Oct 1, 2026 · Angela Montana
There’s Nothing Still About the Stillwater River Right Now
The Stillwater River is currently ideal for fishing, with clear water at 409 cfs and a temperature of 55.8°F. Fly patterns should focus on Baetis during the main hatch from 10 to 2, while hoppers are effective in the afternoon. Stealth is crucial; use lighter tippets and target tailouts for best results.
Sep 30, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Hiker dies after fall near Leigh Lake in Lincoln County
On Sunday, Sept. 27, at approximately 3:51 p.m., Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a 911 call reporting a hiker […]
Sep 29, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
14 black bears removed during investigation at residence near Bozeman
14 Black Bears Removed During Investigation at Residence Near Bozeman Sep 29, 2026 11:23 AM Bears were heavily food conditioned […]
Sep 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 9.28.26
The Missouri River reservoirs are thriving this fall with abundant fish. Walleye action is mixed, while rainbows are plentiful, especially at the south ends of Canyon Ferry and Hauser. Anglers are successfully using various baits and techniques. Kokanee snagging is also fruitful with a generous daily limit.
Sep 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Chancy’s Fish Camp 9/25 Report Says: Go Fish!
As of September 25, 2026, fall fishing in northwest Montana is thriving. Key highlights include lake trout on Flathead Lake, whitefish bites in the delta, and mid-October whitefish gatherings near Columbia Falls. Other notable fishing spots include Lake Mary Ronan for perch and Bitterroot Lake for salmon. A fall whitefish contest starts mid-October.
Sep 27, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Grizzly Bear Attack Near Augusta Is a Warning Shot for Every Montana Bowhunter Heading Into the Front
A grizzly bear attacked a bowhunter near Augusta, MT on Sept. 14. Here’s what it means for hunters along the Rocky Mountain Front this season.
Sep 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
MT Outdoor Podcast Region 4 Preview: Elk, Deer and Surprises
In the latest Montana Outdoor Podcast, Dale interviews Wildlife Manager Cory Loecker about hunting in Region 4, highlighting potential elk populations reaching 1,000 to 2,000. The region's diverse terrain hosts various game animals. Loecker also discusses regulation changes and suggests ideal hunting spots, urging listeners to prepare before hunting season.
Sep 26, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Bison vs. Cattle on Montana Public Grass — Who Really Wins?
Montana PBS digs into the long-running fight over who grazes public grasslands in north central Montana — cattle ranchers or roaming bison herds.
Sep 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
Carbon County bear incidents climb
BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com Over the past three to four years, bears have gotten bolder in the mountain town of […]
Sep 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
Game wardens seek information on deer killed out of season south of Billings
Witness images show white flatbed truck at scene BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are looking for […]
Sep 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 9.25.26
Fish activity is shifting with cooling water temperatures as fall approaches, creating varied fishing conditions. Pike are near shallow weeds, smallmouth prefer deep rocky points, lakers are less aggressive and moving frequently, while salmon are being caught in specific bays. Opportunities abound for those willing to adapt their strategies.
Sep 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Breaking News: Local Gets Lost, Town Loses Its Mind
A yearling male mountain goat wandered into Bozeman, causing a stir by settling in a church parking lot. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff deemed it healthy but confused. After safely transporting it back to the Gallatin Range, locals appreciated the coordination that ensured its safe return without disturbance.
Sep 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
Week 2 of 2026 Fall Mack Days: The Trout Are in Deep, and So Is the Competition
The fish are biting, the numbers are climbing, and somewhere in the depths of Flathead Lake, a $10,000 lake trout […]
Sep 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
Game wardens seek information on mule deer buck shot and wasted north of Hardin
Those with information encouraged to report HARDIN – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are seeking information on a […]
Sep 21, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Mountain Lion Blows Up a Montana Archery Elk Hunt — And the Video Is Worth Every Minute
A mountain lion crashes a fired-up bull elk encounter on a Montana backcountry archery hunt. Here’s what happened — and what hunters can learn from it.
Sep 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 9.21.26
Canyon Ferry has slow fishing with walleye and rainbows moving to shallow waters. Best spots include mid-reservoir and areas around Snaggy Bay. Hauser offers good rainbow catches below the dam, while Holter sees excellent trout fishing, though walleye activity is low. The Kokanee Salmon snagging season is currently open.
Sep 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Less Than 1% Odds, Nearly 400 Inches of Antler
Austin Streifel beat the odds to draw an elusive Badlands elk tag, dedicating 80 hours to scouting. After passing on a 360-inch bull, he learned of a larger one, prompting him to travel back for a successful hunt. He shot an impressive 394-inch bull on public land, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Sep 19, 2026 · Angela Montana
Kokanee Beware: Matt with Fish On Charters is on the Attack!
Matt from Fish On Charters had a successful outing at Bitterroot Lake, catching plenty of Kokanee. The fishing conditions were excellent, with active bites and bending rods. The report suggests that tomorrow promises another great day for fishing.
Sep 18, 2026 · Angela Montana
New Ground to Hunt in Region 3
The USDA Agricultural Research Station in Region 3 is now part of the Block Management Area, allowing limited hunter access while complying with federal regulations. Historically misidentified as BLM land, it is land used for research. Hunters must sign up by September 21 to access this area in October.
Sep 18, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP study aimed at complaints about nonresident hunters
Montana hunting license sales have increased for both residents and nonresidents, while access to private land is at a historic low, causing concerns among resident hunters about overcrowding. House Bill 568 mandates a study to analyze hunting pressures and seek solutions protecting the state's hunting traditions. Legislative challenges remain regarding nonresident hunter limitations.
Sep 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Rethinking America’s Wolf Rules
The Trump administration has initiated a federal review of wolf management, assessing whether gray and Mexican wolves can lose Endangered Species Act protections. This move aims to aid cattle ranchers and could shift management authority to states. The impact will vary across regions, especially where wolf populations are still federally protected.
Sep 15, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
More information on bear attack near Augusta
GREAT FALLS – Evidence collected at the site of a bear attack near Augusta confirms it was a grizzly bear that […]
Sep 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 9.14.26
Walleye fishing at Canyon Ferry remains active, particularly along the east shoreline. Rainbows are also being caught in various areas. Hauser Reservoir sees a surge in rainbow trout, with good boat action reported. Holter Reservoir offers excellent rainbow fishing, while snagging for Kokanee Salmon has started well at the Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir.
Sep 14, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Bear attacks hunter south of Augusta
Bear Attacks Hunter South of Augusta Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is investigating a bear attack on a hunter on […]
Sep 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
The One Question Montana Game Wardens Ask That Honest Hunters Never Worry About
A Montana game warden’s simple field question reveals more than hunters expect. Here’s what it means for you and how to hunt Region 4 the right way.
Sep 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
They Flew Into the Montana Backcountry and Barely Made It Out
A bush plane, remote Montana wilderness, and wild cutthroat trout — this video is every fly angler’s fantasy and reality check rolled into one.
Sep 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
First-Ever Archery Bull on Montana Public Land — DIY, Opening Day, 100-Yard Shot
A DIY hunter tagged his first-ever archery bull elk on Montana public land on opening day of the 2026 early archery season — with a 100-yard bow shot.
Sep 12, 2026 · Angela Montana
Region 6 Revealed: The Best Bets for Montana Hunters in 2026 on the MT Outdoor Podcast
In the first episode of the Montana Outdoor Podcast's hunting preview series, Region 6 Wildlife Manager Scott Thompson discusses expectations for the 2026 season, including improving mule deer numbers, below-average whitetail populations, and well-above-average pronghorn in many districts. He also emphasizes public access, hunter ethics, and chronic wasting disease management.
Sep 11, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
DEQ Receives $20.78 Million for Reclamation Costs of the Montana Tunnels Mine near Jefferson City, Montana
HELENA—Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has a received a $20.78 million payment for the reclamation costs of the Montana […]
Sep 11, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Special elk hunting access drawing in Deer Lodge Oct. 1
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Sep 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 9.11.26
Don Wilkins' Fort Peck fishing report highlights successful catches of walleye, pike, smallmouth, and lake trout. Walleye thrive on crankbaits and bottom bouncers at 25-35 feet; pike prefer deeper trolling. Smallmouth are found at main lake points, while lake trout action improves in the afternoon at deeper flats.
Sep 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Some nonresidents gaming system to hunt Montana elk
A legislative panel in Montana discussed concerns that affluent hunters are exploiting hunting programs to obtain nonresident elk tags. Evidence includes wealthy buyers subdividing large ranches to gain landowner preference. Recommendations to address inequities include waiting periods for land purchases and limiting permits for nonresident landowners to ensure fairness for residents.
Sep 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
A Giant Bull and an Even Bigger Dose of Perspective
Hunter Mike Stolt shares a reflective experience after tagging a bull and questioning his future solo hunts due to his age and physical condition. Meeting 76-year-old Mr. Preston, who still actively hunted despite health challenges, reignited Stolt's passion for the mountains, emphasizing the present moment over physical limitations.
Sep 9, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
$27,000 for feeding bears and coyotes: Fair fine or too steep?
A man in British Columbia was hit with a $27,000 penalty for intentionally feeding bears and coyotes near a popular […]
Sep 9, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Fundraiser launched for woman severely injured in grizzly bear attack
A fundraiser has been launched to support a woman who was severely injured in a grizzly bear encounter in northwest […]
Sep 9, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Hunt for Balance: Montana Puts Nonresident Hunting Under the Microscope
Montana is examining the impact of nonresident hunters on local hunting experiences through the Montana Hunters First Act. New research indicates rising nonresident license sales, prompting a public survey to gather hunter perspectives. The findings will influence license allocations and future hunting regulations as FWP prepares its final report.
Sep 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
One Tag, One Giant Bull, One Possible World Record
Talk about showing up and accidentally rewriting the record book. According to an article from Outdoor Life, Illinois bowhunter Drew […]
Sep 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
First Bull, Full Send!
Jackson Heino achieved an impressive feat by harvesting a Montana bull elk on his first archery hunt, showcasing his skills and dedication. Hunt Montana, a lifestyle brand promoting outdoor adventures, extends good wishes to all hunters this season, reminding them to hunt safely and stay updated with the Montana FWP regulations.
Sep 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 9.8.26
September fishing is thriving across various locations, with walleye, rainbow trout, and kokanee actively biting. Key spots include Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter. Techniques vary from trolling to jigging with specific baits. The kokanee salmon snagging season is also open, allowing anglers to catch larger fish.
Sep 7, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
The Warden Was Already Watching — Three Hunters Didn’t Know It
A Montana game warden watched three hunters shoot a mule deer buck through his scope before walking down to ask one question. Here’s what happened.
Sep 6, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan
Glacier National Park Announces Temporary Alpine Closures Due to Heavy Rainfall
WEST GLACIER, Mont. – Glacier National Park is implementing a temporary road closure of the alpine sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The closure […]
Sep 6, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
48 Charges, 20 Dead Bucks, and One Poacher Near Whitefish — Why This Case Matters
A poacher near Whitefish racked up 48 charges after killing 20+ mature bucks and leaving them to rot. Here’s why this case matters to every Montana hunter.
Sep 5, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Reports: September 5th
Changes are happening around Montana with weather conditions, regulations, and fishing conditions. Get prepared, and be prepared right here for […]
Sep 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
A New Fishing Spot Could Be on the Horizon in Montana
Montana FWP has added a proposal to convert Thompson Island into a public fishing access site to the Oct. 15 Fish and Wildlife Commission agenda. The state would acquire a 32-acre island and access easement. Other discussion topics include fishing regulations, grizzly bear releases, and public use fees. Comments are due by Sept. 24.
Sep 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
USACE Statement on Glasgow Fire at Fort Peck Powerhouse
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that Fort Peck Powerhouse's generating units resumed service after a grass fire incident late Thursday. All personnel were evacuated safely with no injuries. Emergency services managed the fire, and the units were offline briefly for safety checks. Investigations are ongoing, and powerhouse tours are canceled.
Sep 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Wilkins Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 9.4.26
Walleye and lake trout are being caught in deeper waters, 25-40 feet and 125-140 feet respectively, with jigging techniques proving effective. Deep-running lures, particularly the Salmo freedivers, work well for walleye. For pike, trolling crankbaits in white or silver has yielded better results, especially in the mornings.
Sep 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
Crews Bring Glasgow Back to Light After Power Outage
On Thursday night, over 3,100 Northwestern Energy customers in Glasgow experienced a power outage due to a damaged transmission line. The issue started around 11 p.m., but crews worked promptly, restoring power by approximately 12:17 a.m. Efforts continue to ensure reliable electricity for Glasgow and nearby areas.
Sep 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
Survey reveals what concerns state land users
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking public feedback to improve outdated rules regarding recreational use of state lands, focusing on trapping and motorized activities. With a comment period open until September 25, the aim is to increase clarity and consistency across regulations, reflecting public concerns and promoting equitable access.
Sep 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
An angler’s Giant Catfish Might Earn Him $20,000
Tyler Harmon and his son made an unforgettable catch while fishing on the Ohio River, reeling in a 72.75-pound blue catfish, setting a new West Virginia state record. Harmon's son initially mistook the fish for a shark. The catch, made on a specific fishing rod, could qualify Harmon for a $20,000 payout.
Sep 3, 2026 · Angela Montana
Holter’s Menu: Big Kokanee, Wandering Walleye and Picky Perch
Holter’s kokanee are proving elusive, with varying success among anglers. Currently, trolling at depths of 60' to 90' yields fish averaging 2-5 pounds, using dodgers and squid or wedding rings. Walleye are also active, favoring drop-offs and responding well to jerk baits. Perch catches remain inconsistent.