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 18, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Ranch Life: Battling Unexpected Houseguests
A Montana woman discovered a swarm of garter snakes emerging from her home's foundation, highlighting the issue of wildlife seeking winter shelter in residential areas due to human development.
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.
May 2, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Fort Peck Lake: Trophy Walleye, Pike and Smallmouth Without the Crowds
Escape Montana's crowded fishing spots at Fort Peck Lake. 134 miles of shoreline, trophy walleye, pike and smallmouth, plus affordable access and solitude.
Apr 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Caught an Albino Bass? Here’s What You’re Looking At
A ghost-white bass on your line isn't a fluke — it's a rare genetic condition. Here's the science, the survival odds, and exactly what to do with 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 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why Your Bird Feeder Will Draw Grizzlies This Spring
Learn why bird feeders and salt licks attract hungry grizzly bears to your Montana property each spring and how to prevent dangerous wildlife conflicts.
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 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Colorado’s Water Crisis Is Sending Trout Anglers to Montana This Summer
Colorado's water crisis is pushing anglers north. Learn how Montana trout streams benefit and what it means for your summer fishing plans this season.
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 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
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 · montanaoutdoor
Seeley Lake Gets 30 Miles of New Backcountry Trails by 2029
A $1.2 million project will add 30 miles of new trails near Seeley Lake by 2029, opening vast backcountry for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
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 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
Sage Grouse Lawsuits Stack Up — What Montana Upland Hunters Need to Know Right Now
Legal battles threaten sage grouse habitat and hunting access across Montana's eastern prairie. What upland bird hunters need to know now.
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
Montana Ice Out, Turkey Scouts, and FWP Updates: Week of March 26
Discover Montana's late March outdoor transitions: ice breakout fishing, spring turkey scouting, shed hunting tips, and wildlife updates for 2026's best season.
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 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
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
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 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
Montana Needs Hunters & Anglers for Invasive Weed Council—5 Seats Open
Montana needs you! Join the fight against invasive weeds threatening hunting, fishing & farmland. 5 key advisory positions open for outdoor enthusiasts.
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
How ‘A River Runs Through It’ Changed Montana Fly Fishing — 32 Years Later
Discover how the 1992 film A River Runs Through It transformed Montana fly fishing, creating both opportunities and challenges that still impact anglers today.
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.
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 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Which Units and Elevations Are Dropping Right Now
Late March snowpack is receding fast. Here's exactly which Montana units and elevation bands are producing fresh elk and mule deer sheds this week.
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
Fire Weather Watch: What Montana Spring Hunters Must Know This Week
A Fire Weather Watch is active in Montana this week — here's what turkey scouts, shed hunters, and spring bear hunters need to know before heading out.
Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Turkey Opener 21 Days Out: Scout Water Now Before Strut Zones Lock In
Montana's turkey opener is 21 days out. Here's the one late-March scouting move on public land that most hunters skip — but shouldn't.
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 20, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Elk Migration Exodus: Where Montana’s 2026 Migration Hits First
Thousands of elk are leaving Wyoming's National Elk Refuge now. Here's exactly where they'll enter Montana and how to use it to your advantage.
Mar 19, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don’t Get Bitten by a Poaching Charge: Why Your Montana Mountain Lion Tag Can’t Be a “Post-Shot” Purchase
Central Montana game wardens saw a rise in illegally taken mountain lions in 2025, with three hunters cited for buying licenses after killing lions. Fines totaled $3,605.