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How to Navigate FWP’s Hunting and Fishing Reg System Before Spring Seasons Open
Montana FWP’s updated reg system is live. Here’s how to navigate it fast before spring turkey, bear, and paddlefish deadlines hit.
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Bighorn River Fishing Report (St. Xavier) — March 11, 2026: Windy Week, Strong Nymphing on Sowbugs & Scuds, Plus Streamers
The Bighorn near St. Xavier is setting up for a productive week despite strong winds. Expect slightly warmer temps than Bozeman, consistent trout feeding on sowbugs and scuds, and surprisingly…
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Nature is Fundamental to Ensuring that Economics and Communities in Montana Thrive
Investing in nature is one of the smartest investments governments can make, given the economic, health and public safety benefits nature provides, according to a new report commissioned by The…
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Where to Fish Montana This Weekend: 72 MPH Winds and Rising Rivers
Western Montana rivers climbing fast with incoming storm. Madison stable at 329 cfs. Wind gusts to 72 mph today—here’s where to fish.
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Montana’s Ice-Out Fishing: Where to Hit Rivers and Reservoirs This Mid-March
Montana’s mid-March ice-out brings prime spring fishing! Rivers warming, reservoirs opening up. Get the hottest spots and tactics for this week.
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When to Get Off the Ice: Canyon Ferry, Fort Peck & Flathead Lake Safety Before Ice-Out
Montana’s ice fishing season nears end as March brings dangerous ice conditions. Essential safety tips for Canyon Ferry, Fort Peck & Flathead Lake.
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FWP’s Hogan’s Slough Notice: What Region 5 Anglers Need to Check Now
FWP just posted new public notices affecting spring access and water projects. Here’s what Montana hunters and anglers need to know right now.
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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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Spring FWP Closures Every Montana Hunter and Angler Must Know
FWP spring 2026 closures affect bear, turkey, shed hunting & fishing. Here’s what you need to know before heading out this week.
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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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2026 Montana Fishing Licenses Are On Sale Now: Prices, License Types, Stamps, and the Fastest Way to Buy
Montana’s spring bite is already turning on—and 2026 fishing licenses are available now. Here’s the simple breakdown of resident and nonresident costs, the required Conservation License, species-specific permits (like paddlefish…
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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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Montana River Report: Western Rivers Spike 14% as March Melt Arrives (Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Blackfoot)
Southwest Montana rivers are holding steady and fishing well, but Western Montana is already surging—up 13–14% this week on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot as snowmelt kicks in. With…
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Upper Salmon River Steelhead Report (March 10, 2026): Improving Catch Rates, Stable Temps, and What to Watch Next
Idaho Fish and Game’s March 10, 2026 update points to increasing steelhead presence on the Upper Salmon River, with creel data showing improving angler success and river conditions (temperature and…
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Jefferson River Fishing Report (Early Spring 2026): Where to Find Trout, Best Nymphs, and the Afternoon Bite
The Jefferson River is fishing tough but doable in early spring. Slow down, get deep in softer inside water, and plan around late morning through mid-afternoon. Here’s the latest Jefferson…
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Montana Dangerous Ice Warning (March 11, 2026): Canyon Ferry, Holter, Fort Peck & Flathead Lake Conditions
Mid-March is Montana’s most dangerous stretch for ice fishing. Here’s what local guides, marina operators, and FWP officials are seeing on Canyon Ferry, Holter, Fort Peck, and Flathead—plus late-season safety…
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5 Weird Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Catch Big Largemouth (Video)
Bass anglers will try almost anything to trigger a strike—and sometimes the strangest-looking baits are the ones that get crushed. Here are five of the “weirdest” bass fishing lures anglers…
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Montana Fishing Forecast (Mid-March): Ice-Out Updates, Best Rivers & Lakes, and Top Flies as Spring Starts
Mid-March is Montana’s ice-out hinge point: dangerous, variable ice on many reservoirs, but growing open-water options and the season’s first meaningful midge windows. Here’s a historically grounded look at where…
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Pre-Spawn Walleye Are Moving: How to Dial the Jig Bite Before They Slide Shallow
There’s a short spring window when pre-spawn walleye stack on breaks and points and the jig bite turns from slow to ridiculous. Here’s what Fish Head Assassin says to watch—water…
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Bozeman Early Spring Trout Fishing Report (March 9, 2026): Best Techniques, Flies, and Peak Time Windows
Early spring trout fishing near Bozeman is improving week by week as rivers transition out of winter mode. Here’s what’s working right now—best time of day, where trout are holding,…
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Lake Fork Tournament Cheating Scandal: Angler Accused After Weights Found Inside Largemouth Bass
A Lake Fork, Texas fishing tournament turned surreal when staff used a metal-detecting wand on a largemouth bass—and later, game wardens reportedly found fishing weights inside the fish. Now the…
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Missouri River Fishing in March 2026: Unpredictable Weather, Midge Hatches, and Prime Streamer Days
March on Montana’s Missouri River is rarely predictable—and 2026 could be even more of a wildcard with low snowpack and warming water. Here’s what to expect for midges, nymphing, streamer…
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Montana FWP Upper Missouri River Fisheries Meeting (March 16, Helena): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter Updates
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hosts its annual Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan update on March 16 at 6 p.m. in Helena. Hear population trends and management updates…
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Fort Peck King Salmon Derby: Registration Opens in 6 Days (150-Boat Limit) — Get Your Team Ready
Online registration for the 1st Annual Fort Peck Montana Tournament of Kings opens in 6 days, and with a 150-boat limit, spots could go fast. Here’s what to do now…
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7 Rookie Ice Fishing Mistakes That Cost You Fish (And How to Avoid Them)
Ice fishing isn’t just drilling a hole and waiting. Catch more fish by moving, experimenting with depth and presentations, and paying attention to structure—plus learn seven common rookie mistakes to…
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Spring Walleye Fishing Tips That Work: Live-Bait Jigging, Channel Points, and a First Run in a New Warrior Boat
In a new on-the-water video, Tom Boley breaks in a new Warrior Boat while targeting early-spring walleyes with a simple, effective plan: jig live bait on channel points, lean on…
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Stillwater River Fishing Report: Cold Water Now, Better Trout Action Ahead This Spring (Montana, March 6, 2026)
Montana’s Stillwater River is still running cold despite a warmer-than-average winter, keeping fishing from fully turning on yet. Low flows have trout holding in deeper slots, where patient nymphing has…
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Seeley Lake Ice Is Pulling Away From Shore: Anglers Report Deteriorating Conditions on the North End
Local anglers say ice conditions on the north end of Seeley Lake are deteriorating as warmer weather moves in, with open water growing along the shoreline. If you’re considering going…
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NW Montana Fishing Report (March 5, 2026): Echo Open, Flathead Lake Laker Bite, Koocanusa Rainbows — Chancy’s Fish Camp
Northwest Montana waters are opening up fast. Chancy’s Fish Camp reports Echo Lake is fully open with early smallmouth showing, McGregor is producing lake trout and rainbows, Flathead Lake is…
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Canyon Ferry Lake Ice Is Gone: Boat Ramps Open and Spring Fishing Season Is Underway
Winter finally let go at Canyon Ferry Lake: the ice is officially gone, boats are already launching, and the ramps are open for spring anglers ready to get back on…
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Fort Peck Ice Fishing Report (March 6, 2026): Rock Creek Lakers in 65–80 Feet as Warm Front Threatens Safe Ice
A short cold snap tightened the ice on Rock Creek just enough for Don Wilkins to get back out on Fort Peck and pick up several lake trout on jigs…
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Best Nymph Rigs for the Gallatin River (Plus Top Flies & Where to Fish at 301 CFS)
With the Gallatin running at 301 CFS at Gallatin Gateway, The River’s Edge reports fishing has been phenomenal—and even a colder stretch shouldn’t slow the bite much. Most consistent action…
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Tongue River Reservoir Ice Update: Open Water at Ramps, But Boating Still Limited (FWP Report)
Spring breakup is underway at Tongue River Reservoir, with open water at both ramps and a few boats already out. But ice still blocks key stretches near the dam, between…
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10-Year-Old Lands Vermont State-Record Fish and $26K Prize — Why Fishing Derbies Keep Hooking Anglers
A 10-year-old angler landed a 28.5-pound freshwater drum during the Lake Champlain International Father’s Day Derby and eventually earned Vermont state-record certification — plus about $26,000 in prize money. From…
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Fort Peck Lake Ice Report (March 2): Hell Creek Marina Says “Walk-On” Conditions Are Back
Hell Creek Marina in Jordan, Montana shared a March 2 ice update for Fort Peck Lake: based on water clarity, it appears the lake has rolled over and conditions are…
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Kootenai River Fishing Report (Montana) Feb. 28, 2026: 4,000 CFS Flows, Cold Water Nymphing & Streamer Tips
Low, steady flows out of Libby Dam (4,000 cfs) and mild weather have the Kootenai River fishing very doable heading into early March. With water temps around 40°F, expect limited…
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Livingston, MT Fishing Report (Feb 15–Mid-March): Prime Afternoons, Slow Water, and a Growing Shot at Big Pre-Spawn Rainbows
Winter still has a say, but the Livingston-area bite improves steadily through mid-March—especially for bigger pre-spawn rainbows. Focus on afternoons (possibly late morning by March 1), fish low-and-slow in deep…
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Tongue River Marina Ice Fishing Report (Feb. 28): Open Water Growing Near Ramp, Marina Bay Still Iced
Tongue River Marina reports 15–20 feet of open water off the ramp, with Marina Bay still mostly iced over but improving. More open water is showing from Rattlesnake south toward…
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Whitefish & Kalispell Fishing Report (Feb. 27, 2026): Whitefish Lake Ice Holds Strong, Flathead River Bites on Sunny Days
Winter isn’t letting go yet—Whitefish Lake remains locked up with lake trout cruising deep structure, while the Flathead River rewards anglers who time it right. Here’s what’s producing now, from…
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Bitterroot Lake Ice Update (Feb. 27, 2026): 4–5 Inches at North Access, Open Water at Reeds & South Ramp — No Machines
Bitterroot Lake ice has shrunk significantly with warm weather and wind. The north end county access is now 4–5 inches, the reeds are open water, and the south end boat…
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Fort Peck Rock Creek Ice Update: Rapid Deterioration After Warm, Windy Days—Use Extreme Caution
Rock Creek ice briefly improved with last week’s colder weather, but recent warmth and wind have quickly degraded conditions. With no real cold ahead, the ice season is wrapping up—use…
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Lake Cascade Perch Debate: Would a 14-Inch Slot Limit Bring Back the 2-Pounders?
Anglers are split over Lake Cascade’s missing 2-pound perch: is it a natural age-class reset, or too much harvest and pressure? One longtime angler says the lake is loaded with…
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Bitterroot River Fishing Report (Feb 25, 2026): Late-Winter Flows, Best Nymphs, Midges & Streamer Tips
Grizzly Hackle’s boots-on-the-ground Bitterroot River report for Feb. 25, 2026: clear, stable flows; trout holding deep; nymphing still king with heavy stones, worms, and flashy perdigons. Expect afternoon midges on…
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Bitterroot Lake Ice Report (Feb. 25, 2026): 5–5.5 Inches Most Areas Ahead of Margo’s March Madness Derby
Bitterroot Lake is fishable heading into Margo’s March Madness Fishing Derby (Feb. 28–March 1). As of Feb. 25, 2026: no snow on the ice, mostly clear visibility, and roughly 5–5.5…
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Yellowstone River Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Cold Water, Sluggish Fish, Best Nymph & Streamer Tips + Fly List
Ice and slush have mostly melted, but the Yellowstone River is still very cold and fish are sluggish. Nymphing is the most effective approach right now; if you throw streamers,…
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From Leather & Wood to Plano Plastics: The Evolution of the Tackle Box
Tackle boxes started as leather and wood in the late 1800s, shifted to mass-produced metal, and then boomed into post–World War II plastic icons from brands like Plano and UMCO.…
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Missouri River Below Holter Dam Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Winter Bite, Flows & What’s Working
It’s a deep-freeze on the Missouri River below Holter Dam, but the fishing has stayed surprisingly solid for anglers willing to layer up and work for it. Here’s the latest…
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Tongue River Marina Ice Report (Feb. 20): Open Water Near Campers Point & Possible Hidden Weak Ice
Feb. 20 update: Open water is visible near Campers Point South (from the road) and reported off Campers Point North by the pond. Warm temps, wind, and snow cover may…
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Hell Creek Marina Ice Report (Feb. 22, 2026): SxS OK to Lucky Point, 4-Wheelers to Johnson; Main Lake Open
Hell Creek Marina’s Feb. 22, 2026 ice update says a cold snap improved conditions: SxS are reported good to Lucky Point, 4-wheelers from Lucky Point to Johnson, with questionable ice…
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Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Final Winter Update + Urgent Ice Safety Warning as Canyon Ferry Opens Up
Final winter fishing report for Helena-area reservoirs before updates resume in April. Ice is highly variable and can change fast, and Canyon Ferry’s south end is seeing expanding open water…
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