Montanans take their fishing seriously. We navigate waters whether they’re calm or choppy, and we’ll drop that line rain or shine, all in pursuit of the perfect catch. While fishing is usually an activity rooted in peace and solitude, we like to kick it up a notch every once in a while. Across the state, anglers gather for some friendly competition to test their skills and see what they can bring in. Whether you’re catching as many fish as possible, or are waiting patiently to reel up the big one on the ice, there are plenty of ways to fish competitively in Montana’s waters. Ready to compete? Here are some of the best fishing competitions that take place throughout the year:
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Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament
Fort Peck Lake
Known as northeastern Montana’s premier walleye fishing event, this competition in July is all about catching the heaviest fish possible. For nearly nine hours of fishing on one of Montana’s finest and largest lakes, contestants work to reel in five walleye that will add up to the largest weight for the day. The team that catches the heaviest five fish will take home the top prize. This past year’s winners reeled in nearly 105 pounds of walleye. Along with the main competition, there’s a weekend full of festivities including a youth fishing tournament and a fish fry for the whole community.
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Mack Days
Flathead Lake
This trout fishing competition takes place over a two-month period in both the spring and fall, giving anglers plenty of opportunities to fish the lake for prizes. There are several ways to participate in Mack Days: Whether you’re fishing the lake each day and claiming your prize by volume of fish, or you’re on the hunt for tagged trout that are worth up to $10,000 if they’re caught, it’s easy to get in on the fun. There are also competitions for everyone, including prizes for the largest and smallest fish caught, a youth anglers competition and the “Golden Angler” competition for fishers over 70 years old. This low-stress, high-reward competition makes for a great day on the breathtaking Flathead Lake during prime fishing season.
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Bighorn Carp Tournament
Bighorn Lake
Held annually in June, this contest is all about quantity. Two-person teams set out on Bighorn Lake with six hours to catch as many carp as they can. No motorized boats are allowed, and the day culminates in an after party where the day’s winners are announced. This small-town summertime tradition is also a fundraiser for the Bighorn River Alliance, ensuring the waterway is one that’s able to be fished for generations to come.
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Ducks on Ice
Canyon Ferry Reservoir
Looking for something more chill? Ducks on Ice is the competition for you, both literally and figuratively. This ice fishing event is one of skill and patience, and has anglers waiting on the edges of their lawn chairs to see who reels in the biggest catch of the day. With a diverse fish stock on the reservoir, there are both size- and species-dedicated prizes. Held each February, this winter event hosted by Montana Ducks Unlimited is the perfect excuse to bundle up and get outside.
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