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Ready, Aim, Mentorship! First Hunt Foundation’s “Shoot for a Cause” is Back This July
Join the First Hunt Foundation’s “Shoot for a Cause” event on July 11, 2026, at Pondera Shooting Sports Club, Montana.…
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Attention Milk River Pump Contracts
On May 27, 2026, The Milk River Project reminded Bureau of Reclamation pump contractors to place water orders before diverting…
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State Seeks Your Blueprint for Shooting Ranges
Montana is enhancing its shooting facilities through House Bill 899, led by Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe. The newly formed Montana State…
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How to Flex Your Angling Skills This Weekend (Even If You’re Packed for a Soccer Tournament)
FlowFishing.org is hosting a free virtual bass tournament from May 29th–31st, allowing busy anglers to compete on their own schedules.…
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Paraglider Survives Plane Crash with a Parachute and a Prayer
When you head up into the mountains for a casual paragliding session, the last thing you expect to see behind…
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The Largest Expansion of Outdoor Access in US History
The Department of the Interior has announced the largest expansion of outdoor access in U.S. history, providing 1,450 new hunting…
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Join a Bear Aware Meeting in Fort Belknap
Grizzly bears are expanding their range eastward, prompting a community Bear Aware Meeting hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks…
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Western Montana Fly Fishing Report for May 24-30, 2026
This week’s fishing forecast for Western Montana highlights improved conditions despite ongoing spring runoff. The Bitterroot River is the top…
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The Ultimate Guide to Getting a $100,000 Fine (and Becoming Bear Bait)
We’ve all seen some questionable behavior on social media, but a couple of recent images circulating out of Smithers, BC,…
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The Helena-Area Hookup for 5.26.26: Walleyes Waking Up, Trout on the Tear
The warming weather has improved fishing across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs. Walleyes are active, with good catches reported…
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Reel in the Thrills: Why the 39th Annual Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament is This Summer’s Ultimate Must-Attend Event!
The 39th Annual Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament will take place from July 9-11, 2026, at Fort Peck, Montana. Featuring…
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Master the Art of Smoky Venison Meatloaf
This smoky venison meatloaf recipe by Jenn Yarbrough transforms traditional comfort food with wood-fired flavor. By mixing venison with beef…
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Kootenai River Report: Massive Flow Increases Ahead
Starting Monday evening, Libby Dam will increase Kootenai River outflows to 25,000 cfs, creating challenging fishing conditions as fish adapt.…
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Catching Memorial Day Memories
The Fort Peck Headquarters got some VIP company over the holiday weekend. Kelsey—daughter of the Captain himself—and her boyfriend, Chris…
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Late-May Brings Exceptional, Crowd-Free Fishing to the Land of Giants
The spring spawning cycle near Hauser Dam has ended, prompting fish to focus on hunting. As fishing conditions peak, the…
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The True Price of the Great Outdoors: What Memorial Day Really Means from the Bank of the River
At dawn, a unique quietness envelops the world, offering freedom and peace as summer begins. Memorial Day, often overshadowed by…
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Transform Your Lunch with This Simple Salmon Salad
Skinnytaste recommends a five-ingredient salmon salad as a refreshing alternative to traditional tuna salad. This easy recipe combines flaked salmon,…
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Young Angler Hooks Unbelievable Northern Pike
Twelve-year-old Josiah Hernandez from Glasgow caught a northern pike while fishing, revealing a 14-inch carp inside its stomach, making for…
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Idaho Couple Donates Land for Nature Preserve
Melody and Charlie Lenkner chose to donate their 330-acre property south of Twin Falls to the Magic Valley Land Trust…
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Angler’s Edge: Captain Matt McComb is Red Hot in the Flathead Valley!
Captain Matt McComb of Fish on Charters is delivering exceptional fishing experiences in Montana’s Flathead Valley. Recent trips to Flathead…
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The Gov Cup Flipped the Script (and Even Bad Anglers Can Win Cash)
The 39th Annual Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament features game-changing payouts, including $20,000 for first place and $40,000 in random-weight…
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Notice: Spring Black Bear Hunting Closes in BMU 700 (Without Hounds)
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced the closure of the spring black bear hunting season in Black Bear…
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Fort Peck Lake: Montana’s Masterclass Fishery
Fort Peck Lake, known for its exceptional fishing, hosted the Crooked Creek Walleye Tournament where competitors caught over 100 pounds…
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Best Fishing Areas in Yellowstone National Park This Spring
As Memorial Day approaches, fishers have experienced success on the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers since May 1st. Snowpack levels…
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Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report, May 22, 2026
Walleye are biting on VMC Mooneye jigs and Marble eye jigs, particularly near main lake points. Smallmouth are responding well…
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Trace’s Tacklebox Kids Fishing Clinic Bringing Community, Healing, and Outdoor Education to Fort Peck Area Youth
On May 31st, Fort Peck, MT, will host the Trace’s Tacklebox Kids Fishing Clinic, a free event honoring Trace Louis.…
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2026 Upper Missouri Paddlefish update IV, May 21, 2026
Paddlefish activity is increasing as Memorial Day approaches, with elevated river flows prompting movement in the upper Missouri. Biologist Cody…
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Stillwater River bank armoring has reduced fish habitat
The 2022 Stillwater River floods prompted extensive bank projects, harming fish habitats. Fisheries biologist Bryan Giordano warns of a 90%…
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Montana Fishing Report: Latest Updates for Successful Anglers
Montana’s fishing report highlights good conditions on lakes and rivers, with notable bear activity closing areas. Effective flies include chironomids…
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Flathead Area Fishing Report: April 2026
Montana’s spring weather fluctuates wildly, slowing high-country snowmelt and benefiting fisheries. Local lakes are reliable for clear water fishing, while…
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Western Montana Fly Fishing Report – Week of May 19, 2026 | Lightweight Fly Shop
Western Montana’s rivers experience high-water conditions from May 19–25, 2026. While improvements are noted, anglers should focus on slow water…
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Ditch the Spray, Bring the Noise: Why California’s National Parks are a Whole Different Ball Game than MT
California prohibits bear spray in national parks due to the presence of only black bears, which are generally less aggressive.…
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Rock Creek Fishing Report: High Water, Small Bugs, and High Hopes, May 18, 2026
Rock Creek is currently flowing at 1,500 CFS and remains clear despite recent cold weather delaying the anticipated Salmonfly hatch.…
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Surviving the Storm: A Moose Hunting Adventure
Talk about a hunting trip turning into a literal wash. In this vintage survival tale by Jerry Valentine (as told…
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Fort Peck Downstream Campground: Good to Go!
Fort Peck Downstream Campground has returned to a positive state, with all issues resolved and a sense of normalcy restored.…
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What’s Hatching and Biting on Bighorn River as of May 18, 2026
Spring has brought excellent fly fishing conditions to Fort Smith, Montana’s Bighorn River, with stable flows and active trout. Anglers…
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Upper Salmon River Chinook update 5.19.2026
Recent data indicates improved prospects for the summer Salmon season, particularly for Sawtooth Chinook stocks, prompting Idaho officials to assess…
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Water Main Break Cuts Supply to Fort Peck Downstream Campground; Repairs Underway
Fort Peck Downstream Campground is experiencing a water supply outage due to a broken potable waterline, affecting several facilities including…
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Calling All Habitat Heroes: Montana FWP Just Dropped a $1.8 Million Eco-Budget
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications for the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program until June 19, offering up to…
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Navigating High Water: Fishing Strategies for Glacier National Park
The Flathead Valley is in “big water” season, presenting challenges for larger rivers but opportunities in smaller streams with active…
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Mastering Montana’s Salmon Fly Hatch Tips
Expert angler John Way emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of Montana’s Salmon Fly hatch to catch trout. His tactics…
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Impact of Tagging on Montana’s Trout Fisheries
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is collaborating with Montana State University on trout research in the upper Jefferson River basin,…
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Cold Weather Fishing: Catching Fish at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter 5.18.26
Despite poor weekend weather keeping most anglers away, those who ventured out found success catching rainbows using various techniques at…
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The Great Northern Mudbug: A Montana Twist on a Southern Classic
David Schmetterling highlights Montana’s native crayfish, emphasizing the enjoyment of catching and preparing them. His recipe offers a flavorful, intimate…
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Clark Fork Fishing Report Scores 2/5 for Fishability by Blackfoot River Outfitters
This weekend in Missoula promises mixed weather with rain and snow, while the Clark Fork River improves in fishability. Fishers…
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What Does a Duck Hear? The Science Behind the “Quack”
Duck calls are designed to mimic specific sounds ducks recognize. Ducks’ auditory systems are sensitive to unique frequencies, enabling them…
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Hook, Line, and… Snagger? BOW Hosts Beginner Paddlefish Workshop
The BOW program hosts a beginner paddlefishing workshop in Miles City, focusing on snagging techniques over two days, covering biology,…
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Ticks: The Tiny Hitchhikers You Didn’t Invite to the Party
Ticks are small creatures that can ruin outdoor activities while transmitting diseases like Lyme Disease. To prevent tick bites, wear…
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The Changes Made to This Year’s Governor’s Cup Are Awesome!
This week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast features host Downrigger Dale interviewing Jason Eggebrecht and Tom Kobza about exciting new changes in…
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Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Make Your Own Salmon Candy
Smoked Candied Salmon is the new favorite road trip snack, combining sweet, smoky, and salty flavors. This upscale Alaskan treat…
