Montana FWP: LMU 422 Will Close to Male Mountain Lion Hunting After Sunset on March 12, 2026

Mar-11-26 by Angela Montana

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has ordered LMU 422 closed to all hunting of male mountain lions one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Check the official quota status page for the latest details.

Where Trophy Whitetails Come From: Boone and Crockett Data Ranks the Top U.S. States (Plus Montana’s Big-Buck Potential)

Mar-11-26 by Angela Montana

Montana’s river bottoms and ranch country can grow gnarly whitetails—but Boone and Crockett’s latest record book shows exactly which states consistently turn out the biggest bucks. Here’s what the 17,000-entry data says about America’s top trophy whitetail destinations, from Wisconsin to the Midwest powerhouses and a few surprise standouts.

Freezout Lake Snow Goose Migration: Why Montana Hunters Should Go in March (Best Scouting Before Fall)

Mar-11-26 by montanaoutdoor

Freezout Lake is famous for fall waterfowl hunting—but March is when it turns into a “snowstorm of wings.” With hundreds of thousands of snow geese and tundra swans staging between Great Falls and Choteau, this is also a rare chance to scout roosts, feed fields, and flight lines you can use next season.

Shed Hunting in Pennsylvania: BoneHeads Outdoors’ “A Nice Set and Shed #80” Shows Why Finding Antlers Is Addictive

Mar-11-26 by montanaoutdoor

On a crisp Pennsylvania morning, BoneHeads Outdoors heads into the woods for “A Nice Set and Shed #80,” a shed-hunting adventure that blends treasure-hunt thrills with real lessons on timing, terrain, and reading wildlife sign.

Jefferson River Fishing Report (Early Spring 2026): Where to Find Trout, Best Nymphs, and the Afternoon Bite

Mar-11-26 by Angela Montana

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 River report from Fins and Feathers (2/5 on March 9, 2026), including the nymph and streamer patterns producing now.

Montana Dangerous Ice Warning (March 11, 2026): Canyon Ferry, Holter, Fort Peck & Flathead Lake Conditions

Mar-11-26 by montanaoutdoor

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 gear, best practices, and when to switch to open water.

5 Weird Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Catch Big Largemouth (Video)

Mar-11-26 by Angela Montana

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 swear by, according to Get Ur Fish On. Watch the video to see them all.

Montana Shed Hunting Hotspots: 7 Public Land Areas to Find Fresh Elk & Deer Antlers in March (Plus Timing & Gear Tips)

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

Montana’s prime shed-hunting window is here. As bulls and bucks start dropping, March 10–25 can be the sweet spot for finding fresh elk and deer antlers on public ground. Here are seven proven public-land areas—from the Missouri River Breaks to the Milk River country—plus practical tips on timing, gear, and reading the landscape so you can cover ground efficiently and boost your odds.

Montana Fishing Forecast (Mid-March): Ice-Out Updates, Best Rivers & Lakes, and Top Flies as Spring Starts

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

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 to go this week, what to throw, and how to stay safe as waters transition to spring.

Pre-Spawn Walleye Are Moving: How to Dial the Jig Bite Before They Slide Shallow

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

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 temps, weight, wind, and timing—so you stay in the strike zone while the fish are still willing.

Colorado Fur Ban Debate Heads to Grand Junction in May, Raising Ethical and Economic Stakes

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

Colorado’s proposed fur ban is set to spark renewed debate in Grand Junction this May, pitting animal-welfare arguments against concerns about rural livelihoods and the state’s long fur-trade history. Here’s what’s at stake, why it matters beyond Colorado, and what to watch as the issue unfolds.

Bozeman Early Spring Trout Fishing Report (March 9, 2026): Best Techniques, Flies, and Peak Time Windows

Mar-10-26 by Angela Montana

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, and the nymph and streamer setups producing on the Gallatin, Madison (upper/lower), and Yellowstone as of March 9, 2026 (5/5).

Lake Fork Tournament Cheating Scandal: Angler Accused After Weights Found Inside Largemouth Bass

Mar-10-26 by Angela Montana

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 angler involved is facing serious legal consequences.

Yellowstone’s First Grizzly Bear Sighting of 2026: Biologists Spot Bear on Bison Carcass in Northern Backcountry

Mar-10-26 by Moosetrack Megan

Yellowstone biologists reported the park’s first grizzly bear sighting of 2026 on March 9, after observing a bear scavenging a bull bison carcass in the northern backcountry. Here’s how this year compares to recent first-sighting dates—and what visitors should know about bear safety as bears emerge from hibernation.

Helicoptering Into Landlocked Public Land in Wyoming for Elk Sparks Viral Rancher Confrontation—and a Theft Charge

Mar-10-26 by Angela Montana

After more than a decade of building Wyoming elk preference points, Andrew McKean and friends cashed in on a hard-to-access unit by flying a helicopter into landlocked public ground surrounded by private ranches. The hunt was lights-out—until a nearby rancher allegedly hauled off an elk head, triggering a tense confrontation, a viral video, and a theft charge.

Montana’s Mysterious “Bleu Horses”: The 39 Blue Steel Sculptures Near Three Forks That Stop Travelers Cold

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

Along Highway 287 near Three Forks, a hilltop herd of 39 life-sized blue steel horses appears to graze and move with the light. Created by Montana artist Jim Dolan and installed in 2013, the Bleu Horses blend art and landscape into an unforgettable roadside landmark.

Yellowstone Wolves Drop to About 90 in 2025: What’s Driving the Decline and Why It Matters

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

Yellowstone National Park reported a notable drop in wolves in 2025—from about 123 in 2024 to around 90—raising new conservation concerns. Here’s what park managers say is contributing to the decline, why wolves matter to the broader ecosystem, and what researchers are watching next.

Yellowstone’s Spring Wildlife Boom: Where to Spot Bison, Elk, Bears, and Wolves This Season

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

As winter loosens its grip, Yellowstone is surging with wildlife activity—from bison calves and meadow-grazing elk to increasingly visible grizzlies and wolves. Here’s why it matters for the park’s ecosystem and the region’s economy, plus how to watch responsibly.

No, Animals Aren’t Fleeing Yellowstone: Experts Debunk the Viral “Exodus” Eruption Rumor

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

Viral posts claim wildlife is fleeing Yellowstone ahead of an eruption—but park officials and scientists say there’s no evidence of unusual animal behavior or elevated volcanic signals. Here’s what experts watch for, why the myth spreads, and where to find reliable updates.

Viral ‘Norris Basin Eruption’ Video Claims 200-Meter Jets—Here’s What Steamboat Geyser Really Does

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

A viral March 10, 2026 video claims Norris Geyser Basin blasted water 200 meters into the air. The footage may show real geothermal action—but the hype overshoots what Steamboat Geyser is documented to do. Here’s what’s true about Steamboat, Norris Basin’s unusual chemistry, and why Yellowstone doesn’t need doomsday framing to be fascinating.

Missouri River Fishing in March 2026: Unpredictable Weather, Midge Hatches, and Prime Streamer Days

Mar-10-26 by Angela Montana

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 fishing, swinging flies, and the fickle spring weather that can make (or break) your day on the Mo.

Montana FWP Upper Missouri River Fisheries Meeting (March 16, Helena): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter Updates

Mar-10-26 by Angela Montana

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 for Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter, and nearby Missouri River sections—and learn what keeps these popular fisheries producing year after year.

Free Bozeman Workshop Teaches Dog Owners How to Release a Pet From a Trap (March 26)

Mar-10-26 by Angela Montana

Montana K9 Safety is hosting a free trap release workshop for Bozeman-area dog owners on March 26. Expect hands-on demos with multiple trap types, a look at current trapping regulations, and simple tools that can help you safely free a dog if an accident happens on the trail.

Montana Fishing Reports

Jefferson River Fishing Report (Early Spring 2026): Where to Find Trout, Best Nymphs, and the Afternoon Bite

Mar-11-26 by Angela Montana

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 River report from Fins and Feathers (2/5 on March 9, 2026), including the nymph and streamer patterns producing now.

Montana Dangerous Ice Warning (March 11, 2026): Canyon Ferry, Holter, Fort Peck & Flathead Lake Conditions

Mar-11-26 by montanaoutdoor

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 gear, best practices, and when to switch to open water.

5 Weird Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Catch Big Largemouth (Video)

Mar-11-26 by Angela Montana

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 swear by, according to Get Ur Fish On. Watch the video to see them all.

Montana Fishing Forecast (Mid-March): Ice-Out Updates, Best Rivers & Lakes, and Top Flies as Spring Starts

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

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 to go this week, what to throw, and how to stay safe as waters transition to spring.

Pre-Spawn Walleye Are Moving: How to Dial the Jig Bite Before They Slide Shallow

Mar-10-26 by montanaoutdoor

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 temps, weight, wind, and timing—so you stay in the strike zone while the fish are still willing.

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headphones Montana Outdoor Podcast

From 8th-Grade Dream to Elite Cattle Ranch: Karl Tyler’s Blueprint for Building a World-Class Operation (Montana Outdoor Podcast )

Mar-07-26 by Angela Montana

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.

Sponsors:

headphones Montana Outdoor Radio Show

Montana Outdoor Radio Show (March 7) Recap: Statewide Fishing Reports, Ice vs. River Action, and What’s Working on the Madison & Missouri

Mar-07-26 by Kamp Cook

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.

Montana Fishing Report (March 7): Ice Still Hanging On, Plus Madison & Missouri River Trout Updates

Mar-07-26 by Kamp Cook

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.


Montana Tourney Trail

Fort Peck King Salmon Derby: Registration Opens in 6 Days (150-Boat Limit) — Get Your Team Ready

Mar-09-26 by Angela Montana

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 to be ready when the link drops—plus how to stay in the loop.

Montana FWP

Montana FWP: LMU 422 Will Close to Male Mountain Lion Hunting After Sunset on March 12, 2026

Mar-11-26 by Angela Montana

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has ordered LMU 422 closed to all hunting of male mountain lions one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Check the official quota status page for the latest details.

Montana FWP Upper Missouri River Fisheries Meeting (March 16, Helena): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter Updates

Mar-10-26 by Angela Montana

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 for Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter, and nearby Missouri River sections—and learn what keeps these popular fisheries producing year after year.

Free Bozeman Workshop Teaches Dog Owners How to Release a Pet From a Trap (March 26)

Mar-10-26 by Angela Montana

Montana K9 Safety is hosting a free trap release workshop for Bozeman-area dog owners on March 26. Expect hands-on demos with multiple trap types, a look at current trapping regulations, and simple tools that can help you safely free a dog if an accident happens on the trail.

Wild Game Recipes

Alaska-Style Salmon Loaf Makeover: Kokanee Quinn’s Creamy, Smoked Salmon Twist (Quick Weeknight Recipe)

Mar-07-26 by Angela Montana

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.

5 Wildly Unique Jerky Recipes to Try: Dr Pepper Jalapeño, Maple Syrup, Chocolate-Covered, Coffee & Bloody Mary

Mar-05-26 by Angela Montana

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.

Grilled Bison (or Elk) Tri-Tip With Bell Pepper Chimichurri: Kokanee Quinn’s Flavor-Packed Recipe

Feb-28-26 by Angela Montana

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.