Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (Region 2)

08/13/2026

FWP lands in Granite and Mineral Counties are the latest to move into Stage 2 fire restrictions this week in Western MT.
🔥To see the complete Stage 2 restriction information and a list of all FWP lands impacted by fire restrictions in Montana, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.
🔥To learn more about wildfire prevention and to see the latest information on fires and restrictions on all lands in Montana, visit www.mtfireinfo.org. See less

08/12/2026

Are you a bird brain or a wise old owl? Find out at our last Trivia Night of the summer at Lolo Creek Distillery, August 26. Free fun & prizes!

08/11/2026

Stop by our Missoula FWP office today anytime between 4-6 p.m. today to learn about bear safety and how to keep your backyard bear resistant. Practice with inert bear spray and get all your questions answered. Free event with no registration required...just stop by and see us!

08/07/2026

Lands in Missoula and Ravalli Counties managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will be under Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning Friday, August 7 at 12:01 a.m., following the lead of the counties, which also move to restrictions at the same time.

🔥To see the complete Stage 2 restriction information and a list of all FWP lands impacted by fire restrictions in Montana, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.

🔥To learn more about wildfire prevention and to see the latest information on fires in Montana, visit www.mtfireinfo.org.

08/05/2026

Check out the latest updates, compiled by our FWP wildlife team. This year's berry crop is down in many areas, and bears that should be foraging in the mountains are getting into trouble around homes and communities looking for something to eat. It is extra important right now secure all those things that attract bears (garbage, chicken coops, bird seed, etc.) so that bears don't hang out around our homes.

This update covers information through the month of June through July 2026.Contact information, FWP Region 2 (R2) Bear Team: [email protected], 406-542-5500. TIPS FOR PREVENTING Conflicts with Bears and Mountain Lions Please secure all garbage and be diligent at containing any attractants....

08/04/2026

If you need a break from the summer heat but still want to be outside, check out this cool FREE evening event next week at Travelers' Rest State Park in Lolo. Register now: https://montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com/tourSearchResult.do?contractCode=MT&parkId=630220

07/31/2026

Additional “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions (fishing closed 2 p.m.-midnight) begin Aug. 1 on the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River to help reduce stress on fish:
🦉West Fork of the Bitterroot River, from Painted Rocks Dam to the confluence with the East Fork of the Bitterroot.
🦉Upper East Fork of the Bitterroot River from Star Falls to the Highway 93 crossing at Sula. ➡ The section below this to the river’s confluence with the West Fork of the Bitterroot is already under hoot-owl restrictions.

🔎 Find the statewide list of restrictions & closures here: fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures

07/30/2026

Join us today at Travelers' Rest State Park as Lydia McKinney makes Sally bags. Visitors will get a chance to try traditional weaving techniques. This is program is free thanks to a grant from the Lewis & Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment.

07/29/2026

Drop by and see us this afternoon for "bear aware office hours" from 3-5 p.m. at our Missoula office. Practice with inert spray and learn more about preventing bear conflicts.

07/28/2026

Additional “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions (fishing closed 2 p.m.-midnight) begin July 29 on many of our rivers to help reduce stress on fish.

🦉 Big Hole River will expand restrictions to include the entire river downstream of Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road
🦉 Blackfoot River from Cedar Meadow Fishing Access Site to the confluence with the Clark Fork River
🦉 Monture Creek from the confluence with Falls Creek to the Highway 200 bridge
🦉 Clark Fork River restrictions extended downstream to include the river from Flint Creek to the confluence with the Flathead River
🦉 East Fork of the Bitterroot River from the Highway 93 crossing at Sula to its confluence with the West Fork of the Bitterroot; the entire mainstem of the Bitterroot is already under restrictions.
🦉 Lolo Creek from its headwaters to the confluence with South Fork Lolo Creek
🦉 Rock Creek from its headwaters at the confluence of the West and Middle Forks to the mouth of Stoney Creek
🦉 Silver Bow Creek in its entirety from Blacktail Creek at Montana St. in Butte to the mouth of Warm Springs Creek at the Gas City Rd. Bridge

Full closures apply to a 100-yard radius of the mouths of the following rivers and creeks that are tributaries to the Clark Fork River:
🚫 Mouth of Fish Creek
🚫 Mouth of Rattlesnake Creek
🚫 Mouth of St. Regis River

Stay up to date on all current restrictions here:
fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures

😅 Montana also offers many other angling options with better conditions for fish this time of year, including larger lakes, reservoirs, and higher-elevation lakes and streams.