With wide-open spaces, abundant wildlife and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Montana's Missouri River Country is a place worth protecting. Whether you're hiking, hunting, fishing, camping or simply exploring, we invite you to help preserve the landscapes, waterways and communities that make Northeast Montana special.
Follow these simple guidelines to enjoy our region responsibly and help preserve its natural beauty for generations to come.
Know Before You Go
Before heading out, check the conditions and regulations for the places you plan to visit. Some destinations may be inaccessible at certain times of year, and weather can quickly affect travel on rural roads. Check road conditions, confirm access to public lands and have a backup plan in case your destination is temporarily inaccessible.
Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
A little preparation goes a long way in Missouri River Country. Pack plenty of water, food, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit and clothing layers for changing weather conditions. Cell service can be limited in remote areas, so download offline maps and let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.
If your plans include hunting or fishing, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for current regulations, licensing requirements and other important information.
Respect Wildlife
Missouri River Country is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, elk, coyotes and countless bird species. When exploring the outdoors, stay alert to your surroundings, observe wildlife from a safe distance, never approach or feed wild animals, and follow any posted safety guidelines.
Respect Private Property and Local Communities
Our region's public lands, trails and waterways offer plenty of room to explore, but it's important to know where you're going. Public and private lands are often interspersed, so always verify land ownership and obtain permission before entering private property.
Be considerate of local residents, ranching operations and other visitors. Leave gates as you find them, respect posted signs and follow applicable regulations when visiting tribal lands and communities.
Local chambers of commerce and visitor information centers are great resources for maps, travel guides and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
Leave No Trace
Help keep Missouri River Country beautiful by leaving the places you visit as you found them. Pack out everything you pack in, dispose of waste properly and stay on designated trails where required. When camping, use established campsites whenever possible and avoid disturbing vegetation.
Leave rocks, fossils, artifacts and other natural or cultural resources undisturbed, and respect the landscapes and historic places that tell our region's story.
Protect Our Waterways
From Fort Peck Lake to the Missouri River and countless smaller lakes and streams, water is an essential part of outdoor recreation in Northeast Montana.
Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by cleaning, draining and drying boats and equipment between uses. All watercraft, including nonmotorized vessels, must comply with applicable Montana inspection requirements. Stop at all required watercraft inspection stations and check current regulations before launching.
Wildfire prevention is everyone's responsibility. Before building a campfire, check for current fire restrictions and follow all posted regulations. Use designated fire rings where available, never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving.
Remember that dry conditions and strong winds can increase fire danger, even when restrictions are not in place.
Make the Outdoors Welcoming for Everyone
There's room for everyone in Missouri River Country. Be courteous to fellow visitors, share trails and recreation areas responsibly, and help make our outdoor spaces welcoming to people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Responsible Recreation FAQs
Missouri River Country offers outstanding hunting opportunities across a variety of landscapes. Before heading out, it's important to know the ownership of the land you plan to hunt and obtain permission before accessing private property.
The Montana FWP Hunt Planner is a valuable resource for researching hunting districts, public land access, regulations and other information to help plan your trip.
Montana hunting license and permit requirements vary depending on the species, hunting district and whether you're a resident or nonresident. Some licenses are available for purchase, while others require advance applications and drawings.
Visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for current licensing requirements, application deadlines and information about available licenses and permits. Be sure to research requirements well before your planned hunting trip.
The best time to visit depends on the species you're interested in hunting. Montana offers a variety of hunting seasons throughout the year, with specific dates and regulations varying by species and hunting district.
Consult Montana FWP for current season dates, regulations and licensing information before planning your trip.
From Fort Peck Lake and the Missouri River to smaller reservoirs, rivers and streams, Missouri River Country offers a wide range of fishing opportunities.
Use the interactive Montana FWP FishMT resource to explore fishing access sites, waterbodies and fishing opportunities throughout the region.
Ice fishing is also a popular winter activity, particularly on Fort Peck Lake and other area waters. Always check ice conditions and local regulations before venturing onto the ice.
Fishing regulations vary by location, species and season. Some waters have special rules regarding catch-and-release, harvest limits, fishing methods and seasonal closures.
Before fishing, review the current Montana FWP Fishing Regulations, including regulations and exceptions for individual waterbodies in the Eastern Fishing District.
A valid Montana fishing license is generally required for anglers age 12 and older fishing in state waters. Additional licenses, permits or tags may be required for certain species, including paddlefish.
Campfires may be permitted in designated areas, but restrictions can change quickly depending on weather and wildfire conditions.
Before building a fire, check current fire restrictions for your destination and follow posted regulations. Use established fire rings where available, keep fires small and never leave them unattended. Completely extinguish your campfire before leaving.
Opportunities for motorized recreation vary across the region, and not all public roads, trails or lands are open to off-highway vehicles.
Visit Montana Recreation Maps for interactive maps and downloadable resources, including summer motorized trail maps and winter snowmobile maps.
Always verify local access restrictions and vehicle requirements before heading out, and stay on designated routes where required.
For additional information about OHV registration, safety and regulations, visit Montana FWP.
Missouri River Country experiences all four seasons, from hot summer days to cold, snowy winters. Spring and fall can bring rapidly changing temperatures, and conditions may vary considerably across the region.
Summer temperatures can climb into the 90s or higher, while winter often brings freezing temperatures, snow and strong winds. No matter when you visit, pack clothing layers and be prepared for changing conditions.
Check the forecast for your specific destination before traveling, particularly if your plans include outdoor recreation or remote areas.
Missouri River Country is known for its wide-open roads and scenic drives. Major highways are generally accessible by passenger vehicles, but many outdoor recreation destinations are reached by gravel or dirt roads.
These roads can become muddy, rutted or impassable after rain or snow. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some remote destinations, and four-wheel drive may be helpful depending on conditions.
Before heading off the beaten path, check road conditions, confirm that your route is open and make sure your vehicle is appropriate for the terrain. Carry extra supplies, keep your fuel tank topped off and remember that cell service may be limited.
Visit Montana 511 for current highway conditions, travel alerts and closures.
Other Resources:
Leave No Trace — Outdoor recreation guidelines and resources
