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 produced action. Here’s what Montana Angler reported on March 6, 2026—and what to expect as spring temperatures rise.

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 out, use caution—ice can change fast when it starts separating from shore.

A joyful kids ice fishing moment at Hebgen Lake captures laughter, excitement, and winter magic with Kids-N-Snow in West Yellowstone—shared by Garrett Ostler on Saturday, March 7. Watch the video and get inspired for your next family day on the ice.

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 fishing well for lakers, and Koocanusa is kicking out rainbows and bull trout. Plus: which Flathead River sloughs are open, a Thompson River update, and an ice-safety reminder.

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 open water.

City crews and the Billings Fire Department moved quickly Thursday after reports of an oily sheen in two Billings waterways. Absorbent booms were deployed to keep the slick from spreading as testing continues to pinpoint the source. Officials say the public is not in danger and the oil did not reach the Yellowstone River or the city’s water intake.

Winter is easing toward early spring across Montana, and anglers are splitting time between lingering lake ice and late-winter river trout fishing. Here’s what changed with longer days, what flies are producing on the Madison and Missouri, and where to listen to both hours of the March 7 Montana Outdoor Radio Show.

March is teasing spring across Montana, but ice conditions are turning more variable—especially near shorelines and pressure cracks. Meanwhile, open water remains consistent, with the Madison and Missouri producing steady trout action on midges, sowbugs, and small nymph rigs. Here’s what to watch and how to adjust your approach right now.

Karl Tyler wanted a cattle ranch since 8th grade—but didn’t have money for land or cattle. On the Montana Outdoor Podcast, he tells Downrigger Dale how hard work and long-term focus took him from washing cars at a dealership to owning multiple dealerships and, ultimately, building a top-tier cattle operation that’s turning heads across the industry.

Kokanee Quinn resurrects a hard-to-find Alaska community-cookbook classic: salmon loaf—made with thawed frozen salmon (not canned) plus a little smoked salmon, cream, butter, Parmesan, lemon zest, and hot sauce. The result eats like a rich salmon burger baked into a loaf with a buttery, crumbly topping—easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests.

Onlookers captured a rare Yellowstone standoff: a bison herd forming a defensive ring around calves as 23 wolves circled for nearly an hour in the Lamar Valley before retreating. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what to watch for as spring wildlife activity ramps up.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks installed an automated gate at Carter’s Bridge Fishing Access Site near Livingston to curb overnight use, vandalism, and after-hours issues. Daytime access remains the same: open daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; overnight camping is prohibited.

Gov. Greg Gianforte, Montana DNRC and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz announced two priority forest management landscapes under Montana’s 20-year Shared Stewardship Agreement—one spanning parts of the Flathead and Kootenai National Forests and another within the Bitterroot—aimed at reducing wildfire risk, improving forest health and supporting wood products jobs.

The U.S. Forest Service will hold a public hearing in Helena on April 1, 2026, on a proposal affecting parts of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Custer Gallatin, and Helena-Lewis and Clark national forests. The Montana Tri-Forest Federal Sustained-Yield Unit aims to provide a predictable timber supply to support local mills, active forest management, and local economies. Oral testimony requires pre-registration by March 31; written comments are accepted through April 10.

A ranching dream that started back in 8th grade. A grind through college struggles and long days at a dealership wash rack. In this Montana Outdoor Podcast sneak peek, Downrigger Dale previews entrepreneur Karl Tyler’s winding path—and teases what might be some of the best cattle in the world. Full episode drops tomorrow morning.

Most Montana basins are now below normal snowpack as of March 1, with conditions commonly ranking in the bottom 5% to 30% of winters on record, according to NRCS. A sharp elevation split remains—higher sites closer to normal, lower sites at record lows—while drought expanded to 95% of the state and early water-supply forecasts point to near-to-below-normal runoff.

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 and plastics in 65–80 feet—while warning that a warm front could quickly end safe ice. Here’s the latest report, plus safety reminders before you go.

An avalanche investigation says a Feb. 22 slide in Idaho buried a Minnesota father and his 21-year-old son just 15 feet apart, creating overlapping transceiver signals that complicated the rescue. The incident unfolded in Carrot Canyon near West Yellowstone during “considerable” avalanche danger above 8,000 feet, with multiple slides triggered on the same slope.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists are back in the Cabinet Mountains near Libby, using hounds to locate mountain lions and collect biological samples. The work adds to more than 25 years of research, helping compare today’s lions with earlier data and informing population estimates, harvest tracking, and long-term management.

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 is still subsurface: nymph rigs through deeper seams and buckets, or covering water with streamers. Here’s what’s working, plus section-by-section tips for fishing the Gallatin from Yellowstone to the Valley.

A Devils Lake yellow perch caught by Alan Hintz and weighed on a certified scale at Woodland Resort came in at 16.5 inches and 2.99 pounds—potentially edging out North Dakota’s long-standing state record. The catch remains unofficial pending the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s required verification period.

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 produced action. Here’s what Montana Angler reported on March 6, 2026—and what to expect as spring temperatures rise.

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 fishing well for lakers, and Koocanusa is kicking out rainbows and bull trout. Plus: which Flathead River sloughs are open, a Thompson River update, and an ice-safety reminder.

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 open water.

March is teasing spring across Montana, but ice conditions are turning more variable—especially near shorelines and pressure cracks. Meanwhile, open water remains consistent, with the Madison and Missouri producing steady trout action on midges, sowbugs, and small nymph rigs. Here’s what to watch and how to adjust your approach right now.

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 and plastics in 65–80 feet—while warning that a warm front could quickly end safe ice. Here’s the latest report, plus safety reminders before you go.

Karl Tyler wanted a cattle ranch since 8th grade—but didn’t have money for land or cattle. On the Montana Outdoor Podcast, he tells Downrigger Dale how hard work and long-term focus took him from washing cars at a dealership to owning multiple dealerships and, ultimately, building a top-tier cattle operation that’s turning heads across the industry.

Winter is easing toward early spring across Montana, and anglers are splitting time between lingering lake ice and late-winter river trout fishing. Here’s what changed with longer days, what flies are producing on the Madison and Missouri, and where to listen to both hours of the March 7 Montana Outdoor Radio Show.

March is teasing spring across Montana, but ice conditions are turning more variable—especially near shorelines and pressure cracks. Meanwhile, open water remains consistent, with the Madison and Missouri producing steady trout action on midges, sowbugs, and small nymph rigs. Here’s what to watch and how to adjust your approach right now.

Organizers of the 1st Annual Fort Peck Montana Tournament of Kings at Fort Peck Lake simplified online registration after angler feedback. When registration opens March 15, 2026, only the team captain must enter an SSN at sign-up; other team members can provide SSNs at check-in. An EIN option is available, and organizers say the form is secure and encrypted.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks installed an automated gate at Carter’s Bridge Fishing Access Site near Livingston to curb overnight use, vandalism, and after-hours issues. Daytime access remains the same: open daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; overnight camping is prohibited.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists are back in the Cabinet Mountains near Libby, using hounds to locate mountain lions and collect biological samples. The work adds to more than 25 years of research, helping compare today’s lions with earlier data and informing population estimates, harvest tracking, and long-term management.

Want a job that keeps you outside? Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hiring a full-time position based in the Plentywood area, with work ranging from state park and fishing access support to maintenance, signage, and hunting-season assistance. Full benefits included; applications due March 15 at 11:59 p.m.

Kokanee Quinn resurrects a hard-to-find Alaska community-cookbook classic: salmon loaf—made with thawed frozen salmon (not canned) plus a little smoked salmon, cream, butter, Parmesan, lemon zest, and hot sauce. The result eats like a rich salmon burger baked into a loaf with a buttery, crumbly topping—easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests.

Bored of basic beef jerky? These five wildly unique jerky recipes—from Dr Pepper Jalapeño to chocolate-covered, coffee-marinated, maple syrup, and Bloody Mary—bring sweet heat, smoky depth, and serious snack-time swagger.

Fire up the grill for Kokanee Quinn’s bison (or elk) tri-tip topped with a bright red bell pepper chimichurri—parsley, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and a touch of heat. Simple prep, big wild-game payoff.