Montana Outdoor – Hunting and Fishing Reports, News and More

Latest Montana Hunting & Fishing Articles

Hunting for male mountains lions to close in Hunting District 331

Dec-23-24 by Angela Montana

Mountain lion season in Hunting District 331 is closing today at sunset—but not for everyone.

Stuffed Moose Meat Balls

Dec-23-24 by Angela Montana

Stuffed moose meatballs are proof that game meat can be luxurious. Juicy, tender moose meat packed with bold flavors and […]

MT Waterfowl Hunting

Montana Goose Hunting: Strategies for a Bountiful Season

Dec-02-24 by montanaoutdoor ai

Montana is a paradise for waterfowl hunting enthusiasts. The state’s untouched landscapes provide ideal habitats for Canada geese, attracting hunters […]

Montana Hunting

Hunting for male mountains lions to close in Hunting District 331

Dec-23-24 by Angela Montana

Mountain lion season in Hunting District 331 is closing today at sunset—but not for everyone.

Stuffed Moose Meat Balls

Dec-23-24 by Angela Montana

Stuffed moose meatballs are proof that game meat can be luxurious. Juicy, tender moose meat packed with bold flavors and […]

Dead Buck, Live Rival

Dec-22-24 by Angela Montana

When the rut’s in full swing, even a dead buck can’t escape a challenge..

FWP collaring elk in Gallatin Valley to study herd movement

Dec-20-24 by Moosetrack Megan

Wildlife biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are collaring elk on private land south of Bozeman this winter to gather herd migration data that will inform elk management and land-use planning in parts of the Gallatin Valley.

Man killed while bear hunting as bear falls from tree

Dec-20-24 by Moosetrack Megan

A 58-year-old Virginia man died this month when an injured bear fell from a tree on top of him.

Clark Fork westslope cutthroat trout makes Top ‘Big Fish’ Stories of 2024

Dec-20-24 by Moosetrack Megan

Westslope cutthroat trout are found in rivers (and some lakes) primarily throughout central and northern Idaho. They rarely exceed 20 inches, making Daniel Whitesitt’s April 13 catch a memorable one.

UM Scientists Help Montana Understand Its Future with Grizzly Bears

Dec-20-24 by Moosetrack Megan

In early 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will decide whether to delist some populations of grizzly bears in the U.S. Northern Rockies. As Montanans consider their future with grizzly bears, University of Montana scientists are helping inform the social, ecological and policy aspects of the dialogue.   

Montana Fishing Reports

Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs Fishing Report by Brian Olson 12.19.24

Dec-20-24 by Angela Montana

Fresno and Nelson reservoirs are ice-covered and ready for some winter fishing action. Find out from Brian Olson the best times to fish and where to target for your next catch.

Weekly Fort Peck Ice Fishing Report by Don Wilkins 12.18.24

Dec-19-24 by Angela Montana

Don Wilkins says Nelson Creek’s ice action is still hot! Just watch for slushy spots and keep your safety gear handy—this week’s catch is worth the caution!

Statewide MT Fishing Report Compilation 12.18.24

Dec-18-24 by Angela Montana

Ice to meet you! Dive into Montana’s top fishing spots and the latest ice conditions in one handy report.

Montana Ice Fishing

The Frozen Fellowship of Ice Anglers

Dec-23-24 by Angela Montana

Ice fishing brings together a colorful cast of characters. It’s not always just about the catch—it’s about the community, too.

MT Outdoor Podcast: What 43 Years in Tackle Taught Bob Loomis About Ice Fishing

Dec-21-24 by Angela Montana

Ice fishing success starts with the right tackle—Bob Loomis shares 43 years of wisdom in this week’s podcast!

Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs Fishing Report by Brian Olson 12.19.24

Dec-20-24 by Angela Montana

Fresno and Nelson reservoirs are ice-covered and ready for some winter fishing action. Find out from Brian Olson the best times to fish and where to target for your next catch.

Exclusive MT Outdoor Podcast Sneak Peek: Mastering the Ice with Bob Loomis of Mack’s Lure

Dec-19-24 by Angela Montana

Dive into ice fishing tips, must-have lures and Bob Loomis’ epic fishing adventures in this week’s exclusive Montana Outdoor Podcast sneak peek!

Weekly Fort Peck Ice Fishing Report by Don Wilkins 12.18.24

Dec-19-24 by Angela Montana

Don Wilkins says Nelson Creek’s ice action is still hot! Just watch for slushy spots and keep your safety gear handy—this week’s catch is worth the caution!

Get Your Ice Fishing On at the Poplar River Ice Fishing Contest

Dec-18-24 by Angela Montana

It’s that time of year! Get ready for the Poplar River Ice Fishing Contest on February 1st!

Montana Outdoor Podcast

MT Outdoor Podcast: What 43 Years in Tackle Taught Bob Loomis About Ice Fishing

Dec-21-24 by Angela Montana

Ice fishing success starts with the right tackle—Bob Loomis shares 43 years of wisdom in this week’s podcast!

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MT Outdoor Podcast: Join Us for Trail-Side Triage for Your Pup(s) with Racheal Vargas

Dec-14-24 by Angela Montana

The key to saving your dog’s life might be simpler than you think. Find out what you might be missing.

Exclusive MT Outdoor Podcast Sneak Peek: Racheal Vargas Shares Lifesaving Tips for Outdoor Adventures with Your Dog

Dec-13-24 by Angela Montana

Outdoor adventures with your pup are the best—until something goes wrong. Be prepared for anything with expert tips from Racheal Vargas with Montana K9 Safety! Check out this exclusive sneak peek!

MT Outdoor Podcast: Montana’s Winter Weather Crystal Ball–What’s in Store?

Dec-07-24 by Angela Montana

Is winter holding on or is spring sneaking in early? Find out what Matt Rosencrans has to say about Montana’s unpredictable weather!

Exclusive MT Outdoor Podcast Sneak Peek: From Skis to Fishing Lines, How Will Montana’s Winter Will Play Out?

Dec-06-24 by Angela Montana

Winter is coming… but what kind of winter? Discover Montana’s outdoor forecast with expert insights you won’t want to miss!

Outdoor How-To

How to Clean Your Perch without Losing Your Cool

Dec-05-24 by Angela Montana

Learn the quick and easy way to clean your perch after ice fishing (and keep your limbs intact)!

How To: 5 Basic Boating Knots

Jul-07-24 by Angela Montana

So, you are a newbie to the boating world–or maybe you have never really known how to tie knots because […]

How to fillet a trout in 30 seconds or less

Sep-05-23 by Angela Montana

If you love rainbow trout, but you’re looking for a quicker and easier way to fillet them, let Dan Brooks […]

MT Wildlife

Wolf Size vs. Coyote Size

Dec-19-24 by Angela Montana

Coyotes and wolves: They might look similar from afar, but up close, the size difference between mature wolves and coyotes says it all.

The Fight Before a Mountain Lion’s Meal

Dec-14-24 by Angela Montana

Caught on camera, the big cat’s bold takedown of a hefty buck!

The Beginning and the End of a Mule Deer’s Struggle

Dec-02-24 by Angela Montana

Don Wilkins captured the aftermath of a chase that didn’t go a muley buck’s way.

Montana Tourney Trail

2024-2025 Approved Montana Ice Fishing Tournaments

Dec-12-24 by montanaoutdoor ai

Click here to view the approved Montana Ice Fishing Tournaments for 2024/2025.

Viral Stories

Grizzly Bear Tracks Spark Late-Season Buzz

Dec-17-24 by Angela Montana

Grizzly alert! Tracks and a furry visitor hit the trails a couple of days ago.

Monster Buck Spotted in Montana Neighborhood

Dec-16-24 by montanaoutdoor ai

It’s not every day you see a trophy-sized buck strolling through the middle of a Missoula neighborhood, but that’s exactly […]

Montana Hunter Shoots Massive Whitetail at 500 Yards

Dec-15-24 by montanaoutdoor ai

According to Field & Stream In November 2024, Montana hunter Bret Pullman harvested a remarkable 200-inch whitetail buck on his […]

Montana FWP

Hunting for male mountains lions to close in Hunting District 331

Dec-23-24 by Angela Montana

Mountain lion season in Hunting District 331 is closing today at sunset—but not for everyone.

FWP News: Chronic wasting disease detected in deer for first time in two south-central Montana hunting districts

Dec-18-24 by Angela Montana

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was detected this season in a mule deer buck from hunting district (HD) 515 and a whitetail buck from HD 525, both harvested by hunters.

Wild Game Recipes

Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Mastering Canada Goose with Wild Rice Stuffing

Dec-21-24 by Angela Montana

Cooking goose is tricky, but Kokanee Quinn found the recipe to make it totally worth it!

Simplest Camp Biscuits

Dec-19-24 by Angela Montana

Only two ingredients stand between you and buttery biscuit bliss. Get an added flavor bonus if you use bacon grease–check out Montana Grant’s SUPER SIMPLE campfire recipe.