The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Fishing’ Category

Exploring the Unique Blend of Urban and Outdoor Living in Western Montana

Western Montana offers a remarkable combination of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure.... more

Hoot-Owl Restrictions Placed On Additional Rivers in Southwest Montana

A full angling closure and two new hoot-owl restrictions will go into effect on additional sections of the Madison River in southwest Montana.... more

Reeling in Memories: The Joy of Family Fishing Trips

Let's explore the magic of family fishing trips, from the anticipation of the journey to the shared tales around the campfire.... more

Putting Missoula on the Flight Map

Let's take a look at just what's brought about this surge in popularity and the options for tourists looking to fly into Missoula.... more

September is Bear Aware Month

Being outdoors means being with wildlife. Here's some simple advice for staying safe while exploring the outdoors and in bear country.... more

Warm Water Prompts Full Fishing Closures and Hoot-Owl Restrictions on Some Streams

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is advising anglers that full fishing closures and hoot-owl restrictions will be in effect starting July 26 on portions of some rivers and creeks in western and southwestern Monta... more

FWP REMINDER: Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

As you make plans for the July 4th holiday, be sure to review these precautionary steps to “Be Bear Aware”:... more

Top 8 Things to Do Near Missoula

In this guide, we will share some of the best activities you should do near Missoula, so click to know about these interesting activities. ... more

How To Get Started With Spearfishing

If you're a beginner, keep reading this article to learn how to get started with spearfishing.   ... more

Best Ice Fishing Spots in Vernal, Utah

The temperature is dropping; The ice is getting thick. Grab your gear because it's time to go ice fishing. ... more

Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Missoula: The Best Things to Do in the City

In the Montana metropolis of Missoula, there is something for everyone. The city offers numerous undiscovered jewels, from outdoor activities to cultural events, just waiting to be found and experienced.... more

Why You Should Try Kayak Fishing In Missoula

Are you considering a trip to Missoula, Montana? Try Kayak fishing as it takes you to amazing waters and sceneries.... more

6 Interesting Things To Do In Missoula

Missoula is a great place to live and visit. Find out six interesting things to do while in the city. ... more

Why Consider Caregiver Jobs in Missoula Montana

If you are currently in the health care field (or hope to be) and you want to offer your services in a caring community set within the Northern Rockies, come to Missoula.... more

5 Tips for Visiting National Parks With Children

Our national parks can feel intimidating when you're watching out for little ones. Here are some useful tips for managing:... more

Wildlife Officials, Blackfoot Community Work Together on Fatal Bear Attack Details and Next Steps

Wildlife officials and the local Blackfoot Valley community are working together to wrap up details of the July 6 fatal grizzly bear attack of a camper in Ovando.... more

4 Top Fish Finders: How To Make The Most Out Of Your Fishing Trip

There are numerous options for fish finders to choose from. Here's a guide on the best fish finder devices available on the market in 2021. ... more

An Exceptional Clothes Guide for Fishing in the Tropics

From hot and humid to sudden wet and cold, the weather in the tropics will test your clothing. Here's what you need to know:... more

Live Bait Fishing Regulations Vary Across the State

With fishing season in full swing across Montana, anglers need to keep in mind some important regulations pertaining to live bait.... more

Steps Every Fisherman Should Follow To Get The Most Out Of The Experience

Follow these steps to learn how to find and catch more fish, and, of course, become a better angler.... more

Celebrate Mother’s Day Out on the Water

This weekend give your mom the best Mother’s Day gift around – take her fishing!... more

Want to Try Kayak Fishing? Here’s How to Prepare

Kayak fishing is one of the best ways to spend a relaxing day on the water. If you're a beginner, here are some ways to prepare for your first day on the water. ... more

Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

Bears are emerging from dens with the onset of spring, and people are reminded to “Be Bear Aware.”... more

2021 Smith River Permit Drawing Results Now Available

The permit lottery results to float Smith River State Park in 2021 are now available online at fwp.mt.gov.... more

Hunting and Fishing License Year Begins March 1st

The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2021 hunting and fishing licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses.... more

The Importance of Varying Dry Fly Patterns While Fly Fishing in Missoula

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing a fly fishing expedition in Missoula and planning where to cast your favorite dry flies for trout.... more

A Faster Way to Get Some Fish in the Sea

Here are some of the leading and top ways you can utilize to get fish from the sea. ... more

FWP “Kids to Fish” Program Allows Anglers to Borrow Gear & Tackle For Free

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. ... more

5 Insanely Creative and Fun Things to do in Missoula

From local farmer's markets to natural hot springs, we've compiled a list of the top-rated places to check out in The Garden City.... more

Man Injured in Grizzly Bear Attack on Sun River

A man was attacked by a female grizzly bear on Sunday morning near the Sun River. The attack left the man with non-life-threatening injuries.... more

Beartooth Wildlife Management Area Opens May 15 to Day-Use Only

To coordinate with local and federal partners, Beartooth WMA opens May 15 to day-use only; other WMAs open as usual with social distancing protocols in place.... more

FWP Announces Updates to COVID-19-Related Closures and Suspensions

People looking to get outside and enjoy spring will continue to have ample opportunities with Gov. Steve Bullock's phased approach to re-opening the state.... more

State Lands Remain Open For Day Use

Fish Wildlife and Parks adjusts facility management in response to COVID-19; and state lands remain open for day use. ... more

Teaching A Man How to Fish: Guide For Beginners

If you are interested in learning to fish or teaching someone to do so, then this guide is for you.... more

2019 International Fly Fishing Film Festival Features Trout-To-Taimen Around the World

World-wide fly-fishing adventures will be premiered at the 2019 International Fly Fishing Film Festival, April 27 at the Wilma Theater, Missoula, MT.... more

Fishing Restrictions Lifted on Smith and Sun Rivers

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has lifted fishing restrictions on two central Montana rivers in the wake of recent cooler weather.... more

Missoula Spring Fishing Report

By TONY REINHARDT- The new Montana fishing season started in March and it was a great month to be on the water. The Skwala stonefly hatch begins in March. ... more

Is Spring Early or Late?

By BRUCE AUCHLY - The warm weather of February and early March could lead one to believe in an early spring, which feels nice but is not necessarily a good thing.... more

Will Winter Wither?

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Is winter done? Kaput, finished, terminated? It would seem so, though you may not want to bet the farm subsidies on it.... more

Ducks Unlimited Dumps Access Advocate

By ROB BREEDING- It will be unfortunate if DU's conservation mission suffers due to this misguided decision.... more

Fishing Moose

By ROB BREEDING- I’m not sure I really appreciated how dangerous moose can be until I saw a video of a man who was killed by one on the University of Alaska campus.... more

Early Season Hunters: Make Fire Safety A Top Priority

By JOLEEN TADEJ - All early season hunters need to make wildfire prevention a top priority.... more

Dry Rot in the Bitterroot

By ROB BREEDING- The 10th percentile in June means most rivers will be nearly bone dry in August.... more

Missoula – A River Runs Through It

Missoula - a river does indeed run through it. In 1992, the Oscar-winning feature film A River Runs Through It brought notoriety to a town in the Pacific Northwest and the world was introduced to Missoula, Mon... more

Tips for Fishing Through the Hoot Owl Restrictions

By TONY REINHARDT-Many assume that because there are fishing restrictions then the fishing must not be very good, not true. Changing your strategy a little can pay off in these conditions.... more

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Summer Workshop August 7-9

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' popular Becoming an Outdoors-Woman summer workshop is set for Aug. 7-9 at Lubrecht Forest, east of Missoula.... more

Trout in Hot Water

By TRISTAN SCOTT - Historic stream temperature highs, low flows threaten Northwest Montana's cold-water fish.... more

Dry Rot in the Bitterroot

By ROB BREEDING- The 10th percentile in June means most rivers will be nearly bone dry in August.... more

Psychedelic Trout

By ROB BREEDING- Being late for fishing may be an unpardonable sin for Norman Maclean, but I know one far worse: not going fishing at all.... more

Summer Forecast has FWP Keeping Close Watch on Streams

By JOLEEN TADEJ - With high temperatures and depleted snowpack runoff, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is gearing up now to protect fish from stress of low flows and elevated water temperatures.... more