The 2012 Montana Walleye Circuit kicked off with day one of the 2012 Fresno Walleye Challenge at Fresno Reservoir near Havre, MT. A total of 92 teams ended up on the roster for the tournament from MT, Idaho, Washington, and North Dakota. Anglers were looking forward to one of the best bites the system has seen for some time. Fish sampling by the FWP in recent years have been setting records with an average of 22 fish per net – the highest number of walleye per net than any other system in the state.

Pre-fishing was good for most of the field even though conditions have changed over the past week after the snow, wind, cold etc. the area saw over the Memorial weekend.

Day one found the teams spread from one end of the reservoir to the other. Teams were jigging, rigging and pulling crankbaits. The weather turned out really great with light to variable winds and mostly overcast with some very light precipitation and temps in mid 60’s to 70 degrees.

The team of Robert and Daniel Rooney took top honors day one with 5 fish weighing 12.80 pounds

Phil and Kim Kumm were 2nd with 5 fish weighing 11.84 pounds

Leonard Roberts and Tim Marsh were 3rd with 5 fish weighing 11.20 pounds.

Fourth place went to Allan Ranes and Steve Worden with 5 fish weighing 11.14 pounds.

Fifth place went to Darrell Archey and Cory Loecker with 5 fish weighing 10.56 pounds.

Day one money was paid out to the top 20 teams.

Biggest walleye and a check for $910 went to team of William “Jake” Monroe and Jason Hernandez 3.38 pounds.

Biggest northern and a check for $820 went to the team of Allan Jackson and Matt Zeadow — a 31 1/2 inch fish.

Multi – species award went to Terry and Cody Eisenbarth who caught 4 species of fish — northern, perch, walleye, and whitefish.

All in all it was a great day with only 4 teams with no fish, one no show.