Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report March 24, 2026

Mar 25, 2026 by Angela Montana

The Upper Salmon River steelhead fishing report from March 18-22, 2026, highlights varying catch rates, with better success upstream of the East Fork, despite poor conditions affecting visibility and temperatures.

A Game Warden’s Lesson In ‘Hunter Suspicion’

Mar 25, 2026 by Angela Montana

Put yourself watching this scene described by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department: District Game Warden Riley Gerding is […]

The Secrets of Night Fishing: Gear and Timing for Success

Mar 25, 2026 by Angela Montana

Night fishing in Montana offers a refreshing experience amidst tranquil surroundings. Targeting trophy trout with specific techniques, the activity emphasizes stealth, ethical practices, and optimal timing for a unique outdoor adventure.

Foothills Sheds Are Dropping Now: Best Montana Units This Weekend

Mar 24, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Warm March temps are dropping elk and mule deer sheds early across Montana. Here’s exactly where to look this weekend before the window closes.

How ‘A River Runs Through It’ Changed Montana Fly Fishing — 32 Years Later

Mar 24, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Discover how the 1992 film A River Runs Through It transformed Montana fly fishing, creating both opportunities and challenges that still impact anglers today.

New USDA Meat Labels Finally Give Montana Ranchers a Fair Shot

Mar 24, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

USDA’s new “Product of USA” meat labeling rules end deceptive foreign meat practices. Montana ranchers celebrate stricter standards helping consumers.

Warm March 2026 Is Moving Merriam’s Strut Zones — Scout Now

Mar 24, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Montana’s warm dry March is shifting where Merriam’s toms strut. Here’s how to adjust your pre-season scouting before the April opener.

Missouri River Rainbows Are Peaking Right Now — Before Runoff Hits

Mar 24, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Late March is your last clear-water shot at Missouri River rainbows. Here’s where to fish, what rigs are working, and how long you have left.

Chancy’s Fish Camp Spring Fishing Report: Best Spots and Tips

Mar 24, 2026 by Angela Montana

Spring fishing is awakening, with Koocanusa excelling for rainbows and bulls, while Flathead Lake offers varied options. Scoop up lake trout at Swan Lake and explore deeper waters for success.

Michigan Angler Got Jail for No License – Here’s How To Avoid This In Montana

Mar 24, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

A Michigan angler just got jail time for fishing without a license. Here’s what Montana’s penalties look like — and why FWP is watching right now.

Reel Talk: The “Tournament of Kings” is Almost Full!

Mar 24, 2026 by Angela Montana

The Fort Peck Montana Tournament of Kings Salmon Derby has only 9 registration spots left. Don’t miss your chance to join the fun and excitement on the water. Sign up now!

Spring Creek Fishing Tips for Paradise Valley

Mar 24, 2026 by Angela Montana

Yellowstone Angler recommends using a Livingston Rod Co 8’9″ 3-weight for fishing Spring Creeks, advising stealthy approaches and specific tactics as fish spawn and Baetis hatch begins.

Forest Service Hosts Community Meetings for the Lolo National Forest Plan Revision 

Mar 24, 2026 by Moosetrack Megan

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will host a series of community meetings in April 2026 to discuss the Lolo National Forest’s land management plan revision. Lolo National Forest Supervisor Ben Johnson will outline the current efforts to create the draft plan and draft environmental impact statement.

Mussels Found on Boat Headed to Montana, Stopped in Wyoming

Mar 24, 2026 by Moosetrack Megan

Wyoming Game and Fish Department aquatic invasive species inspectors recently intercepted a high-risk watercraft traveling from Oklahoma to Montana in a multi-state coordination effort to prevent the spread of invasive mussels in Wyoming and neighboring waterways.

Major Progress at Hall’s Coulee: Siphon Outlet Liner Installation

Mar 24, 2026 by Angela Montana

Northwest Linings & Geotextile Products made significant progress at Hall’s Coulee, installing a siphon outlet liner and using local materials to ensure sustainability and long-term infrastructure durability.

Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Which Units and Elevations Are Dropping Right Now

Mar 23, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Late March snowpack is receding fast. Here’s exactly which Montana units and elevation bands are producing fresh elk and mule deer sheds this week.

Grey Bear Boat Ramp Closes March 30 for Construction—What Yellowstone Anglers Need to Know

Mar 23, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Grey Bear Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River will see partial closures starting March 30 due to construction. Work wraps up April 30; campground stays open.

Fire Weather Watch: What Montana Spring Hunters Must Know This Week

Mar 23, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

A Fire Weather Watch is active in Montana this week — here’s what turkey scouts, shed hunters, and spring bear hunters need to know before heading out.

Montana Turkey Opener 21 Days Out: Scout Water Now Before Strut Zones Lock In

Mar 23, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Montana’s turkey opener is 21 days out. Here’s the one late-March scouting move on public land that most hunters skip — but shouldn’t.

Scout Troop 214 Collected 1,600 Christmas Trees to Build Perch Habitat at Canyon Ferry

Mar 23, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Scout Troop 214 sank 1,600 Christmas trees into Canyon Ferry for perch habitat. Here’s what anglers need to know before ice-out this spring.

5 Montana Ranches and Producers Just Won $1M in USDA Value-Added Grants

Mar 23, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Montana ag producers score big as USDA announces $1M+ in Value-Added Producer Grants for 5 operations, helping farmers move beyond raw commodities

Opportunity for Anglers: Shape Montana’s Fishery Future

Mar 23, 2026 by Angela Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks a “Licensed Angler” for its Citizen Review Panel to assist in restoring wild fish habitats. Meetings happen in June and December, with applications encouraged.

Week 2 Update on the 2026 Spring Mack Days Fishing Frenzy on Flathead Lake

Mar 23, 2026 by Angela Montana

The 2026 Spring Mack Days fishing tournament is underway, with anglers catching over 5,100 lake trout. The competition runs until May 9th, featuring a chance to win tagged fish worth thousands.

Montana Fishing Reports

Missouri River Rainbows Are Peaking Right Now — Before Runoff Hits

Mar 24, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Late March is your last clear-water shot at Missouri River rainbows. Here’s where to fish, what rigs are working, and how long you have left.

Chancy’s Fish Camp Spring Fishing Report: Best Spots and Tips

Mar 24, 2026 by Angela Montana

Spring fishing is awakening, with Koocanusa excelling for rainbows and bulls, while Flathead Lake offers varied options. Scoop up lake trout at Swan Lake and explore deeper waters for success.

Michigan Angler Got Jail for No License – Here’s How To Avoid This In Montana

Mar 24, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

A Michigan angler just got jail time for fishing without a license. Here’s what Montana’s penalties look like — and why FWP is watching right now.

Spring Creek Fishing Tips for Paradise Valley

Mar 24, 2026 by Angela Montana

Yellowstone Angler recommends using a Livingston Rod Co 8’9″ 3-weight for fishing Spring Creeks, advising stealthy approaches and specific tactics as fish spawn and Baetis hatch begins.

Grey Bear Boat Ramp Closes March 30 for Construction—What Yellowstone Anglers Need to Know

Mar 23, 2026 by montanaoutdoor

Grey Bear Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River will see partial closures starting March 30 due to construction. Work wraps up April 30; campground stays open.

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Inside Joe Martinez’s Ice Fishing Prep for the World Ice Fishing Championship

Mar 23, 2026 by Angela Montana

Joe Martinez and Thane Melton lead the USA Ice Fishing team in Piteå, Sweden, preparing for the World Ice Fishing Championship with no powered augers, showcasing their dedication and unique training methods.

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Montana Outdoor Radio Show – March 21st Recap

Mar 21, 2026 by Kamp Cook

Last week on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show, we checked in with anglers across the state as spring fishing starts […]

Montana Fishing Report – March 21st

Mar 21, 2026 by Kamp Cook

Spring is starting to show up across Montana, and fishing is picking up with it. Ice fishing is mostly done […]


Montana Tourney Trail

Week 2 Update on the 2026 Spring Mack Days Fishing Frenzy on Flathead Lake

Mar 23, 2026 by Angela Montana

The 2026 Spring Mack Days fishing tournament is underway, with anglers catching over 5,100 lake trout. The competition runs until May 9th, featuring a chance to win tagged fish worth thousands.

Montana FWP

Opportunity for Anglers: Shape Montana’s Fishery Future

Mar 23, 2026 by Angela Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks a “Licensed Angler” for its Citizen Review Panel to assist in restoring wild fish habitats. Meetings happen in June and December, with applications encouraged.

Goldfish, Pike, and the “Wrong” Kind of Romance: Montana’s 2026 Underwater Eviction Notice

Mar 20, 2026 by Angela Montana

If you thought your dating life was complicated, try being a Westslope Cutthroat Trout in the Big Hole Drainage. Between […]

Montana’s Wolf Season: That’s a Wrap for 2025-2026

Mar 18, 2026 by Angela Montana

The Montana wolf season ended on March 15, with 243 wolves harvested out of a quota of 452. Region 1 led with 98 harvests, while Regions 6 and 7 reported none. Future seasons are scheduled, but dates may change due to federal court orders. Data serves vital conservation purposes. Stay informed for updates.

Wild Game Recipes

Transform Your Shepard’s Pie with Venison

Mar 22, 2026 by Angela Montana

Venison Shepherd’s Pie offers a tasty twist on the classic recipe, using lean, flavorful venison to create a healthier, gourmet version that’s both sustainable and satisfying, moving beyond ordinary meals.

Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: The Only Pecan-Crusted Salmon Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Mar 21, 2026 by Angela Montana

Kokanee Quinn reveals a simple yet gourmet roasted pecan-crusted salmon recipe. Featuring fresh ingredients and easy preparation, it promises a delightful dining experience that exceeds expectations. Enjoy!

Trout Jerky Recipe: Sweet and Smoky Flavor Made Easy

Mar 16, 2026 by Angela Montana

Trout jerky offers a flavorful alternative to traditional beef jerky, using a maple-whisky marinade and simple preparation methods. It’s perfect for snacking on fishing trips or road journeys.