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Upper Salmon River Steelhead Report (Feb. 11–15, 2026): Mild Winter, Stable Flows, and Fish Pushing Farther Upstream
A mild winter kept the Upper Salmon River more open than usual in mid-February, with warmer water, a shorter ice…
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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…
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Smith River Permit Lottery Results Are In: How to Check MyFWP, Super Permit Deadline (March 15) + Launch Rules
Montana FWP has posted Smith River permit drawing results in MyFWP, and successful applicants will also receive their permit by…
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Montana FWP 2026–2027 Conservation & Recreation Permit Season: Expiration Date, Renewal Timeline, and New License Ambassador Program
The current conservation and recreation permit season ends Feb. 28, 2026, and permits must be renewed for the new season…
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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…
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Montana Hunter Ed Registration Is Opening Now: Grab a Spring Seat Before the Summer Rush
More than 15 hunter and bowhunter education courses across north-central Montana are open or about to open for registration. Spring…
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Fort Peck Ice Update: 20–30 mph Winds Break Up Remaining Sheets, Leaving Unstable Ice and Open Water
Strong 20–30 mph winds are rapidly changing conditions on Fort Peck. Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop reports remaining ice sheets…
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Fort Peck Lake Ice Rescue: Search & Rescue, Airboat Crew, and Locals Bring Stranded People Safely Back to Shore
Valley County Search and Rescue responded around 4:00 p.m. after several people became stranded on Fort Peck Lake. An airboat…
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Montana Wolf Harvest Update (Feb. 17, 2026): 229 Wolves Taken Toward 452-Quota; WMU 313 Closed
FWP reports 229 wolves harvested statewide toward a 452-wolf quota (excluding WMUs 313 and 316). Region 1 leads with 96,…
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Montana Boat Inspection Stations Reopen March 7: Key Watercraft Inspection Dates, Locations, and AIS Reports
Montana watercraft inspection stations reopen March 7 in Dillon, Ravalli, and Anaconda as Fish, Wildlife & Parks highlights another year…
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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…
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He Tagged a 170-Inch Alabama Whitetail Legally—Then the Internet Sparked Poaching Rumors and Calls to Game Wardens
DC Tabscott’s 170-inch-plus Alabama buck went viral fast—and so did the accusations. After he posted the deer online, strangers claimed…
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Ice Safety Update: Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop Says Lake Is Blown Open—No Safe Ice Access
Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop shared an update (Feb. 17, ~6:30 p.m.) warning that the ice “did not make it”…
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Deadly Fish Camp Argument in Tuluksak: Alaska Troopers Arrest Man on Second-Degree Murder Charge
Alaska State Troopers say 54-year-old Nelson Hawk was found dead near Tuluksak with a gunshot wound after an alleged argument…
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Tiber Marina Upgrades: Public Meeting Feb. 24, 2026 in Chester (Plus Online Option & Comment Deadline)
The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public feedback on proposed improvements to Tiber Marina at Tiber Reservoir, including expanded campsites…
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Fox Haas Dies at 95: Legendary Turkey Hunter, Mossy Oak Patriarch, and Mississippi Conservation Force
Fox Haas, the celebrated turkey hunter and conservation advocate, has died at 95. From a 75-season run (with only two…
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Ice Fishing Safety Alert: Carbon Monoxide in Shelters Can Turn Deadly—How to Stay Safe with Heaters
A heater inside an ice fishing tent can create a lethal carbon monoxide buildup—an invisible, odorless danger. Learn the key…
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Helena Area Fishing & Ice Report (Feb. 17, 2026): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter & Helena Valley Reservoir
Montana FWP’s latest Helena-area reservoir update: ice is extremely variable, with open water in spots. Here’s where anglers are finding…
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Are Elk Dangerous? What to Know About Aggressive Behavior During the Rut and Calving Season
Elk usually want to avoid people—but they can become dangerous fast during the fall rut or spring calving season. Learn…
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Canyon Ferry Ice Update (Feb. 16): Open Water From the Dam to Confederate Gulch, But Hidden Ice Still Lingers
Anglers report Canyon Ferry is in transition: part ice, part open water, and heavily wind-dependent. Reports say it’s open from…
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February Fishing Report: Missouri River Strategies
The Missouri River fishing is improving despite some wind, with nymphing and midges being effective. Focus on subsurface techniques and…
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The Thrill of Catching Largemouth Bass Under Ice
The video showcases a large largemouth bass beneath ice, demonstrating that these fish remain active in winter. Ice fishing persists…
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Walleye Unlimited Bingo Night: Win Cash and Prizes
Walleye Unlimited Bingo Night returns on February 26, 2026, at The Office Bar in Livingston, featuring a $1,000 final round…
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Winter Fishing Challenges on the Jefferson River in Montana
Winter fishing on the Jefferson River is challenging due to low trout densities. Patience with nymphing is necessary, but better…
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Why Field Dressing Requires Full Focus
Hunting accidents happen. A twisted ankle in rough country. A close call with a falling branch. Even the occasional misplaced…
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Southwest Montana Fishing Report 2.13.26
This winter fishing report for Southwest Montana details favorable conditions with mild temperatures, calm winds, and strong midge hatches. Key…
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NW Montana Fishing Report 2.12.26
The Murphy lake derby is canceled, but several others remain active. Ice conditions vary, with good fishing reported for perch,…
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Forget Ice Cleats? Here’s How to Make Them Yourself!
Forgetting ice cleats can happen, but making your own is a cost-effective alternative. It’s simple, customizable, and can ensure safety…
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The Tuck Away: Unusual Marine Harvesting Incident
A woman was cited for illegally taking two abalones from Van Damme State Park after hiding one in her pants,…
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Elk captured on the Crow Reservation test negative for brucellosis
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, with the Crow Tribe, captured 99 elk to study migration and brucellosis presence. GPS collars…
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Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Cheesy Elk Skillet Lasagna
Kokanee Quinn presents a unique elk skillet lasagna recipe that elevates comfort food with layers of ground elk, three cheeses,…
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Flathead Lake Dam Decisions: How Ripple Effects Travel Downriver to Portland
By popular demand, we’re running last week’s in-depth podcast episode for a second week. Guest Brian Lipscomb explains how what…
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Understanding Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Through History
Montana’s history encompasses a vibrant legacy shaped by diverse communities, emphasizing wildlife conservation and the state’s iconic landscapes, while educational…
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The Dramatic Dating Ritual of Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles engage in a dramatic courtship ritual called “cartwheeling,” where they lock talons and freefall, testing their compatibility and…
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Dam bypass channel changes Lower Yellowstone River fishing
A new bypass channel allows fish to navigate around Intake Diversion Dam, significantly increasing walleye populations in the Lower Yellowstone…
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Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck, MT Fishing Report 2.13.26
Despite warm weather, ice conditions remain stable with 7-13 inches in various areas. Fishing activity is slowing, but decent catches…
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Easy Cheesy Venison Bombs Recipe
As hunting season approaches, families can utilize leftover venison by making cheesy venison bombs, a simple and flavorful dish combining…
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The Lasting Impact of Youth Trapping Camps
The 2015 story on the “No-Name Gang” highlights the lasting benefits of teaching youth trapping, instilling responsibility, ethics, and conservation…
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Captivating Taxidermy: The Art of Realistic Wildlife Displays
A striking black bear mount on a loft railing showcases expert taxidermy craftsmanship. This art form has evolved, capturing lifelike…
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Current Fishing Conditions on the Lower Clark Fork River 2.10.26
The Lower Clark Fork River is fishable, with water temperatures around 45 degrees. Nymphing and streamers are recommended. Expect cool…
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Don Wilkins’ 15-Minute Battle on the Ice
What started as just another drop through the ice quickly turned into something much bigger for angler Don Wilkins. Almost…
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Kootenai River Fishing Conditions: February Update
The Kootenai River is currently fishable with flows at 4,000 cfs and water temperatures around 45 degrees. Focus on subsurface…
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New Backcountry Camping Rules at Beartooth WMA
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will no longer allow caching supplies at Beartooth Wildlife Management Area, enforcing a leave-no-trace policy…
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Tongue River Marina Ice Update 2.10.26
Ice conditions at Tongue River Marina are unstable, with melting shoreline ice and only an inch of edge ice. Anglers…
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Tribal Rights and Bison Grazing: The Montana Debate
American Prairie opposes the BLM’s proposal to revoke grazing permits for bison in Montana, affecting policy and tribal rights, prompting…
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Dillon, MT Beaverhead River Fishing Report 2.9.26
Recent fishing conditions on the Beaverhead have been challenging due to low flows and clear water. Success requires stealth and…
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Open Water Alert: Fishing Conditions at First Lake Near Havre, MT
First Lake near Havre has ample open water according to social media reports, with locals encouraging boat use. Fresno Lake…
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Quick and Simple Walleye Breakfast Dish
Transform walleye into a delicious breakfast with simple ingredients: fillets, eggs, and mozzarella. This straightforward recipe highlights clean flavors, proving…
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Enroll in Spring 2026 Montana Hunter Safety Classes
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers various hunter education options this spring, including in-person classes and online courses, required for…
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Identifying the Animal: Wolf vs. Coyote Controversy
The internet is doing what it does best—arguing. The clip below from Colorado is making the rounds and has some…
