Springtime Adventures in Missoula: Prepare for Outdoor Fun and Safety

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - I spoke to Vivaca Crowser, Communication and Education Manager with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks on Friday, as many Montanans are definitely getting spring fever by venturing out on the area’s rivers and recreation areas.

Crowser provided the information Western Montanan residents need to know.

Spring Fever has Arrived in Missoula and FWP has Good Advice

“This is a very busy time of year,” began Crowser. “We have felt the pace pick up here over the last few weeks. The new license year began on March 1, and so whenever that hits, then traffic picks up around here as everybody gets ready to get their new fishing licenses, new hunting licenses, looking at what deadlines they might want to pay attention to for hunting licenses and permits.”

Crowser said at the top of the list should be obtaining and having the proper licenses on hand when recreating.

“If you are heading out spring fishing in whatever form, maybe little last ice fishing or getting out on open water, you know you want to make sure you have that new 2025 fishing license in hand,” she said. “Now is also the time to think about things that maybe you're going to do beyond the spring season and into the fall hunting season, for example. But those license deadlines are happening right now.”

It May Feel Like Spring but Many Rivers are Still Partially Frozen

Crowser reminds Missoula residents that it may feel like spring right now, winter is still in control on area rivers and streams.

“You know, it just feels good in the sunshine this time of year, and it makes us want to be out there and enjoying it,” she said. “There are plenty of things we can do safely, but just know that when it comes to water, it's very cold out there. We've still got ice in places. So being smart about that and knowing that the ice is going to really deteriorate quickly. Being safe means knowing that the water conditions are changing quickly, just checking that; being in tune; kind of pausing or maybe making different plans, if you're just not quite sure.”

You Must Have a Conservation License to Recreate on State Lands

Crowser said fishing and conservation licenses are required when recreating near rivers in western Montana.

“If you need any sort of hunting or fishing license, or also a conservation license,” she said. “Let's say you're headed just to a fishing access site. You're not planning to fish this season, but if you want to hang out for the day or put a raft on the water, you need to make sure you have a conservation license. All of that can be purchased online, so that's easy to do any time of day, any day of the week. Jump on the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website and get the licenses that you need.”

Click here to get all the information you need to recreate safely and legally in Montana.