Typical spring in Montana. One minute you have sunshine and flowers. The next you have to bust out the snow shovel. Hear all of our latest fishing reports from our correspondents around the state.
Montana Outdoor Fishing Reports for April 5 2025
Posted by Kamp Cook on April 5, 2025
Latest Montana Hunting & Fishing Articles
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MT Waterfowl Hunting
2025-2026 Non-Member Waterfowl & Upland Game Bird Hunting Draft Proposal
Mar-24-25 by Angela Montana
Your chance to shape the future of hunting on the Flathead Reservation—share your thoughts on the 2025-2026 draft regulations…
The Department of Livestock Asks Montanans to be Aware of Avian Influenza
Mar-04-25 by Moosetrack Megan
A Canada goose was confirmed infected in Gallatin County on February 26.
Get Your Goose on With the Ultimate Goose Jerky Recipe
Mar-04-25 by Angela Montana
It’s time to get your goose jerky on!
Trump Jr. Faces International Duck Poaching Probe
Feb-27-25 by Angela Montana
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.
Montana Hunting
Sheriff warns of escalating wolf attacks as elk dies yards from home; front stoop left bloodied
Apr-28-25 by Moosetrack Megan
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office in California reports residents are under siege from wolves, posting graphic photos of a bloodied stoop where an elk was brought down just yards from a residence. There have been 18 wolf attacks confirmed in 28 days.
Translocated wolf travels the equivalent of Denver to San Francisco in four months
Apr-28-25 by Moosetrack Megan
A female gray wolf, released in Colorado in January after being translocated from British Columbia, has made significant movements across the state, covering more than 1,230 miles since translocation — an extraordinary display of the species’ natural roaming behavior.
Correction made to hound hunting season dates in 2025 Black Bear Regulations
Apr-28-25 by Moosetrack Megan
IMPORTANT: The season dates for hound hunting season in the printed version of the 2025 Black Bear Regulations were incorrectly listed in the printed regulations.
Flathead Lake’s Fishery is Shifting: Fewer Big Fish, More Juveniles, Less Payout—And Big Implications
Apr-28-25 by Angela Montana
Flathead Lake’s trophy trout are vanishing by design—leaving behind a lake full of small fish, shrinking payouts, and a big question: what now?
MSU Extension and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to host public meetings on wild and domestic sheep interactions
Apr-27-25 by Moosetrack Megan
A series of free, public meetings will be held in Montana communities in April and May to discuss the Wild and Domestic Sheep Comingling Project.
Governor Gianforte Promotes Bear Safety at Small Business in Butte
Apr-27-25 by Moosetrack Megan
UDAP Industries, Inc. was founded by Mark Matheny after a life-altering experience in the Montana backcountry. In 1992, while hunting near Yellowstone National Park, Matheny survived a grizzly bear attack thanks to a canister of pepper spray used by his hunting partner.
Montana Fishing Reports
FWP Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 4.28.25
Apr-28-25 by Angela Montana
Spring fishing is heating up across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter — from shoreline rainbows to deep-water walleye, there’s action for every angler!
Madison River Fishing Report 4.24.25
Apr-25-25 by Angela Montana
Spring’s showing off on the Madison—hungry fish, perfect temps, and some serious action if you know where (and how) to look…
Slayer Slays First Salmon of 2025 Season on Peck Thursday
Apr-24-25 by Angela Montana
A day of trolling for lake trout on Fort Peck turned into an unexpected and unforgettable catch for “The Salmon Slayer.”
Montana Ice Fishing
When Ice Fishing Becomes a Rescue Mission
Apr-02-25 by Angela Montana
A peaceful day of ice fishing shattered in an instant…
Chasing Ice: For Some, the Season’s Over
Mar-18-25 by Angela Montana
Some anglers are stuck dreaming of frozen lakes, while others are packing their gear and chasing the last ice—where do you stand?
LAST ICE HEIST!!!
Mar-16-25 by Angela Montana
As Canyon Ferry’s ice fades fast, one last thrilling ice fishing adventure delivers big trout and bigger lessons—before the season slips away! More from Montana Grant here!
ICE DOESN’T CARE!!!
Mar-15-25 by Angela Montana
As Montana’s late-season ice thins and conditions become unpredictable, anglers are urged to stay cautious—no fish is worth the risk.
FWP’s Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 3.10.25
Mar-10-25 by Angela Montana
Ice conditions are unpredictable, but for those willing to take precautions, the fishing has been excellent across Helena area waters.
Montana Outdoor Podcast
MT Outdoor Podcast: Are These the Kokanee Salmon You Were Looking For?
Apr-26-25 by Angela Montana
Time for Your Refresher Course on How to Catch HUGE Kokanee Salmon in Holter & Hauser Reservoirs From Kit & Trevor Johnson of Kit’s Tackle Outfitters…
Sponsors:
Back by Popular Demand: The Podcast Everyone’s Talking About – “Double Bacon Cheeseburger with Fins” Returns This Week!
Apr-21-25 by Angela Montana
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.”
MT Outdoor Podcast: The History and Effects of the Introduction of the Cisco into Fort Peck Reservoir
Apr-12-25 by Angela Montana
What do deep-water monsters and a double bacon cheeseburger have in common? Tune in to the Montana Outdoor Podcast to find out…
MT Outdoor Podcast Sneak Peek: Downrigger Talks About the Fort Peck Cisco with Andrew McKean
Apr-11-25 by Angela Montana
What do a double bacon cheeseburger and Fort Peck’s biggest fish have in common?
MT Outdoor Podcast: Casting Lines and Relationship Goals with the Goodmans
Apr-05-25 by Angela Montana
What do you get when a seasoned angler takes his date fishing, forgets to mention the eel-like fish might hug her arm, and somehow still ends up married? Hook into this MT Outdoor Podcast episode to hear it all!
Outdoor How-To
How To Win the Recall Battle with Your Dog
Mar-21-25 by Angela Montana
Tired of playing keep-away with your dog while you’re at hunting camp, fishing, on the trapline or hunting? Even well-trained dogs have their moments! Learn the secret to achieving total recall—no chasing required!
A Feud Over Filleting Has The Internet Debating the ‘Right’ Way to Clean a Pike
Mar-19-25 by Angela Montana
When it comes to filleting a northern pike, the internet has spoken—and, as usual, everybody is right and wrong, simultaneously….
How To Master the Art of Finding Antlers
Mar-18-25 by Angela Montana
Whether it’s sharp eyes, pure skill, or just a dog with a better nose, shed hunting success is up for debate—but this video might just tip the odds in your favor…
MT Wildlife
Don’t Pet Wildlife–Even When You Want To
Apr-27-25 by Angela Montana
Remember that wildlife is wild…
When Guests Are Cold-Blooded and Uninvited
Apr-23-25 by Angela Montana
When your Ring doorbell says there’s someone at the door, you just never know what to expect in Florida…
Reed Slough Wildlife Viewing Area near Kalispell opens to public
Apr-20-25 by Moosetrack Megan
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.
Montana Tourney Trail
2025 Spring Mack Days – Week 7 Update
Apr-28-25 by Angela Montana
Flathead Lake anglers are smashing records at the 2025 Spring Mack Days, hooking tens of thousands of lake trout — and there’s still time to join the action…
Viral Stories
In 1916 They Blew Up A Yellowstone Grizzly Bear with Dynamite After it Killed A Man
Apr-07-25 by montanaoutdoor
In 1916, Yellowstone National Park recorded its first officially documented fatal grizzly bear attack. The victim, Frank Welch, a 61-year-old […]
Irish Woman Sues Wyoming Dude Ranch After Bear Spray Incident Leaves Her Injured
Apr-01-25 by montanaoutdoor
An Irish woman, Lorraine Learmont, has filed a lawsuit against the Triangle C Ranch near Dubois, Wyoming, following an incident […]
Watch This Elk Play a Friendly Game of Backyard Soccer
Mar-31-25 by montanaoutdoor
This smart and friendly elk has serious footwork when it comes to soccer.
Montana FWP
Anglers charged by grizzly bear in Centennial Valley
Apr-24-25 by Angela Montana
Fortunately, anglers were unharmed
2025 Fort Peck walleye spawn FINAL update, April 20th
Apr-23-25 by Angela Montana
Warm water temps have sparked a major surge in walleye activity—and the numbers coming out of Fort Peck might just surprise you.
Wild Game Recipes
Turkey-Stuffed Morel Mushroom Recipe
Apr-26-25 by Angela Montana
Wild turkey meets wild mushrooms in this easy, flavor-packed spring recipe you’ll want to make all season long…
Cheesy Pull Apart Venison Meat Ball Bombs Recipe
Apr-24-25 by Angela Montana
Venison, cheese, and biscuits come together in one bite-sized, pull-apart appetizer that’s almost too good to share…