Big Sky Anglers love to tackle the Bigguns! The bigger the better. Some anglers target fish specifically to catch the state record. In Montana that means 70 species.
Maryland started a new Master Angler Program a few years ago. In a state where they have an ocean, bay and inland waters, they have over 60 species to catch. If an angler catches 10 record sized species, they can be awarded the Master Angler title. About 10 anglers have done so. Aan accurate picture is required for each submission. The fish needs to qualify for the “Record Book” but does not need to be the Record fish. This may be a fun competition to start in Montana.
When you look at the Montana State Fish Records, there are many things that stand out. Our state fishing holes are abundant and diverse. Here are some interesting facts that you can find in the Fish Record List. The list is always changing so pardon me if I missed a new addition.
Largest Fish The biggest fish captured in MT is the Paddlefish at 142.5 lbs. The largest fish caught is the White Sturgeon at 96 lbs.
Smallest Fish the Emerald Shiner holds this record at 3.43 inches. The Lake Chub and Mountain sucker are nearby at around 6 inches each.
Longest Fish the Paddlefish record was also 77 inches long. The Musky record is 50 inches. I would assume the Northern Pike would be in competition at around 50 plus inches, but the record does not show the 37.5 lb. pike record length.
Oldest Fish Record the Bull trout record has stood since 1916. Brook Trout record is from 1940, and the Largest Cutthroat is from 1955.
Newest Fish Record Canyon Ferry joined the State Record books with a whopping Utah Chub addition in 2022. The state largemouth bass record was broken in 2021, and the Chinook Salmon record fell in 2020. Also in 2021, a monster Brown Trout was caught in the Marias River.
Honey Hole with the most Fish Records Fort Peck stands as the BIG FISH HONEY HOLE with 8 state record fish.
Record most likely to be Broken Walleye and Chinook Salmon fishing are both popular and competitive. Big Yellow Perch has also been becoming more common. Many anglers are on the hunt. Any record could be broken at any time.
If we looked at Record fish by their watershed, the Missouri River would stand out. There are many lakes along this grand river.
Where do our Bigger Lakes stand? Fort Peck has 8 record fish. Tongue Reservoir has 4 records as does Nelson Reservoir. Holter Lake has 2 records, one being the prized Walleye. The Marias River also has 2 record fish as does Flathead Lake. Hauser, Canyon Ferry, Tiber, have one record fish each.
The truth is that a Trophy Fish is in the eye of the beholder. Every honest and legal fish caught is a trophy to someone. The biggest part of fishing also includes companionship, tradition, stories, diversity, destinations, therapy, and the wonderful joy that fishing brings to all of us.
Fishing is the parents’ perfect sport. It includes limits, rules, science, math, writing. Problem solving, cooking, cleaning, art and about every positive aspect needed for life.
Oh, and Fishing is Just FUN! Click HERE for the current state record fish list.
Montana Grant
P.S. As I am getting this article posted, Jim Fauth caught a pending new record Chinook Salmon east of the Ft. Peck marina on Aug. 9th. This monster’s potential new state record is 32.62 lbs., 38 inches long, and has a fat girth of 28 inches! That is a PIG!
Additionally recent Chinook catches, in the same area, have been pushing 30 lbs.
