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 12, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Fishing Report by Capital Sports 4.9.26
Spring fishing in the Helena valley is improving, with notable action in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter lakes. Anglers report success with various baits as fish awaken and prepare to spawn.
Apr 11, 2026 · Kamp Cook
Montana Fishing Report – April 11th
Spring runoff is starting to show up across Montana, and river conditions are changing fast. Some rivers are still holding […]
Apr 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Ice Out, Rods Out: The Spring 2026 Report by Madison River Outfitters
Early spring fishing opportunities are emerging in Montana as ice melts, with lakes and rivers opening for activities. Expect good hatches and varied conditions, particularly on Madison and surrounding waters.
Apr 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fort Peck Fishing Report for April 10, 2026
Fort Peck fishing is thriving despite cold weather. Walleye are found in 5-14 feet, while Lake Trout prefer 25-35 feet. Use specific jigs and trolling speeds for success.
Apr 9, 2026 · Angela Montana
Peace Out, Pesky Stickers: Montana’s Boating Bureaucracy Just Walked the Plank
Montana has eliminated the requirement for colorful boat validation stickers, streamlining vessel registration to a one-time licensing process, allowing owners more leisure time on the water without bureaucratic hassles.
Apr 9, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bacon, Bullets, and Badassery: The Night Marguerite McDonald Schooled a Grizzly
In 1964, Marguerite McDonald defended her remote Montana ranch by solo-shooting an 850-pound grizzly. When her husband later tripped over the carcass and panicked, she famously called him a "goddamn fool."
Apr 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Translocated female grizzly emerges from den with two cubs
A female grizzly bear, released in Wyoming, emerged with two cubs, demonstrating successful genetic exchange between ecosystems. This effort marks a significant milestone in grizzly bear management and conservation.
Apr 8, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Federal Lead Ammo Bill: What Montana Bear and Elk Hunters Need to Know
A new federal bill protects lead ammo on BLM and Forest Service land — here's what it means for Montana hunters this spring and beyond.
Apr 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Navigating Rock Creek’s Spring Surge as it Scores a 4/5 for Fishability
Rock Creek offers ideal fishing conditions despite high water. Focus on nymphing and deep strategies with effective flies as hatches begin. Watch for weather changes affecting creek flows this week.
Apr 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Load of Wolves: The “Cheat Code” for Professional Fur Handling
Trapper Tyler Freel reveals the ultimate "work smarter" hack for Outdoor Life: using a washing machine to turn bloody, matted predator hides into pristine, market-ready fur—just don't tell your spouse.
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 7, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Weekly Reel: Chancy’s Guide to the Local Lakes
Chancy’s Fish Camp advises anglers to target active fish at local lakes, including pike, lake trout, and perch. Compliance with regulations is emphasized as spring fishing heats up.
Apr 7, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Smith Lake Rescue: A Reminder Why Boats Should Stay Upright
Three anglers' fishing trip on Smith Lake ended with their boat capsizing. Quick rescue efforts by local agencies saved them, emphasizing water safety and the importance of life jackets and float plans.
Apr 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 4.6.26
Rainbow fishing is thriving at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs, with successful methods including various flies, jigs, and worms. Anglers are also catching occasional walleye.
Apr 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Great Falls Area Fishing Report: April 3, 2026
Spring has arrived in Central Montana, enhancing fishing opportunities on the Missouri River as temperatures rise, attracting trout and pike into shallower waters.
Apr 5, 2026 · Angela Montana
Spring Fishing Tips for Southwest Montana’s Trout
Southwest Montana's fishing conditions are improving as trout become active in warming waters, with successful hatches and ideal strategies for targeting deeper runs amid spawning activities.
Apr 4, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Reports April 4th Missed it, listen here
April 4th, the ice is pretty much gone and the rivers and lakes are opening up. So if you Missed […]
Apr 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
Flathead Lake Perch and Bass Fishing
Local angler Ross Tate enjoyed a successful fishing outing on Flathead Lake's East Bay with the Blevins brothers, praising their skills as they navigated productive waters and achieved an impressive haul.
Apr 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Wisconsin Hunter Lost 10 Years: What Montana Poaching Actually Costs
A Wisconsin man just lost 10 years of Montana hunting privileges. Here's exactly what triggers long-term bans — and what every hunter must know right now.
Apr 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Draw Results Dates 2026: Exactly When FWP Posts Every Species (And What to Do Next)
Montana draw results date 2026: exactly when FWP posts elk, deer, antelope, sheep, moose, goat & bison results — plus what to do if you drew or didn't.
Apr 3, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Willkins’ Weekly Fort Peck MT Fishing Report 4.2.26
Walleye and Northern pike fishing at Peck has been productive, especially with 1/4 ounce jigs. Lakers are also being caught using crankbaits in deeper waters. Water temperatures remain cold.
Apr 2, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission Announces Closure of Otter Trapping in Region 1
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has closed otter trapping in Region 1 due to approaching harvest quotas, effective April 4, ensuring species sustainability.
Apr 2, 2026 · Angela Montana
Grizzly Bear Footage from Glacier National Park
A viral video of a massive grizzly bear at Glacier National Park emphasizes the importance of bear safety, reminding visitors to secure food and respect wildlife.
Mar 31, 2026 · Angela Montana
Get Your Game Face On: The 16th Annual MTSFW Pig Roast is Almost Here!
Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife is hosting its 16th Annual Pig Roast Banquet on April 18, 2026, featuring BBQ, raffles, auctions, and special guests from Mountain Men.
Mar 31, 2026 · Angela Montana
Great Falls MT Area Spring Fishing Report
The Missouri River is awakening for spring fishing, featuring midges, rising trout, and post-spawn pike, creating ideal conditions for anglers seeking diverse rewards.
Mar 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
Join the Public Meeting on Missouri River Bridge Closure in Craig
Lewis and Clark County warns of an upcoming closure of the Missouri River Bridge on April 8, 2026. A public meeting will discuss details and updates on local projects.
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
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 · Moosetrack Megan
Remains found in forest identified as missing Montana man
On May 9, 1978, a logging crew discovered the partial remains of a skeletonized young male near Williams, Oregon, in the area of Holcomb Peak. They were just identified as a missing Montana man.
Mar 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
Gone but Not Forgotten: A NW Montana Hunter’s Final Trophy
Tom Welch clears the air on a legendary Northwest Montana whitetail. This "buck of a lifetime" carries a tragic weight, as the hunter passed away the same night he harvested it.
Mar 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
Gallatin River Fishing Report: Conditions & Hatches
The Gallatin is currently playing a bit of a “wait and see” game after the recent warm spell gave the […]
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 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Gravity 1, Elk 0: The Tragic 462-Inch Gymnastics Fail of Kittson County
In a -25°F Minnesota deep freeze, a 900-pound world-record elk famously somersaulted into the muck. Despite a daring 2×4 rescue, the "Mud Bull" remains the state’s most tragic, 462-inch gymnastics fail.
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 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Idaho Fish & Game Commissioner Faces 7 Hunting Charges: What Montana Hunters Need to Know
An Idaho Fish and Game commissioner faces 7 criminal hunting charges. Here's why Montana hunters should be paying close attention right now.
Mar 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
Gold Rush or River Rush? The Battle for Montana’s Blackfoot River
Sentinel Metals is advancing the Columbia Gold Project in Montana, proposing extensive drilling to explore gold deposits. This has sparked environmental concerns regarding its proximity to the Blackfoot River, prompting public debate.
Mar 28, 2026 · Kamp Cook
Montana Fishing Report – March 28th
Late March is one of those sneaky good times to fish Montana. Runoff hasn’t fully kicked in yet, but warmer […]
Mar 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Latest Fishing Update from the Macman, March 27
Spring brings fishing opportunities as local waters awaken. The Macman’s March 27 report outlines hotspots like Yellow Bay and the Delta, while highlighting the impending salmon season at Lake Mary Ronan.
Mar 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Yellowstone River island in Paradise Valley offered to FWP
A proposal to donate an 82-acre island in the Yellowstone River to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks aims to preserve its wildlife habitat, named Pine Siskin fishing access site, for public benefit.
Mar 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Wilkins’ Fort Peck Fishing Update: Early Season Insights
Fort Peck is thawing, with Duck Creek and Marina bays mostly ice-free. Caution is advised due to floating ice and debris. Fishing for walleye and pike is improving but remains inconsistent.
Mar 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Shoreline Restoration Underway at Cooney State Park This Spring
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is initiating a stabilization project at Cooney Reservoir to address erosion caused by 2022 flooding, leading to temporary closures from April 6 to May 13.
Mar 26, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Felon Gun Store Employee Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Firearm After Warning Targets of Investigation: “ATF is watching u.”
“Despite knowing that he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms, the defendant chose to disregard federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Even more troubling, he used his position at a licensed firearms business to tip off individuals about federal law enforcement activity, undermining an active investigation into transnational, illicit firearms trafficking."
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
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.