May 1, 2026 · Angela Montana
You Don’t Have to be Pro to Win Big at the 2026 Governor’s Cup with This New Twist
The 39th Annual Montana Walleye Governor's Cup will take place July 9–11, 2026, at Fort Peck Lake, featuring a $20,000 top prize, random daily payouts, and an accessible catch-and-release format for anglers.
May 1, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fort Peck Fishing Report by Don Wilkins 4.30.26
Fort Peck is currently an excellent fishing destination, with active walleye, lakers, and northerns. Anglers are finding success with jigs, plastics, and trolling crankbaits in warming waters.
Apr 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Crooked Creek Walleye Classic is Back!
The Crooked Creek Walleye Classic returns to Fort Peck Marina on May 15-16, featuring a $400 entry fee, family divisions, and a unique Bottom 3 Payout for low-weight catches.
Apr 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Big Bucks and Bigger Fines: Montana’s 2025 Poaching Recap
Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported over $120,000 in fines for poaching and hunting violations, highlighting the importance of compliance. Community tips helped, earning $28,000 in rewards, promoting conservation efforts.
Apr 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Cold, the Bold, and the 30-Inch Gold: Nistler’s New Personal Best Holter Lake Montana Walleye
Steve Nistler caught a 30-inch walleye at Holter Lake, showcasing skill with a Berkley Drip Minnow on 6# line, achieving a personal best and earning a well-deserved trophy fish.
Apr 28, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
One dead after boat overturns on Clark Fork River near Clinton
On the evening of Monday, April 27, 2026, 911 dispatch received a report of a boat accident on the Clark Fork River near Clinton, prompting a multi-agency response.
Apr 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
Big Fish Club: Ed Darnell’s 31-Inch Walleye
Edmond Darnell caught a stunning 31 1/4-inch walleye, setting a personal record and earning membership in the Big Fish Club after an exciting fishing trip with Eddie Mindt.
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 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
CrossCurrents Fly Shop: Missouri River Update
CrossCurrents Fly Shop provided a fishing report for the Missouri River on April 24, 2026, sharing insights and updates through their Instagram post.
Apr 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP’s Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report, April 27, 2026
Despite cooler weather reducing crowds, fishing remains productive across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs, particularly for rainbow trout, while walleye and perch catches are slower.
Apr 27, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Livestock Market Report: April 19-25, 2026 – Feeder Cattle Show Steady Demand Despite CME Pressure
Montana livestock report Apr 19-25: 4,781 head sold, steady feeder demand beats CME pressure. Grass-ready cattle strong, Canadian buyers active.
Apr 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Surviving Grizzly Bears: What Seemingly Worked for Soldiers
Two soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division recently learned the hard way that Alaska’s alarm clocks have fur and very […]
Apr 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Teen Angler Breaks Two Fishing Records in Five Days
Sixteen-year-old Ryder Humphries set two world records in five days while fishing on Alberta's Bow River, showcasing exceptional skill by catching an all-tackle length champion and a junior record fish.
Apr 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
61.26 Pounds Claim 1st Place in 2026 Tough Guy Tournament
The 2026 Jerry Johnston Memorial Tough Guy Tournament concluded with Zeik Gordon and Owen Wilcox winning first place with 61.26 pounds. The competition was fierce, with impressive performances from all top five teams.
Apr 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
Final Report on Fort Peck Walleye Egg-Take Operations 2026
The final report of the 2026 walleye spawning season at Fort Peck Reservoir highlights extreme weather conditions and a successful last egg-take yielding 7.3 million eggs, totaling approximately 51 million for the season.
Apr 25, 2026 · Kamp Cook
Montana Fishing Report – April 25th
Runoff is gaining steam across Montana, and conditions are getting a little tricky. Many freestone rivers like the Yellowstone and […]
Apr 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Missed the draw? Montana’s nonresident backup list opens May 1
Montana’s Nonresident Alternate’s List opens for a second chance at hunting tags from May 1 to June 1. Join for free, with no risk to preference points, and wait for possible openings.
Apr 24, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
New state record burbot hoisted out of Kootenai River
Caleb Wilson, a local angler from Troy, hauled up the Kootenai River’s most legendary fish. And not just any legendary fish, a new state catch-and-release record.
Apr 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bighorn Canyon NRA water levels rising for Memorial Day
Water levels in Bighorn, Boysen, and Buffalo Bill reservoirs are significantly low due to a dry winter, impacting boating and fishing. Predictions indicate reduced runoff and earlier peak snowpack, affecting recreational access.
Apr 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fishing Report by Don Wilkins: Walleye and Lakers at Fort Peck
Walleye fishing at Fort Peck is weather-dependent, with better success in sunny conditions. Effective baits included Walleye Nations jigs and Kietech paddle tails, while lakers were caught trolling at shallow depths.
Apr 23, 2026 · Angela Montana
DPHHS, DEQ, FWP release PFAS fish consumption advisories and study results
Montana authorities released new PFAS fish consumption advisories due to detectable pollution levels in select waterbodies. The recommendations aim to inform the public about potential health risks while promoting safe fish consumption.
Apr 23, 2026 · Angela Montana
Catch Cash Prizes at Montana’s 2026 Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament!
The 2026 Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament invites anglers to register. Aiming for 175 teams, participants can win a $20,000 grand prize and enter Random Weight Pots for additional chances.
Apr 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bighorn Intel: St. Xavier’s Midday Magic
To escape Bozeman's chill, fish the Bighorn River from 11 AM to 4 PM using nymphing techniques. A BWO hatch is approaching, so focus on slow water and effective flies.
Apr 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
Carson Bender: Successful Turkey Caller, Accidental Bobcat Whisperer
Carson Bender’s expert calling lured a bobcat instead of a bird, leaving him with shoulder scratches and a wild story before missing a turkey and heading to the doctor’s office.
Apr 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
Hot Under the Collar: The East Side Fire Update
The East Side Fire near Red Lodge, sparked on April 20, has burned 1,600 acres with no containment. Firefighters are actively working to control the blaze amidst challenging weather conditions.
Apr 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fort Peck’s Walleye “Egg-stravaganza” Hits High Gear
The 2026 walleye spawning season at Fort Peck Reservoir is thriving, with nearly 44 million eggs collected. Biologist Heath Headley reports favorable conditions, aiming for a target of 50 million before the weather turns cold.
Apr 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
Series of Montana poaching crimes leads to lifetime loss of hunting and fishing privileges for Tennessee man
Apr 21, 2026 3:54 PM HAMILTON– Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens report that Jerry “Trey” Truitt III of Tennessee […]
Apr 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
A Montana Pheasant Hunt Turned Grizzly
Imagine waking up thinking about bagging a few pheasants and ending the day with 320 stitches and a crazy story […]
Apr 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
Top Anglers Shine in Week 6 of Mack Days Fishing 2026
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes report a successful week six of the 2026 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event, with 25,839 fish turned in and only three weeks remaining until the May 9th conclusion.
Apr 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 510
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission will close hunting for all black bears in Unit 510 after sunset on April 22, 2026. Hound training season will start April 23, 2026.
Apr 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Top Fishing Spots in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter
Fishing reports from Missouri River reservoirs highlight successful spots and techniques for anglers, including hot rainbow trout action at Holter and deeper walleye and perch opportunities at Canyon Ferry and Hauser.
Apr 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Spring Fishing in Montana: River Reports
Spring weather in Montana is unpredictable, yet fishing is thriving. The Flathead and Missouri Rivers are producing well, with dry flies attracting active fish. Ideal conditions persist for anglers.
Apr 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Missouri Guides Put a $15K Bounty on Paddlefish Vandal
It’s a rare day when a fishing story out of Missouri makes waves all the way up in Big Sky […]
Apr 19, 2026 · Angela Montana
From Endangered to Managed: Wolves in the U.S. and Their Evolving Status
Wolf management in North America exhibits a split: Western states lead while the Great Lakes region remains federally protected. The Boone and Crockett Club advocates for data-driven, ethical management to ensure local control and sustainable conservation.
Apr 18, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Report – April 18th
With Spring here, the waters are flowing. Whether it’s a lake, stream, pond, or creek, you can catch those Montana […]
Apr 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Mystery Fish Kill: Black Crappie Die-Off Reported at Nelson Reservoir
Montana FWP is investigating a black crappie fish kill at Nelson Reservoir, prompted by reports of dead fish. Biologists are analyzing samples to determine the cause, with no current consumption advisories.
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 · Angela Montana
Best Walleye Spots at Fort Peck from Don Wilkins
Walleye fishing at Fort Peck remains productive, especially near the Dam and Duck Creek. Effective methods include using Marble Eye jigs and dragging fathead minnows on various jigs.
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 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Best Magazine to Choose for Hunting Rifles
Choosing the right magazine for a hunting rifle is crucial for reliability and handling. Different types, like internal, detachable, and rotary magazines, serve specific purposes. Key considerations include capacity, feeding performance, material quality, compatibility, and maintenance to enhance performance during hunts.
Apr 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP Draw Results: Check Your Deer and Elk Permits
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released the results for deer, elk, and nonresident combination licenses. Hunters can check results online or by phone, with upcoming application deadlines approaching.
Apr 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
Record Walleye Egg Collection at Fort Peck: What’s Happening?
The fish are officially “swiping right” at Fort Peck, and the Big Dry Arm is currently the place to be. […]
Apr 15, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fort Peck Walleye Spawn: What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 walleye season at Fort Peck has begun amidst unpredictable weather. Biologists report rising water temperatures, capturing primarily male walleye, with hopes for a productive spawn in warmer days ahead.
Apr 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
Top Fishing Spots by Chancy in Flathead: April 2026
This week’s fishing report highlights the best spots around Flathead, including East Bay for perch, Bitterroot for trout, and various lakes for bass and pike, ensuring a successful outing.
Apr 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
2026 Spring Mack Days Mid-Event Update for Week 5
The 2026 Spring Mack Days event is halfway through with 20,527 lake trout caught. With the $10,000 tagged fish still elusive, participants have until May 9th to join the conservation effort.
Apr 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
Experience the Best Smallmouth Fishing in Montana
Captain Lee of Fish On Charters excels at locating elusive smallmouth bass, ensuring an active fishing experience. For an exceptional day on the water, contact him at 406-844-FISH.
Apr 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bison Grazing Rights at Risk: A Land Use Controversy
The U.S. Department of the Interior's proposed policy favors cattle over bison on federal lands, leading to significant economic, tribal sovereignty, and ecological concerns amidst formal protests from various stakeholders.
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 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Ultimate Guide to Fishing at Holter, Canyon Ferry, and Hauser
Local fishing spots are thriving, with excellent catches of rainbow trout at Holter and walleye at Lake Helena and Canyon Ferry. Diverse bait options are leading to successful outings for anglers.
Apr 12, 2026 · Angela Montana
Move Over, Potatoes: Idaho Finds a More Kinetic State Symbol
Idaho has officially designated hunting as its state sport, driven by nine-year-old Betty Grandy. Voters will also select an official state gun from a proposed list in November.