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Experience Montana’s Free Fishing Days This Father’s Day
Montana offers a unique gift idea for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day: a free weekend of fishing without a license.…
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Sneaky Bull Snake: A Bird Nest’s Security Nightmare
A Bull snake was spotted emerging from sparrow nests in Park Grove, Montana, highlighting the security risks of bird real…
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Yellowstone’s Brave Sandhill Crane Takes on Grizzly Bear
Nature constantly reminds us that attitude can completely override a size disadvantage, as proven by a remarkable viral video captured…
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Trophy Deer Poaching Scandal: Consequences and Lessons
Tony Zimbelman from Pondera County thought he had the ultimate bragging rights after claiming he bagged an absolute monster of…
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Different Horsepower, Same Montana Spirit: Bozeman Producer Scores Big in MSGA Raffle
Montana’s agricultural community celebrates Dale Flikkema, a Bozeman rancher who won a Massey Ferguson MF7S.155 tractor in the MSGA Blue…
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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…
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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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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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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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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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More Than Just a Face-Lift: The St. Mary Diversion Dam is Leveling Up
The Milk River Project’s St. Mary Diversion Dam is transforming from a construction zone into a modern engineering marvel, enhancing…
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Tight Lines and Heavy Bags: FVBL Kicks Off Season at Echo Lake
The Flathead Valley Bass League launched its season with a competitive event where Jack Carroll and Andrew Turner claimed first…
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Dock on the Run: Fourchette Bay Edition
High winds have displaced the courtesy dock across the boat ramp at Fourchette Bay, rendering it unusable. USACE crews are…
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Reel in the Fun: Trace’s Tacklebox Kids Fishing Clinic!
Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop is hosting Trace’s Tacklebox Kids Fishing Clinic on May 31st at 10 AM, offering young…
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West Boulder River public access dispute resolved
In 2025, modifications were made to a fence blocking access to the West Boulder River after negotiations, allowing public access…
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Navigating Spring Runoff: Montana Fishing Insights for the Livingston Area
This fishing report highlights warm temperatures leading to significant spring runoff in Montana, affecting river conditions. Strategic fishing locations focus…
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“What’s the Scariest Thing in Montana?” (Spoiler: It’s Complicated)
In a Facebook group focused on Montana appreciation, members discussed their fears, primarily directed at outsiders, political divisions, and local…
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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.…
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Why You Should Be Glad Flathead Lake Only Has a “Monster” and Not This Creature
Forget the local legends about “Nessie” cousins lurking in Fort Peck or Flathead Lake; Montana’s waters are practically a spa…
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MT Outdoor Podcast: Transforming Students Through Archery in Montana
This week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast features host Downrigger Dale and Ryan Schmaltz discussing the impactful Archery in the Schools Program,…
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Bison Grazing Rights at Risk: A Land Use Controversy
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s proposed policy favors cattle over bison on federal lands, leading to significant economic, tribal…
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Restoration Efforts Set to Begin at Salish Point: Protecting Flathead Lake’s Shoreline
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Polson City will begin the Salish Point Shoreline Restoration Project on April 13…
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Germany’s Wolf Management: Lessons from Montana’s Conservation History
While the urban sprawl of Hamburg seems a world away from the peaks of the American West, a recent incident…
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Game wardens seek information on blow-darted ducks in Billings
BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are seeking the public’s help in gathering information on a series of potentially related instances of ducks shot…
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MT Outdoor Podcast: Choosing Between Diesel and Gasoline Engines
In this episode of the Montana Outdoor Podcast, host Downrigger Dale interviews Josh Parrow, a skilled Diesel Technician, sharing insights…
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The Secrets of Night Fishing: Gear and Timing for Success
Night fishing in Montana offers a refreshing experience amidst tranquil surroundings. Targeting trophy trout with specific techniques, the activity emphasizes…
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Spring Creek Fishing Tips for Paradise Valley
Yellowstone Angler recommends using a Livingston Rod Co 8’9″ 3-weight for fishing Spring Creeks, advising stealthy approaches and specific tactics…
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Opportunity for Anglers: Shape Montana’s Fishery Future
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks a “Licensed Angler” for its Citizen Review Panel to assist in restoring wild fish…
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Week 2 Update on the 2026 Spring Mack Days Fishing Frenzy on Flathead Lake
The 2026 Spring Mack Days fishing tournament is underway, with anglers catching over 5,100 lake trout. The competition runs until…
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Early Spring Fishing Report: Navigating Flathead Valley’s River Flows
In March, the Flathead Valley’s unpredictable weather has led to unusual fishing conditions. Despite challenges, trout fishing is thriving, with…
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Kickoff to Spring at Hell Creek Marina
As of March 22, 2026, ice has melted and Hell Creek Marina is open, heralding an exciting season ahead at…
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Lake Access Restored: Hell Creek Marina’s Latest Update
Between a sudden 80° fever and a little help from the wind, Mother Nature just gave the ice an eviction…
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Hebgen Lake Ice Fishing 3.20.26
Garrett Ostler is relishing the lovely weather and ice conditions at Hebgen Lake, as shared in his video.
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Goldfish, Pike, and the “Wrong” Kind of Romance: Montana’s 2026 Underwater Eviction Notice
If you thought your dating life was complicated, try being a Westslope Cutthroat Trout in the Big Hole Drainage. Between…
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Beefing Up the Defense: Why Montana Ranchers Are Heading to Court Over I-194
Montana’s MSGA opposes ballot initiative I-194, which they argue restricts free speech by banning certain entities from influencing political matters.…
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Bear’s Dinner Party: Why Your Favorite Bozeman Trails are Temporarily Off-Limits
Due to a wildlife attractant’s presence, the Bozeman Ranger District has closed popular hiking trails around Big Sky from March…
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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.…
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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…
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From the Big Sky to Big Water: Why Montana Sledders Should Take Note of the Michigan “Ice-Capades”
A snowmobiler in Michigan floated on ice near Mackinac Island during a storm, highlighting dangers of unstable ice. Safety gear…
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Montana’s Wolf Season: That’s a Wrap for 2025-2026
The Montana wolf season ended on March 15, with 243 wolves harvested out of a quota of 452. Region 1…
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The Great Madison Range Meet-Up: Giving Bighorn Sheep a Lift
In the world of Montana real estate, the Madison Range has a bit of a “middle child” problem. To the…
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Anglers Brave Wind and Snow for First Week of 2026 Spring Mack Days
The first week of the 2026 Spring Mack Days saw nearly 1,900 lake trout caught despite harsh winter conditions. The…
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Montana Deer & Elk Permit Application Deadline, April 1
If deer or elk hunting is on your Montana to-do list this year, remember that the deadline to apply for…
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Celebrate Fishing Conservation at the Wolf Point Walleyes Unlimited Annual Banquet
Join the 40th Annual Walleyes Unlimited Banquet on March 21 in Wolf Point, Montana, featuring dinner, raffles, and prizes, while…
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Special Youth Turkey Hunt Opportunity in Flathead Valley, Montana
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a free youth turkey hunt on May 2-3, 2026, for ages 10-15, including…
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Don’t Miss the April 2026 MTA Banquet – Tickets Available Now!
The Montana Trappers Association Banquet on April 11, 2026, at Anaconda Elks Lodge features good food, entertainment, and community spirit,…
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Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 3.13.26
This past week, fishing on Peck was impossible due to warm weather and unsafe ice conditions, signaling the end of…
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Paddlefish Permit Deadline Approaches: Apply by April 1
Apply for paddlefish permits by April 1 to participate in the unique season. Applications are easy online or in-person at…
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Understanding Wildlife Management Beyond AI
Hyper-real AI wildlife clips can feel more convincing than reality—until you notice the cartoon voiceovers and emotional storylines. But wolves…
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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…
