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Wanted: Thinkers, Hunters, and Landowners to Talk Sheep (The Horned Kind)
Montana’s bighorn sheep restoration efforts face challenges due to property lines on private land. To address this, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is forming a five-month advisory panel to find…
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Possible grizzly bear detected near Rotary Pond in Beaver Creek County Park south of Havre
Trail cam footage near Rotary Pond captured a possible grizzly bear sighting. While there have been no conflicts, outdoor enthusiasts in the area should stay vigilant. To ensure safety, they…
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Montana Online Registration for Game Damage Hunts Opens June 15
Starting June 15, Montana hunters can register online for the annual Game Damage Hunt Roster through MyFWP, aimed at curbing damage from deer, elk, and antelope. Registration runs until July…
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Join Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Discussion on June 12, 2026
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission invites public participation on wildlife management issues during a meeting on June 12, 2026, covering elk hunting, beaver relocation, and mountain lion regulations.
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Trade the Office Cubicle for the Great Outdoors: FWP is Hiring in Havre
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hiring a full-time Maintenance Worker 2 in Havre. The role involves maintaining outdoor spaces and offers competitive pay, benefits, and flexible qualifications. Apply by…
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Prime Time Fishing: Helena Area Reservoirs Report, 6.8.26
The Missouri River reservoirs are thriving with walleye and rainbow trout action, particularly in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter. Conditions are excellent for diverse fishing opportunities this week.
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Grizzly Buffet: Part of Point of Rocks FAS Temporarily Closed
A grizzly bear has taken over a section of the Point of Rocks Fishing Access Site in Montana, leading to a partial closure. Authorities advise avoiding the northern portion of…
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Montana’s New Tool Casts a Glimpse Into the Future of Trout Fishing
Montana’s TroutCast is a groundbreaking web tool launched on June 1, 2026, which forecasts the impact of climate change on local trout populations. Combining data from experts, it offers seasonal…
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The Second-Chance Lottery Just Got a Live Leaderboard
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has randomized the June 1 Alternates List for nonresident combo licenses. Hunters can check their rank online through MyFWP. If selected, they have five days…
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Sharp Skills, Zero Bucks: Free Bowhunter Ed in Great Falls This June
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering a free bowhunter education course in Ulm from June 18 to 26, aimed at transitioning archers from basic practice to expert skills. Participants…
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NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMUs 300, 301, 319, 580
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced that hunting districts 300, 301, 319, and 580 will close for all black bear hunting due to exceeding a 37% female harvest.…
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Catch More in Helena: Fishing Reports as of June 1, 2026
The Helena-area reservoirs are currently thriving for anglers, with solid catches of rainbow trout and walleyes reported across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter. Various fishing techniques, including trolling and shore…
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From Poachers to Public Auction: Montana’s Wildest Garage Sale Returns
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a liquidation sale on June 27 at MetraPark in Billings, featuring items confiscated from poachers, such as antlers, skulls, and hides. Attendance is…
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NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 440
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced that the Black Bear Management Unit 440 will be closed to all black bear hunting starting one-half hour after sunset on June…
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Love ’Em or Loathe ’Em, They’re Here: Face Your Fears at First People’s Buffalo Jump
Snakes provoke mixed reactions, seen as either fascinating creatures or terrifying threats. As summer approaches in Montana, First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park offers a guided hike on June 6,…
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2026 Upper Missouri Paddlefish update V, May 27, 2026 by Biologist Cody Nagel
The Upper Missouri Paddlefish update from May 27, 2026, reports that flows are low at 6740 cfs. Paddlefish are being caught in fair numbers from the bridge to Fort Peck’s…
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Director requests PLPW take up corner crossing issue at June meeting in Glasgow
The following is a press release by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shared on Montanaoutdoor.com as a courtesy to our followers: HELENA – Looking at solutions to the corner crossing issue will…
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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 Shooting Facilities and Improvements Task Force seeks input from residents…
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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 and Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife. Scheduled for May 27…
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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 in Canyon Ferry and Lake Helena, while rainbows and kokanee…
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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 Management Unit 700 for hunters without hounds, effective May 23,…
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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 Nagel reports that current flows are 7200 cfs, enhancing angling…
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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 $1.8 million for projects enhancing local ecosystems.
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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, revealing mixed trout population growth in recent sampling and offering…
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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 Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs.
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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, regulations, and hands-on practice for adults 18 and older.
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2026 Northeast Montana Rainbow Trout Stocking Update I
Fish culturist Ryan Lott and his hatchery crew have commenced the 2026 stocking season, distributing rainbow trout across Northeast Montana, including over 30,000 fingerlings via helicopter to various reservoirs.
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All About Paddlefish: New Tagging Options, Paddlefish Season Reminders
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks introduces new tagging options for paddlefish, requiring immediate validation upon harvest. Anglers must comply with specific reporting guidelines and can use e-tags or paper tags…
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Join the Meeting on Cutthroat Trout Restoration Efforts
Montana FWP announced a restoration project to protect westslope cutthroat trout in the Little Belt Mountains, including installing a fish barrier on Harley Creek. A public meeting is scheduled for…
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REMINDER: Lottery for three available upper and West Fork Bitterroot Commercial Use Permits open for entry through May 18
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has opened a lottery for three commercial fishing permits on the upper and West Fork of the Bitterroot River, accepting applications until May 18, 2026.
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Get Ready for May: Montana FWP Hunter Education Schedules
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced Hunter Education classes for May 2026, offering various formats to accommodate learning styles across multiple locations statewide.
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2026 Paddlefish Update II, May 6, 2026
The 2026 Upper Missouri paddlefish season is ongoing, but low river flows are concentrating fish downstream. Anglers are adjusting strategies as snagging activity is expected to rise over weekends.
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Tough Luck, Tires: Fort Peck’s ‘Trout Pond’ Needs a Little Roadside Therapy
The Fort Peck Dredge Cuts Fishing Access Site has restricted motorized vehicle access due to hazards on the dike road. Walk-in access remains available for anglers willing to carry their…
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2026 Elk Hunting Changes in Region 1
Region 1 hunters face new rules for antlerless elk: B-Tags are now private-land only, PTHFV permits no longer cover antlerless elk, and archery hunting for cow elk is discontinued to…
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NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 520
Montana hunting district will close to all black bear hunting half an hour after sunset on May 6, 2026.
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Big Bucks and Bigger Fines: Montana’s 2025 Poaching Recap
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported over $120,000 in fines for poaching and hunting violations, highlighting the importance of compliance. Community tips helped, earning $28,000 in rewards, promoting conservation efforts.
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FWP’s Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report, April 27, 2026
Despite cooler weather reducing crowds, fishing remains productive across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs, particularly for rainbow trout, while walleye and perch catches are slower.
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Join the Free K9 Trap Release Workshop in Montana, April 29
Montana K9 Safety and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are hosting a free K9 Trap & Snare Release Workshop on April 29, 2026, to teach dog owners essential safety skills…
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Final Report on Fort Peck Walleye Egg-Take Operations 2026
The final report of the 2026 walleye spawning season at Fort Peck Reservoir highlights extreme weather conditions and a successful last egg-take yielding 7.3 million eggs, totaling approximately 51 million…
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Missed the draw? Montana’s nonresident backup list opens May 1
Montana’s Nonresident Alternate’s List opens for a second chance at hunting tags from May 1 to June 1. Join for free, with no risk to preference points, and wait for…
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DPHHS, DEQ, FWP release PFAS fish consumption advisories and study results
Montana authorities released new PFAS fish consumption advisories due to detectable pollution levels in select waterbodies. The recommendations aim to inform the public about potential health risks while promoting safe…
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Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park announces tours for 2026 season
Staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are pleased to reopen the cave and the upper visitor center for the 2026 season. Cave tours will be offered May 1…
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Fort Peck’s Walleye “Egg-stravaganza” Hits High Gear
The 2026 walleye spawning season at Fort Peck Reservoir is thriving, with nearly 44 million eggs collected. Biologist Heath Headley reports favorable conditions, aiming for a target of 50 million…
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Official Notice: Spring Black Bear Closure for BMU 411
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed the Spring Black Bear season in Management Unit 411 effective April 23, 2026, transitioning to a hound training season starting April 24,…
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NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 510
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission will close hunting for all black bears in Unit 510 after sunset on April 22, 2026. Hound training season will start April 23, 2026.
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Windy Weather Slows Fort Peck Walleye Spawn Collection: April 17 Update
The annual walleye spawn collection at Fort Peck has yielded 18.6 million eggs despite recent high winds. Crews anticipate increased activity as warmer temperatures encourage female walleye to spawn.
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Mystery Fish Kill: Black Crappie Die-Off Reported at Nelson Reservoir
Montana FWP is investigating a black crappie fish kill at Nelson Reservoir, prompted by reports of dead fish. Biologists are analyzing samples to determine the cause, with no current consumption…
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NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 700 WITH HOUNDS
Montana’s Black Bear Management Unit 700 will prohibit black bear hunting with hounds after sunset on April 19, 2026, reopening for hound training on April 20, 2026.
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Dust Off the Engine: Lake Elmo’s Giving You a Free Pass (Sort Of)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks allows gas motors at Lake Elmo on May 9 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for boat inspections and safety checks before the…
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Unlocking Your Trapping License in Montana: What You Need to Know
Montana trapping licenses open April 15. Hunters must obtain a separate license, take a trapper education course, or show previous experience. Nonresidents need a notarized affidavit for reciprocity.
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