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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,…
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Montana Hunting Licenses Go on Sale March 1: What Opens, What Changed This Year, and What to Check Before You Buy
March 1 is Montana’s “opening day for paperwork”: licenses go on sale and special draw applications open. With multiple rule…
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2026 Kalispell Wolf Banquet (Feb. 28): Flathead County Fairgrounds Details, Dinner, Raffles, Games & Auction
The 2026 Kalispell Wolf Banquet is set for February 28 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. Expect a hearty…
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Montana Late-Winter Fly Fishing Report & Forecast 2026: Stable Flows, Clear Water, Active Trout on the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone & Missouri
Montana’s late-winter fly fishing has been unusually steady in 2026, with mild temperatures keeping conditions stable. Rising Trout Fly Fishing…
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Life-Saving Skills You Can Learn: Downrigger Dale Interviews Instructor Racheal Vargas
On the Montana Outdoor Podcast, host Downrigger Dale talks with instructor Racheal Vargas (Montana K9 Safety and Montana Health &…
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Montana Drought 2025: Golden Triangle Now in Extreme Drought
Dry February is strangling Montana’s winter moisture recharge. The Golden Triangle has slipped into extreme drought — here’s what it…
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Montana Expands Hunter Education: FWP Adds 7 Regional Technicians as Youth Participation Declines
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is expanding hunter education support by hiring seven regional education technicians, even as youth participation…
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NW Montana Ice & Fishing Report (Feb. 20, 2026): Where Ice Is Still Holding, Where It’s Sketchy, and What’s Biting
From Chancy’s Fish Camp in Evergreen, MT: ice conditions are a mixed bag across NW Montana—some lakes still have decent…
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Montana Closes Female Mountain Lion Harvest in LMU 320 & LMU 121 After Sunset Feb. 21, 2026 (Quota Update)
Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission announces female mountain lion harvest closes in LMU 320 and LMU 121 one-half hour after…
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Fort Peck Lake Ice Update: Main Lake Re-Capped Overnight—Marina Says It’s “Absolutely Not” Safe to Fish
After last night’s refreeze, Fort Peck Lake’s main lake has capped over again—but Fort Peck Marina says it’s “ABSOLUTELY not”…
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Fort Peck Ice Conditions Near the Dam (Feb. 19, 2026): Don Wilkins Checks the Main Channel and Surrounding Areas
With questions swirling from anglers, Don Wilkins went out to verify current ice conditions near the Fort Peck Dam. He…
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Fort Peck Lake Ice Report (Feb. 19, 2026): Significant Open Water, Shorelines Opening Up, Real Feel -16°
Not much has changed in the ice’s favor at Fort Peck Lake this week. Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop reports…
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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Hunting and trapping for bobcats to close in Region 4 on Wednesday
Bobcat hunting and trapping in Montana Region 4 ends on February 11 at midnight. Hunters should check quota status online…
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Game wardens seek Information on Unlawfully Killed Bull Elk West of Roundup
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are seeking the public’s help in gathering information on an unlawfully killed bull…
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Fort Peck’s Duck Creek Ice Report 2.5.26
Lakeridge Lodging reports about 6 inches of ice on Duck Creek at Fort Peck Reservoir. Shorelines are becoming unstable, urging…
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Livingtson, MT Yellowstone River Fishing Report 2.5.26
Winter conditions persist in Yellowstone, with frigid water temperatures and sluggish fish behavior. Nymphing is most effective, while ice and…
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The Allure of Brown Trout Fishing in Montana
Brown trout are the fish equivalent of that quiet guy in the corner who turns out to be way tougher—and…
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Latest Fort Peck Reservoir Water Elevation Forecast 2.4.26
Water elevation on Fort Peck Reservoir in Central and Eastern Montana will depend on upcoming moisture levels and water releases…
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Catch Big Fish and Win Prizes at Georgetown Lake
If you’ve ever looked at a fish and thought, “Yeah… that one deserves some recognition,” The Lakehouse at Georgetown Lake…
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Fort Peck Marina Fishing Highlights with Kyle Mcgaugh
Kyle McGaugh and his crew had a successful fishing trip despite deteriorating ice conditions. They caught nice fish and emphasized…
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Ice Safety Alert: Man Falls Through Ice at Tiber Reservoir
A man fell through ice at Tiber’s west end, but survived due to a flotation suit and ice picks. Unpredictable…
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Why did the Montana elk walk 200 miles to South Dakota?
BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com As any hunter can tell you, elk are frustratingly smart, but they also adhere to certain…
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Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck MT Fishing Report 1.30.26
Ice conditions in the McGuire area were 14”, with good walleye and pike fishing. Rock Creek’s ice is 9-10”, and…
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Skijoring’s Evolution: From Ancient Winter Travel to High-Speed Western Sport
Skijoring began as practical winter travel—skiers pulled by dogs, reindeer, and later horses—before turning into a spectator sport. From early…
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Current Snow Report for Montana Ski Resorts
Montana’s snowpack is only 32% of normal as of January 26, 2026, significantly below the average. A detailed table highlights…
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Essential Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Montana Backcountry Adventures
Montana’s vast wilderness offers unparalleled adventure opportunities, but its remote nature demands careful preparation. Learn key safety tips to make…
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The Rise of Tiber–the Walleye Giant
Tiber Reservoir is evolving and is now a full-blown walleye heavyweight…
