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

Posts Tagged ‘Fishing’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salmonfly Mania in Missoula

By TONY REINHARDT -The time has finally arrived! Many anglers wait all year to chase the Salmonfly hatch, and you won’t find a much better place to do it than in Missoula. ... more

Fewer Surplus Nonresident Elk and Deer Hunting Licenses Available

Beginning Monday, May 4, nonresident hunters can choose among Montana's surplus deer, elk and big game combination hunting licenses and purchase them online or the FWP office.... more

March Madness: Fly Fishing in Missoula, Montana (VIDEO)

By TONY REINHARDT-To most folks March Madness is all about filling out your bracket and the build up to the Final Four. But it means something entirely different to the avid anglers here in Missoula.... more

Missoula River Etiquette

By TONY REINHARDT -With the unbelievably nice weather everyone is looking to get outside so this is a great chance to discuss Missoula River Etiquette. ... more

Early Start to the Fishing Season

By TONY REINHARDT -This time last year we were buried in snow and brutal cold, but the unseasonably warm weather this February has jump started the fishing season for many local anglers.... more

Ice Fishing Safety Reminders

by JOLEEN TADEJ - While ice fishing is a popular outdoor sport in Montana this time of year, anglers must be aware of local conditions that can impact the stability of the ice.... more

New Year for Hunting & Fishing Licenses Begins March 1

March 1 begins the new 2015 license year for Montana hunters and anglers. The new license year is especially important for early-season anglers, and for those who enjoy ice fishing.... more

Fall Days on the Radar

By ROB BREEDING - The fishing has grown increasingly good as the leaves succumb to gravity.... more

Fall Fly Fishing in Missoula–The Anglers’ Time

By TONY REINHARDT -For many Missoulians fall is their favorite time of year. Fly fishing is some of the best of the year and for dedicated anglers this is a perfect recipe for isolated rivers and great fishing.... more

Warm Flows Prompt “Hoot-Owl” Fishing On Dearborn, Smith and Sun Rivers

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks has advised anglers on three central Montana rivers that all fishing will close daily from 2 p.m. to midnight until conditions improve; effective Aug. 8th.... more

Mid Summer Missoula Fishing Report

By TONY REINHARDT -The season is flying by! The fishing has been great in Missoula so far this year, and with plenty of water still in our rivers that should continue through the rest of the season. ... more

Going Home Again

By ROB BREEDING - I went back to one former home recently, my old stomping grounds in the Bitterroot Valley.... more

Do the Right Thing

By ROB BREEDING - The fish that were in Montana first are worthy of our best conservation efforts.... more

Summer Dry Fly Season in Missoula

By TONY REINHARDT - It seems that we have gone from spring to summer overnight in Missoula and the fly fishing transition has happened just as quickly--now is the time to get into the river.... more

FWP, Anglers Work Together to End Illegal fish Introductions

Montana fisheries officials and major statewide angling groups signed an agreement recently aimed at curbing the spread of illegal fish introductions into state waters.... more

The Next Generation–Take a Kid Fishing!

By TONY REINHARDT - Do you remember the first time you went fishing, or the first fish you caught? Odds are it was a father, grandpa, or mentor who took you out on that first trip. ... more

High Water Fishing Options in Western Montana

By TONY REINHARDT -Got the fishing bug? Wonder where can you scratch the itch in the middle of run-off season? The key to success this time of year lies more in your computer or smart phone than in your fly bo... more

Skwala Season Has Arrived in Western Montana

By TONY REINHARDT -Skwalamania has arrived in full force in western Montana. This much anticipated event of the fishing season was delayed by record snow and cold in February, but it is finally upon us. ... more

Fly Tying Season

By TONY REINHARDT - I am a fly tying procrastinator which isn’t a good thing in my line of work. As a full time guide I go through a lot of flies between March and October each year.... more

Hunters, The Time is NOW!

By TONY REINHARDT - Weather is a huge factor during hunting season and this latest storm front making its’ way through the state is what many hunters have been waiting for. ... more

Late Season Solitude

By TONY REINHARDT - This time of year you could have the whole river to yourself, and if you pick your days wisely you could get in 3-4 hours of quality fishing in the afternoon.... more

The Third Week in September

It's the autumnal equinox, which some equate with death. But for hunters, anglers, and hikers, the third week of September is a time to anticipate, to delight in, to anxiously await. ... more