NW Montana Ice & Fishing Report (Feb. 20, 2026): Where Ice Is Still Holding, Where It’s Sketchy, and What’s Biting
Feb 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
NW Montana Ice & Fishing Report (Feb. 20, 2026): Where Ice Is Still Holding, Where It’s Sketchy, and What’s Biting
From Chancy’s Fish Camp in Evergreen, MT: ice conditions are a mixed bag across NW Montana—some lakes still have decent ice, others are getting questionable, and a few are leaning into “boat season” vibes. Here’s what to watch for (including pressure ridges) and what anglers are targeting: perch, salmon through the ice, plus trolling for lake trout and rainbow trout.
Montana FWP Reminder: These Hunting and Trapping Seasons Continue After the Feb. 28 License Deadline
Feb 19, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP Reminder: These Hunting and Trapping Seasons Continue After the Feb. 28 License Deadline
Most Montana licenses wrap up Feb. 28, but a few seasons keep going. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says mountain lion and wolf hunting continue past the license-year close, and some trapping seasons do too. If you use E-Tags, note they’ll go inactive in the app after Feb. 28—FWP recommends picking up an offline license at a regional office. Season dates: fwp.mt.gov/hunt. Licensing hotline: 406-444-2950.
Flathead Area Fishing Report (Feb. 18, 2026): Ice Depths, Open-Water Hot Spots, and McGregor Tournament Update
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.
Missouri River Fishing Forecast (February 2026): Midges, 36°F Water Temps, and Winter Streamer/Trout Spey Opportunities in Craig, MT
Feb 18, 2026 · Angela Montana
Missouri River Fishing Forecast (February 2026): Midges, 36°F Water Temps, and Winter Streamer/Trout Spey Opportunities in Craig, MT
February on Montana’s Missouri River is quiet, cold, and—when weather cooperates—surprisingly productive. With snowpack running roughly 80–90% of average, steady flows, and that key 36°F water-temp line dictating fish behavior, expect midges, deep-bucket nymphing, a sneaky-good winter streamer bite, and Trout Spey anglers swinging heavier tips through prime holding water. Here’s the latest Craig, MT update from Headhunters Fly Shop, plus what to watch as we inch toward spring and the 2026 guide season.
Skijoring’s Evolution: From Ancient Winter Travel to High-Speed Western Sport
Jan 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Skijoring’s Evolution: From Ancient Winter Travel to High-Speed Western Sport
Skijoring began as practical winter travel—skiers pulled by dogs, reindeer, and later horses—before turning into a spectator sport. From early Nordic Games and brief Olympic-era exhibitions to today’s high-speed, technical races in the American West, here’s how skijoring evolved and why Montana is at the center of its modern resurgence—plus the latest Montana Outdoor Podcast episode to watch.
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