wilkins Found Them This Week

Walleye fishing is thriving in 15-25 feet of water, with slow death rigs and jigs proving effective. For lake trout, successful catches occur at depths of 95-105 feet using heavy laker jigs with paddletails. Adapting techniques enhances the bite during tougher conditions, ensuring consistent results for anglers.

Jul 2, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Two Rivers, One Removed Dam, and What Happens When You Give Wild Trout Their Water Back

Dam removal is reshaping Montana’s coldwater fisheries. Here’s what anglers need to know about river restoration and where wild trout are coming back.

Jun 30, 2026 · Angela Montana

River Runs Through It: Montana’s Bold Proposal for Conservation

Montana's Blackfoot River faces threats from a proposed gravel pit, a gold mine, and a data center. In response, local advocates launched the River Runs Through It Proposal, aiming to expand wilderness areas and improve habitats for migrating wildlife. The initiative seeks bipartisan support, benefiting hunters, snowmobilers, and timber interests.

Jun 30, 2026 · Angela Montana

Secure Your Montana SuperTag TODAY, Before It’s Too Late

Today, June 30th, is the last chance to purchase a Montana SuperTag for your dream hunt. While popular choices like Sheep and Elk show high competition, the Lion lottery presents better odds with only 3,940 entries. Act quickly to secure your chance before the deadline passes!

Jun 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Kelly Island Fishing Access: An Underrated Clark Fork Spot Right in Missoula

Kelly Island FWP fishing access on the Clark Fork in Missoula offers brown trout, rainbows, and wildlife habitat right inside city limits.

Jun 26, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

Bison Attacks 12-Year-Old at Yellowstone’s Mud Volcano

A child was gored near Mud Volcano after getting too close. Here's exactly what happened and the safety distances every Yellowstone visitor must know.

Jun 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Young Angler Jigs Deep for Fort Peck Lake Trout!

Cooper Green from Pablo showcased his fishing prowess on Fort Peck, catching a massive lake trout while fishing with Tim and Sarah Schauss. Having already caught walleye, bass, and pike, he now aims for his first Chinook salmon. Congratulations to Cooper for his impressive achievements and determination on the water!

Jun 26, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Volunteers Hit Flathead Ridge Hard to Open Elk Country for Hunters

RMEF volunteers and Montana Knife Company crew tackle a tough habitat project on Flathead Ridge — here’s why it matters for elk hunters 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 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.