We’ve all been there. You pack up the heavy gear, set your sights on a legendary predator, and head out to the water with dreams of glory. But the universe? The universe usually has its own punchline ready.
Just ask Helena local Tod Smitham.
Tod and his buddy Jonathan Miller hit up Salmon Lake with one goal in mind: catch some northern pike. But as anyone who has ever stared at a motionless bobber for hours knows, sometimes you just need to pivot.
Taking a breather from the pike grind, Tod decided to downsize his rig. He threw on a smaller bait, hoping to entice a modest trout or perch just to get some action.
Instead, he hooked into a absolute unit of a Largescale Sucker. Because, hey, suckers have to eat too.
As it turns out, this particular fish had been eating very well.
Here is how the new king of Montana suckers shapes up against the old titleholder:
| Stat | The New Record (Tod Smitham) | The Old Record (Wade Merschat) |
| Weight | 6.86 lbs 🏆 | 6.72 lbs |
| Length | 24.5 inches | 25.25 inches |
| Location | Salmon Lake | Noxon Reservoir |
| Date | Recently | June 2024 |
That’s right—Tod’s fish was actually nearly an inch shorter than Wade Merschat’s 2024 record-holder from Noxon Reservoir, but it easily took the crown by being an absolute tank, weighing in at a thumping 6.86 pounds.
Next time you’re out on the water and your main target isn’t biting, don’t sleep on the backup plan. Downsize that bait, keep your expectations low, and you just might end up in the state record books for a fish you weren’t even trying to catch.
Congratulations to Tod on the historic haul! As for the pike, they’re officially on notice.