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 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 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Bozeman Early Spring Trout Fishing Report (March 9, 2026): Best Techniques, Flies, and Peak Time Windows

Early spring trout fishing near Bozeman is improving week by week as rivers transition out of winter mode. Here’s what’s working right now—best time of day, where trout are holding, and the nymph and streamer setups producing on the Gallatin, Madison (upper/lower), and Yellowstone as of March 9, 2026 (5/5).

Mar 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck King Salmon Derby: Registration Opens in 6 Days (150-Boat Limit) — Get Your Team Ready

Online registration for the 1st Annual Fort Peck Montana Tournament of Kings opens in 6 days, and with a 150-boat limit, spots could go fast. Here’s what to do now to be ready when the link drops—plus how to stay in the loop.

Mar 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

University of Montana Launches New Fisheries Science Chair Backed by $5 Million to Protect Cold-Water Trout

The University of Montana has launched a new Chair of Fisheries Science with $5 million from 56 donors. Yoichiro Kanno will lead research on how warming temperatures and shrinking snowpack are reshaping trout habitat—and what restoration, student training, and science can do to help Montana’s iconic rivers endure.

Mar 8, 2026 · Angela Montana

Stillwater River Fishing Report: Cold Water Now, Better Trout Action Ahead This Spring (Montana, March 6, 2026)

Montana’s Stillwater River is still running cold despite a warmer-than-average winter, keeping fishing from fully turning on yet. Low flows have trout holding in deeper slots, where patient nymphing has produced action. Here’s what Montana Angler reported on March 6, 2026—and what to expect as spring temperatures rise.

Mar 7, 2026 · Angela Montana

Seeley Lake Ice Is Pulling Away From Shore: Anglers Report Deteriorating Conditions on the North End

Local anglers say ice conditions on the north end of Seeley Lake are deteriorating as warmer weather moves in, with open water growing along the shoreline. If you’re considering going out, use caution—ice can change fast when it starts separating from shore.

Mar 7, 2026 · Angela Montana

Canyon Ferry Lake Ice Is Gone: Boat Ramps Open and Spring Fishing Season Is Underway

Winter finally let go at Canyon Ferry Lake: the ice is officially gone, boats are already launching, and the ramps are open for spring anglers ready to get back on open water.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Turn a Broken Fishing Rod Into a DIY Ice Rod (Budget Ice-Fishing Build Guide + Video)

Got an old busted fishing rod collecting dust? Don’t toss it—convert it into a short, sensitive DIY ice rod for jigging. This simple, budget-friendly build gives old gear a second life, and the video walkthrough shows you the basic steps to get back on the ice without breaking the bank.

Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Lake Cascade Perch Debate: Would a 14-Inch Slot Limit Bring Back the 2-Pounders?

Anglers are split over Lake Cascade’s missing 2-pound perch: is it a natural age-class reset, or too much harvest and pressure? One longtime angler says the lake is loaded with 10–12 inch fish and isn’t ready to panic—while others argue slot limits and reduced daily limits are the only path back to jumbos.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Yellowstone River Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Cold Water, Sluggish Fish, Best Nymph & Streamer Tips + Fly List

Ice and slush have mostly melted, but the Yellowstone River is still very cold and fish are sluggish. Nymphing is the most effective approach right now; if you throw streamers, plan on a slow-motion strip or swing. Watch for spotty midge hatches depending on wind, and pay close attention to forecasts, wind, and potential ice shelves at ramps. Current flow: 1,260 CFS. Full fly pattern list included.

Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

From Leather & Wood to Plano Plastics: The Evolution of the Tackle Box

Tackle boxes started as leather and wood in the late 1800s, shifted to mass-produced metal, and then boomed into post–World War II plastic icons from brands like Plano and UMCO. Here’s how a simple gear carrier evolved alongside American fishing culture.

Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Missouri River Below Holter Dam Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Winter Bite, Flows & What’s Working

It’s a deep-freeze on the Missouri River below Holter Dam, but the fishing has stayed surprisingly solid for anglers willing to layer up and work for it. Here’s the latest from Yellow Dog Flyfishing, including a flow update and what’s been producing.

Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Hunting or Fishing Alone? Solo Safety Tips to Trust Your Gut and Get Home Safely

Solo time outdoors can be the whole point—but it also means no quick backup if something goes wrong. Use these simple solo hunting and fishing safety basics: stay aware, trust your gut, share your plan, and leave if something feels off.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Final Winter Update + Urgent Ice Safety Warning as Canyon Ferry Opens Up

Final winter fishing report for Helena-area reservoirs before updates resume in April. Ice is highly variable and can change fast, and Canyon Ferry’s south end is seeing expanding open water that’s undermining nearby ice—use extreme caution on any ice.

Feb 20, 2026 · Angela Montana

How to Catch Jumbo Yellow Perch: Bigger Lures, Seasonal Patterns, and a Simple Perch Recipe

Yellow perch may not fight like bass, but they’re outstanding table fare—and you can stack the odds for bigger “jumbos” by thinking bigger than the usual live bait and tiny jigs. Here’s why bass-style lures work, what to throw in spring, early summer, and fall, plus a simple perch recipe to try.

Feb 19, 2026 · Angela Montana

Flathead Area Fishing Report (Feb. 18, 2026): Ice Depths, Open-Water Hot Spots, and McGregor Tournament Update

Macman’s latest Flathead-area fishing report: Browns Lake is around 10 inches of ice and Upper Thompson about 6, but no ice is truly safe. Lake Mary Ronan and Flathead River sloughs are in good shape, colder temps should help, and McGregor Lake hosts a combo ice/open-water tournament next weekend. For open water, Yellow Bay has been productive past 200 feet—avoid Rocky Point due to gill netting.

Feb 15, 2026 · Angela Montana

NW Montana Fishing Report 2.12.26

The Murphy lake derby is canceled, but several others remain active. Ice conditions vary, with good fishing reported for perch, salmon, and pike across various lakes. Stay safe on the ice.

Feb 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

Michigan’s Black Lake Sturgeon Season Ends in Record Time

The sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake, Michigan, lasted only 48 minutes, with six fish caught shortly after it began, making it technically longer than last year's 17-minute season.

Feb 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

February 2026 Fishing Report: Glacier National Park & Flathead Valley

February fishing in Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley is unusually favorable due to mild temperatures and low snow, with anglers successfully using nymphs and streamers in altered winter conditions.

Feb 5, 2026 · Angela Montana

Livingtson, MT Yellowstone River Fishing Report 2.5.26

Winter conditions persist in Yellowstone, with frigid water temperatures and sluggish fish behavior. Nymphing is most effective, while ice and wind complicate fishing. Stay alert to changing conditions.

Jul 17, 2025 · Angela Montana

Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 7.17.25

Salmon fishing on Fort Peck is heating up!

Dec 28, 2024 · Angela Montana

Lip Service!!

Don’t let frozen fishing lines ruin your ice fishing game—learn how ChapStick, Armor All, and big black guides can save the day (and your sanity)!

Apr 10, 2024 · Angela Montana

Statewide MT Fishing Report Compilation 4.9.24

Before diving into the fishing report, check out this article that explains the difference between anglers and fishermen. Please check the fishing regulations before […]

Mar 18, 2024 · Angela Montana

2024 Spring Mack Days – Week 1 Results

Week 1 results are in for 2024 Spring Mack Days! It was a great first week, and from Thursday to […]

Mar 8, 2024 · Angela Montana

Row vs Wade: The Proper Etiquette Between Wading and Drift Boat/Raft Anglers by Neal Cote

On any river here in Western Montana, as well as everywhere across the state, anglers share a common pursuit. However, […]

Dec 14, 2023 · Angela Montana

Fresno and Fresno Reservoirs Fishing Report by Brian Olson 12.14.23

Fresno is 25% full with a light covering of ice. Nelson is 80% full with a light covering of ice. […]

Dec 13, 2023 · Angela Montana

Statewide MT Fishing Report Compilation 12.12.23

Please check the fishing regulations before fishing. ———————— Hell Creek General Recreation Information (December 12, 2023) Click here: www.HellCreekRecreation.com  CLICK HERE for Hell Creek webcam. […]

Jan 27, 2023 · Krawdaddy Jones

Exotic Places You Must Fish!

The world is full of bodies of water. As you may know, the planet is called “The Blue Planet” for […]