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Several wildfires are active in Montana, and this can affect land access for hunters in some areas. Wildfire activity can change rapidly, and some fires may limit public access to roads and areas of public land. Wildfires can also cause closures on block management areas during hunting season. Hunters should check for closures due to wildfires before traveling. Recreationists can view an interactive map of active wildfires in Montana by visiting https://inciweb.nwcg.gov./ If a fire is active near where you plan to hunt, contact the local...
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on ice fishing contests proposed for the 2020-2021 season. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits. Applications for fishing contests may be approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the FWP Fisheries Division in Helena. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts, and/or require additional access site maintenance when needed. Information on the proposed fishing...
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) intends to test the flows coming from Fort Peck Dam in hopes it will benefit pallid sturgeon recruitment. The proposal originates from required Endangered Species Act consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, who issued a "no jeopardy" biological opinion in April 2018 on the condition that the Corps pursues the test flow. To comply with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, however, the Corps must draft an En...
Despite windy conditions anglers still had fun at Tobacco Gardens Marina & Resort near Watford City July 18-19....
A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks program that allows kids and their friends or families to check out free fishing rods and tackle is in full swing again this year. FWP staff restocked and maintained over 400 fishing rods in nearly 43 different locations across Montana’s Hi-Line. The “Kids to Fish” program lets anglers check out fishing rods and reels equipped with basic tackle, such as hooks, bobbers, and sinkers. Typically, eight rods are at each location, and usually a well-stocked tackle box is available to borrow and use. “Of c...
North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries personnel are finishing stocking a record 180 lakes across the state with nearly 12 million walleye fingerlings. Fisheries production and development supervisor Jerry Weigel said the number of lakes bested the previous high by nearly 30 waters. “There is record water across the state, so timing of a near record walleye production could not have come at a better time,” Weigel said. “Valley City and Garrison Dam national fish hatcheries contributed to make this happen. Both hatcheries have been...
North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries personnel encourage anglers to keep fish caught from depths of more than 25 feet, rather than practice catch-and-release. Scott Gangl, Game and Fish fisheries management section leader, said while catch-and-release is often encouraged under the right conditions, fish reeled in from this depth will likely die if released. “Fish caught from deep water have a lower chance of surviving after you release them because of the extreme change in water pressure,” Gangl said. Change in water pressure wil...
Fun summer rides to explore a few of the best tourist stops in Western North Dakota. Explore a few of the best tourist stops in Western North Dakota on three special Bakken rides this summer. Take part in the North-Central and Southwest rides by motorcycle, classic car or your daily commuter and get your boat on the water for the Lake Sakakawea float! The ride is hosted by the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation and proceeds from the ride will benefit Oilfield Helping Hands. The Bakken Summer Rides: July 25: North-Central North Dakota - Start in...
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will again participate in Operation Dry Water as part of a nationally coordinated effort to increase knowledge about the dangers of boating under the influence. The goal is to reduce the number of accidents and deaths associated with alcohol and drug use on state waterways. ODW weekend, July 3-5, is the national weekend of heightened enforcement effort directed at boating under the influence laws and recreational boater outreach. While informing and educating boaters about the hazards and negative outco...
Samples taken from bridges in three eastern Montana counties have tested positive for the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats. The presence of the fungus – Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) – was confirmed in Daniels, Richland and Fallon counties but does not necessarily confirm the presence of the disease. The samples were tested by the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, WI. National Health Center and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff are closely mon...
To protect public health and reduce overall spread of COVID-19, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has temporarily cancelled all in-person Hunter and Bowhunter Education classes. Please take advantage of the opportunities to get certified now. If you require Hunter Education, please take the free, online-only course using code MThnDbeHtbWkJf20 at hunter-ed.com/montana. You must be 12 years of age by Jan. 16, 2021, or older to register for this course. If you require Bowhunter Education, you may access the course at bowhunter-ed.com/montana. Use...
Calcutta Results: 1st Place: Team 43/Ben Rahr, $4,965.09, Sheila Conradsen 2nd Place: Team 50/Brenner Flaten, $3,698.13, Sam Syth 3rd Place: Team 55/Jeff Miller, $2,944.81, Jeff Miller 4th Place: Team 45/Josh Schmierer, $2,311.33, Daniel Lawrance 5th Place: Team 48/Dan Lawrance, $1986.03, Daniel Lawrance 6th Place: Team 15/Owen Nelson, $1,215.59, Kylee Lange Tournament Results: Big Fish: Jeremy Schepens, 13.51#, $200 1st Place: Team 43, Ben Rahr, 7.57#. $790.25 2nd Place: Team 50, Brenner...
The 16th Annual Watford City Children's Fishing Derby was held Saturday morning, June 13. This year there were two separate sessions with 150 participants registered. Due to COVID-19, lunch was not served, but there were door prizes and snacks along with worms and fishing poles....
So far, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hasn’t found signs of the deadly white-nose syndrome (WNS) in the state’s bat populations, but biologists are closely monitoring the situation. Recent reports of bat deaths from WNS just over the border in North Dakota make monitoring efforts even more critical. “Bats provide important services in protecting crops and timber from flying pests,” said Lauri Hanauska-Brown, Montana FWP nongame wildlife management bureau chief. “Bats also eat tons of mosquitoes each year, meaning they play a role in reducing...
Whether you’re tying on a salmon fly or putting a night crawler onto a hook, during Father’s Day weekend, everyone in Montana can fish for free. While this family-oriented opportunity allows anyone to fish without a license on June 20-21, all other fishing rules and regulations are in effect and must be followed. FWP encourages all would-be anglers to be aware of boating and water safety on Montana’s rivers and streams, particularly this year as many rivers across the state are still experiencing spring runoff and flood conditions. Addit...
The tragic drowning of a Great Falls man who was swimming in Belt Creek near the Sluice Boxes area on Wednesday is a good reminder for swimmers, boaters, floaters and anglers to use caution in and near the water. Water levels are higher and swifter in rivers throughout Montana due to spring runoff, and recreationists should be aware of extra risks that come with high flows. These conditions can change rapidly, creating new and hidden hazards for boaters. Water temperatures are also especially cold this time of year, which increases the risk of...
The Savage Volunteer Fire Department Catfish Tournament will proceed on June 12-13 with a few minor exeptions. The calcutta will take place June 12 at 7 p.m. It will take place outdoors, rain or shine. They strongly suggest attendees keep the recomended social distancing of 6 feet or more. The tournament will move forward as planned on June 13. They ask that all family groups maintain the 6 foot social distancing while at the weigh in trailer. Tournament & calcutta winners will be announced at the end of the weigh ins & the fish have been...
North Dakota residents who want to give fishing a try are reminded they can fish for free June 6-7. That is the state’s free fishing weekend, when all residents age 16 and older can fish any North Dakota water without a license. Residents age 15 and under do not need a fishing license at any time of year. Fishing regulations and information on fishing waters is available on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov....
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will open offices June 8 to public access by appointment only, and under the low risk phase guidelines established by North Dakota Smart Restart. State facility occupancy must remain below 50%, therefore most Game and Fish staff will continue to work remotely. COVID-19 wellness screening will be required upon entering the building, and wearing a mask or cloth face covering is encouraged. Physical distancing must be followed. Personal appointments will only be available for those who can’t receive h...
As the state moves into Phase 2 of Gov. Steve Bullock’s Reopening the Big Sky Plan, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices and visitor centers will open to the public June 3. FWP offices have been closed since late March due to Montana’s COVID-19 pandemic response. As the public returns, strict adherence to Phase 2 guidelines will be critical: stay at home if you feel sick, make sure to frequently wash and sanitize your hands, and maintain at least six feet of distance from other people. FWP front offices around the state will be set up to hel...
A one-week paddlefish snag-and-release season will be open May 15-21 for anglers who hold a valid fishing license, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced this week. However, if conditions warrant, Game and Fish may close the season with a 24-hour notice. Game and Fish announced April 3 that the annual paddlefish snagging harvest season, which was scheduled to open May 1, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the agency held open the possibility of a snag-and-release season in mid-May. Fisheries chief Greg Power...
The 2020 paddlefish seasons on the Yellowstone and Lower Missouri rivers (yellow tag) are canceled in response to Gov. Steve Bullock’s extension of the directives for social distancing and non-resident quarantine to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As of now, paddlefish season on the Upper Missouri River from Fort Benton downstream to Fort Peck Dam (white tag) will remain in place and the drawing for these limited tags occurred April 6. The fishery opens May 1 and is conducted in a more dispersed manner. There are also no proposed changes t...
