Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 4.3.25

Spring is heating up on Fort Peck with walleye, smallmouth, northerns—and even a few surprise lakers—making for a solid week of multi-species action in shallow water.

Venison, cheese, and biscuits come together in one bite-sized, pull-apart appetizer that’s almost too good to share…

Game wardens aren’t out to ruin your day—they’re just doing a tough, often risky job to keep the great outdoors fair and safe for everyone (and yes, they probably already spotted you with binoculars). Read more from Montana Grant here…

Warm water temps have sparked a major surge in walleye activity—and the numbers coming out of Fort Peck might just surprise you.

When your Ring doorbell says there’s someone at the door, you just never know what to expect in Florida…

Here’s the latest pending closure for black bear hunting…

While most brides are throwing bouquets, this one was reeling in a monster–during her wedding photo shoot!

It’s spring spawning season in Montana, and while fish are busy making the next generation, you can turn your catch into a delicious (and safe!) feast with this stuffed filet recipe that lets the good filets roll. Read more from Montana Grant here…

From grayling on Rodgers Lake to salmon near Camp Tuffit, spring fishing is heating up across northwest Montana…

Spring fishing is back on Rock Creek, with Skwalas, mayflies, and nymphs all in play—just be ready to adapt, because Montana’s weather is as wild as the trout…

Whirling disease nearly wiped out Montana’s rainbow trout in the ’90s, but as they make a comeback, new mysteries—both biological and literary—emerge about the future of the Madison River fishery.

Glasgow’s Boy Scout Troop 861 is turning Christmas trees into fish habitats this year, helping perch spawn and keeping the Trout Pond clean—all while earning their stripes as eco-friendly heroes.

A twin’s unforgettable 31-inch trout catch in Montana proves that taking a kid fishing can lead to some truly big moments…

 A Thompson Falls man accused of falsifying time and attendance records admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Kyle’s Kicker: The DIY Jump Start That’ll Keep You Rolling…

Only 19 fish away from a record-breaking Spring Mack Days — and with $225,000 in prizes still up for grabs, it’s not too late to reel in your shot at glory!

Montana Grant reflects on aging, adventure, and the urgency of chasing outdoor dreams before the trail gets too steep…

Here is what happening in the Helena area reservoirs…

Something big was boated at Fort Peck last Sunday….

Back by popular demand, this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast dives deep into the surprising fish behind Fort Peck’s trophy giants—don’t miss “Double Bacon Cheeseburger with Fins.”

Walleye egg collection is surging at Fort Peck’s Big Dry Arm, with steady catches, ripe females, and nearly 30 million eggs already in the hatchery queue.

On Saturday, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Director Christy Clark, FWP staff and local stakeholders cut the ribbon on the brand-new Reed’s Slough Wildlife Viewing Area. 

Recreationists may see several construction and habitat
-enhancement projects happening in southwestern Montana this month. Temporary closures may be in effect for some sites during construction.