Don Wilkins’ Fort Peck Ice and Fishing Report 2.27.25

A report from the Office of the Inspector General questions more than $200 million spent by the U.S. Forest Service on hazardous fuels management.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meets April 17 in Helena and online—covering everything from fish removal to migratory bird regs, grazing leases, and more—so mark your calendar and make your voice heard!

From March 1 to July 15, the north shore of Flathead Lake hits “Do Not Disturb” mode as migrating and nesting birds take over…

Ready for a culinary challenge?

The main lake is getting sketchy, and the ice is becoming more unpredictable with the warmer weather…

Donald Trump Jr.’s hunting trip in Italy just went from a wild adventure to a legal quagmire after he allegedly poached a rare duck—now, the hunt is on for answers.

Rev up for adventure—but before you hit Montana’s trails, make sure your OHV is legal and your pass is ready…

While the ice is still solid, keep an eye out for quick changes…

Paddle by day, camp by night—Blackfoot River float-in campsite reservations open March 3 incrementally..

One fish, 17.66 pounds, and a near brush with history—Kyle Sando’s legendary Fort Peck catch keeps anglers dreaming big!

Hunters first reported unhealthy sheep in HD 622 in September of 2024, and the five 2024 ram license holders reported seeing 80 percent fewer sheep than sheep hunters have reported in the past. In addition, other observations by area landowners and FWP staff have also noted fewer sheep.

Following the latest sampling efforts in 2024, northern hunting district (HD) 600 has an annual prevalence rate of 28 percent for adult mule deer. HD 670, in the north-central area of the region, shows an annual prevalence of 34 percent, and HD 640, on the eastern end of the region, has overall annual prevalence rates in mule deer of 30 percent. Prevalence in mule deer bucks is even higher.

The fund will help students from multiple disciplines advance innovative thinking about wildlife habitat protection.

“Thirty years out, it’s impossible to conclude anything but that wolves have had an impact on elk numbers,” Hebblewhite said. “They’re a cause of elk decline, but not the only cause. Grizzly bears have almost tripled, mountain lions have recovered, and wolves returned.” 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from the Wyoming Livestock Board Brucellosis Identified in Park and Sublette County Cattle HerdsRoutine brucellosis surveillance testing […]

MILES CITY – Two Montana men pled guilty to charges related to the illegal harvest of a brow-tined bull elk […]

From a 100-degree temperature swing to a race against ice jams, the Milk River Valley is seeing an early surge of water—thanks to the hardworking crew at Malta Irrigation, Nelson Reservoir is already filling up!

Heartbreak and chaos on the water—lost fish, snapped poles, and stories you won’t believe! Read more from Montana Grant here!

Information sought by FWP on dead mountain lion…

Mysterious waterfowl deaths on the Bighorn River have wildlife officials investigating—here’s what you need to know…

From ‘Fish On!’ to some… less family-friendly expletives, every angler has a go-to catchphrase—what’s yours?

Florida’s biggest panther just got collared, and this heavyweight is helping scientists track the future of his species!

With solid ice, prime fishing at dawn and dusk, and a hot bite on balanced leeches, now’s the time to hit Georgetown Lake—just check the ice, gear up, and get after it!