The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds anglers to follow state regulations during late-summer fishing season, including immediately releasing caught fish except for brief measurement or photography. The Department urges anglers to keep fish caught from depths greater than 25 feet due to barotrauma risks.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing updates to fishing regulations, elk hunting rules, and amphibian/reptile collection policies for 2027-28, seeking public feedback on changes affecting various waterbodies and species across the state.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick recommends high-elevation fishing in areas like the Uinta Mountains and Boulder Mountain from July through early October. These Blue Ribbon Fisheries offer diverse trout species including cutthroat, brook, brown, rainbow, and Arctic grayling in thousands of miles of publicly accessible streams.
Trevor Swisse of Sidney caught Montana's largest paddlefish in 2026, a nearly 117-pound female that had evaded capture for 22 years. The fish, originally tagged by North Dakota Fish & Game in 2004, gained 27 pounds over two decades. Regional fisheries manager Mike Backes estimates the fish is 40-62 years old based on spawning migration patterns.
Parker Shipman caught a state record pumpkinseed sunfish weighing 1.23 pounds on Echo Lake near Kalispell on June 30 while fishing with his buddy Joe. The fish measured 10.04 inches long and 11.34 inches wide, surpassing the previous record caught in Fennon Slough.
Do you need a universal, good to have in your box kind of fly? This Madam X variation works on rivers like the Big Hole, the Bitterroot, Rock Creek and the Blackfoot as well as on high mountain lakes. Target rising fish or work the edges of the lake where fish are cruising and hoping for a clumsy hopper or beetle to fall in. Cast it and twitch it. This fly is meant to move.
Luke Anderson set Idaho's new certified-weight state record for Westslope cutthroat trout at 13.6 inches. Idaho's State Record Fish Program was revamped in 2016 to include separate categories for four cutthroat trout sub-species, opening opportunities for new records while reflecting decades of conservation efforts.
Wade Jensen from Moore, Idaho caught and released a 16.7-inch Arctic grayling at Fishpole Lake on June 20, setting a new Idaho state catch-and-release record. The alpine fish, known for its distinctive large dorsal fin, represents one of the most coveted species among mountain anglers.
Arkansas anglers can beat summer heat by night fishing for catfish using passive methods like trotlines, limblines, and juglines. Channel catfish respond to prepared baits, while flathead catfish require live bait such as green sunfish or black salties. Anglers must properly identify their lines and follow state regulations regarding line checks and identification requirements.
Florida's 2026 spiny lobster season opens with a two-day recreational sport season on July 29-30, followed by the regular season beginning August 6 through March 31, 2027. Harvesters must possess valid licenses and permits, follow size requirements, and adhere to bag limits varying by location. Participants in the 2026 Lionfish Challenge may harvest one additional lobster per day.
High temperatures and low river flows stress fish populations in eastern Montana, potentially causing disease outbreaks and increased mortality. Montana FWP recommends anglers avoid fishing during peak heat hours and practice proper catch-and-release techniques to minimize fish stress.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, led by deputy chief of fisheries Dave Zafft, urges anglers to adjust catch-and-release practices during hot summer months when water temperatures exceed 70 degrees, as trout cannot survive prolonged exposure to such conditions.
Idaho Fish and Game's Angler Incentive Program rewards anglers and spearfishers for catching lake trout and walleye on Lake Pend Oreille. Tagged walleye are worth $1,000 each, while every lake trout head earns $15. The program, funded by the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement through Avista, helps manage the lake's fisheries and protect kokanee populations.
Timothy Hicks of Post Falls set a new Idaho catch-and-release record by landing a 49.75-inch Northern pike on Lake Pend Oreille on June 13, surpassing Scott Blahnik's previous 2020 record by 3/4 of an inch.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 6's "Kids to Fish" program provides free fishing rod and tackle checkout at 40 locations across northeast Montana's Hi-Line. The initiative, managed by education technician Isayara Valverde and Region 6 comm-ed manager Marc Kloker, aims to increase fishing opportunities for youth and families.
Yamamoto has launched the Uni Max, a 24mm urchin-style fishing bait featuring a TPE formula designed for superior water displacement and big bites. Yamamoto pro Jake Lawrence praises the bait's movement and durability, noting it performs well with various hook styles and remains in an outstretched position during action.
Bucca Brand, under GSM Outdoors, has unveiled the El Toro, a 1.5 oz, 7" jerkbait designed to target large bass. According to Jack Dice, Product Development Manager at GSM Fishing, the lure combines erratic darting action with unprecedented size. The El Toro is available in six colors this winter at retailers and on Baits.com.
Big Bite Baits introduces the Orbix, a 19mm urchin-style bait featuring TPE material for durability and natural pulsing action. Pro angler Sam Hanggi highlights its versatility for shallow cover fishing and longevity. Available in six colors this fall at retailers and Baits.com.
Buckeye Lures has unveiled the Flow Hair Jig, featuring premium hand-tied hair with flowing feathers designed for pressured fish. Available in four sizes and six colors with a razor-sharp black nickel hook, the jig is now available at retailers and Baits.com.
Northland Tackle introduced the Forage Fleck, a new ice fishing lure designed to imitate natural forage with realistic ABS finish and a single rear blade. Available in three sizes and ten colors, the lure triggers reaction strikes from panfish and will be available this Fall at retailers and Baits.com.