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Montana Outdoor Radio Show – May 9th Recap
Happy Mother’s Day to al the Moms, and Fish On. If you missed last week’s show, catch it here. Montana Outdoor Radio Show · Montana Outdoor Hr 1 May 9th…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The “Anti-Winter” Strategy: Why March and April on the Kootenai are Montana’s Best Kept Secret
Spring fishing in Montana is prime between mid-March and late April, featuring slow trout behavior and a focus on nymphing. Anglers should utilize specific streamers and dry flies during warmer…
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The Big Timber Pond Project: Why Montana Anglers Are Diving Into This Particular Permit Application
Montana’s FWP seeks public comments on the Big Timber Ranch Private Ponds License proposal, focusing on its environmental impact and water management before the March 30, 2026 deadline.
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Pre-Runoff Nymphing: 5 Rivers Still Fishing Before Montana Blows Out
Flows are spiking fast across Western Montana. Here’s which rivers still have fishable nymphing conditions this week — and exactly what to throw.
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Your First Yellowstone Cutthroat: Waters, Timing, and Flies Before Runoff
The pre-runoff window is closing fast in mid-March 2026. Here’s exactly where, when, and how to catch your first Yellowstone cutthroat on the fly.
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Bitterroot Up 55%, Big Hole Surging: Nymph These Montana Rivers This Week
Flows are rising fast. Here’s which Montana rivers still have fishable nymph water this week — and when each one blows out.
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Stillwater Fly Fishing: Montana’s Best Move When Runoff Wins
Montana rivers are blowing out now. Here’s how to pivot to stillwater fly fishing at Canyon Ferry, Holter, and Hauser this spring.
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Fishing Dogs of Montana: Honor Your Best Streamside Partner
A tribute to Montana’s fishing dogs — plus dog-friendly access points and spring runoff safety tips for anglers heading out this season.
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Oregon’s Fishing Ban Push: What Montana Anglers Must Know
Oregon voters may ban fishing entirely. Montana anglers need to understand this growing threat and how to protect their own rights before it crosses state lines.
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When Montana’s Dammed Rivers Fish Best: Reading Release Schedules
Learn how Montana dam release schedules affect trout fishing conditions and discover when to hit blue-ribbon waters for optimal angling success.
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How to Catch Trout During Montana’s Spring Runoff
Learn how to fish during Montana’s spring runoff and high water conditions. Expert tips for finding feeding trout when rivers run high and muddy.
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4-Weight vs 5-Weight: Which Trout Rod for Madison and Spring Creeks Right Now
Pre-runoff windows are open now. Here’s which rod weight actually performs on the Madison, Gallatin, and Montana’s spring creeks this time of year.
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Why the Double Dry Fly Rig Outfishes Modern Setups on Montana Streams
Discover why Montana’s forgotten double dry fly rig catches selective trout when modern setups fail. Learn this elegant technique for summer hatches.
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Why Montana’s Best Trout Anglers Are Ditching PowerBait for Flies
Top trout anglers are abandoning PowerBait for natural techniques. Discover why fly fishing skills matter more than stocked-lake baits in Montana waters.
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Nymph Montana’s Best Rivers Now Before Spring Runoff Blows Them Out
Mid-March is your last best window for nymphing Montana’s top trout rivers. Here’s how to rig up and fish smart before runoff blows it all out.
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Nymph Deep Now: Western Montana’s Pre-Runoff Window Is Closing Fast
Western Montana rivers are rising. You have days—maybe a week—to nymph big trout before runoff kills visibility. Here’s exactly how to fish it.
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Why Fly Fishing Film Tours Matter to Montana’s Rivers
Discover how fly fishing films have become essential to Montana’s angling culture, community identity, and conservation efforts in mountain towns across Big Sky Country.
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Why Montana Anglers Need Fly Fishing Film Tours This Spring
Discover why fly fishing films are essential for Montana anglers during spring fever season, from inspiration to conservation and community connection.
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Skip Yellowstone Crowds: Why Montana’s Best Fishing Is in Your Backyard
Montana’s best fishing isn’t in headline destinations. Skip the crowded national parks and discover world-class angling in your own backyard waters.
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How to Fish Montana’s Rivers When Water Runs Dangerously Low
Montana’s low rivers demand new tactics. Learn essential strategies for fishing drought conditions, protecting trout, and finding success when water levels drop.
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Nymph Montana Trout Now: The Pre-Runoff Window Is Closing on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot & Blackfoot
Western Montana rivers are already running higher than normal for mid-March, and the clear-water nymphing window won’t last. Here’s how to take advantage of pre-runoff conditions—where to go, what to…
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On the Fly?
Fly fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s a lifelong journey of beauty, knowledge, connection, and soul-restoring peace. Read more from Montana Grant…
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Fish Care
Fishing may be a sport, but for some Fly Guys, it’s more about clout than trout. Read more from Montana Grant here…
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BUGS!!!
Bugs may be a nuisance to some, but for anglers, they’re the key to a successful catch—so let’s protect them!
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Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
Winter fly fishing is here—grab your new license, bundle up, and get ready to slow down, savor the solitude, and maybe even find some rising trout!
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Reload!!!
Winter is the perfect time to stock up on your ‘Go To’ flies—check your boxes, sharpen those hooks, and get ready for fishing season without any regrets. Read more from…
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First Fly!!!
Remember your first fly? Whether it was a worm, egg, or the classic Royal Coachman, every great fly tier starts with a simple cast of creativity! Read more from Montana…
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TAKE ME FISHING!!!
When your life partner, kids, or friends are down in the dumps, sad, cranky, and out of sorts, they send out a message for HELP! They are asking for someone…
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WHY HIRE A FISHING GUIDE?
Fishing guides are easy to come by in Montana. Many see guiding as Big money. Others are great rowers but not great fishermen. Why should you hire a guide and…
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TROUT FISHING IS CHANGING!!!
The BEST trout fishing in the world is changing. Blame it on global warming, climate change, overfishing, development, or pollution. What were once the BEST destinations are no longer the…
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TROUT HUNTING!!!
Trout hunting season is on! Hunting trout requires a certain strategy, skills, and tackle. Seeing is believing when trout hunting. Successful Trout Hunters need great optics. Don’t get cheap when…
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activities, Bass Fishing, Boating, Boating Safety, Dry Fly Fishing, Education, Fishing, Float, Fly Fishing, Gear, health, How to, Montana GrantWADE A LITTLE DEEPER!!!
Wading can be dangerous. Fishermen that wet wade or wear expensive waders, always try to get a little deeper. Their goal is to get closer to the fishing spot that…
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BEST OF THE BEST!!!
We have all been influenced by great mentors and fishermen. As kids, we were exposed to men and women that seemed to have the gift. As great anglers, the…
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Becoming an Outdoors Woman, Best of, Boating, Fishing, Float, Fly Fishing, Funny Fishing, Madison River, Montana Fishing, Montana GrantBERTHA’S BEST!!!
Over the years I have guided boatloads of fishermen. Some were celebrities, many were newbies, and lots of kids. I enjoyed fishing with all these guests. When guides reflect, they…
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activities, Best of, Dry Fly Fishing, Education, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Funny Fishing, How to, Montana GrantTHE BUTT FLY!!!
Every fly angler has a ton of their favorite flies. One box may be full of nymphs, another is loaded with dries, and a terrestrial box is also on hand.…
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Big Hole River, Did You Know, Dry Fly Fishing, Education, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Food, health, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, Montana Fly Fishing, Montana GrantSALMON FLY SUFFERING!!!
It seems that aquatic insect and Salmon fly populations are in the decline. This reduction of insects is related to the decline in trout populations of SW Montana. Areas that…
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activities, Dry Fly Fishing, Education, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Flying, Hunting, Kootenai River, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, Montana GrantHELICOPTER ACCESS!!!
Some wealthy people feel entitled to do whatever they want. Their money and connections give them a free ticket to do whatever they please. The rules and regulations are…
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SAVE A FISH!!!
Catch and Release fishing is extremely important to conserve Wild and Native trout fisheries. A great and healthy trout may survive 4-6 hook ups. After that they will die. Great…
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GETTING SKUNKED!!!
Every fisherman has a bad day, occasionally. Getting Skunked Stinks! Not catching anything is not an intentional choice. We don’t wake up thinking, I think I will go fishing and…
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MEN VS. WOMEN FISHING!!!
Competition between men and women seems to be in the news a lot lately. Biological Men are seen as unfair competitors to biological women. How does Biology translate when men…
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activities, Boating, Boating Safety, Did You Know, Dogs, Dry Fly Fishing, Fishing, Float, Fly Fishing, Freezeout Lake WMA, FWP, Gallatin River, Hunting, Madison River, Missouri River, Montana Fishing, Montana Fly Fishing, Rivers, Smith River, whitewater rafting, Yellowstone RiverPAY TO PLAY!!!
On July 1st, anyone using Montana State fishing access sites, State Lands, or Wildlife Management Areas will be required to pay for a state Conservation Stamp. The Conservation stamp costs…
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Boating, Camping, Did You Know, Education, Fishing, Float, Fly Fishing, health, Hunting, Montana GrantBIG FRY COUNTRY!!!
Montana sunbathing smells like frying bacon. Getting a sunburn is easier at higher altitudes. Big Fry Country means that being outdoors in the sun has its risks. Sunburn is a…
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KNOT KNOWLEDGE !!!
Fishing knots are critical to fishing success. Different knots are required for certain line types, gear, and presentations. Not all Knots are created equally. For most of my fishing, I…
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