Montana Catfish Association - News & Updates

May 31, 2013 by Montana Cats Staff

Sticking to the typical theme of unpredictability, the Cat Classic was back to its old tricks again this past weekend. Seemingly, every year, the anglers find themselves wrestling with rapidly rising waters or steadily plummeting conditions while also keeping an eye on the ever-changing weather conditions throughout the tournament week.

May 11, 2013 by Montana Cats Staff

The Montana Catfish Association hosted the 7th Annual Yellowstone Challenge Catfish tournament this past weekend in Huntley. After a long and grueling winter, the anglers were anxious to get out on the water and compete against some familiar faces. Several talented out of town teams, coupled with an abundance of veteran local anglers battled for the right to call themselves Yellowstone Challenge champs. This was perhaps the most star-studded cast in Montana Cats history, with over 19 individual catfish championships scattered throughout the field.

May 03, 2013 by MT Cats Staff

Lewellen, NE 5/4/13 – The 16th Annual Lake McConaughy Catfish Classic took place over the weekend and impressive baskets once again littered the weigh-ins. With the lake being down dramatically from last year, it forced some teams to change up their approach. Some teams undoubtedly struggled with the difference in water levels, while others seemed to have adjusted without fault. As with any other year of this event, every team has to deal with the difficult decision of fishing the lake in the comforts of their boat or hoofing it on the banks of the North Platte River in search of some success from the shore. The decision you ultimately make can make the difference in an appearance near the top of the leader board or one that has you bringing up the rear.

For the second consecutive year, Kevin Robertson and Doug Canning manned their airboat up the river to produce a ten fish limit that no one else could challenge. Robertson and Canning are the first to win back-to-back titles since tournament results started being recorded. And for the second straight year, the team that they nipped for the top prize was their sons. Nathan Robertson and Jeremy Canning, also fishing from an airboat, claimed the runner-up trophy for the second consecutive year. As if last years loss of less than one pound to their fathers wasn’t enough already, the duo would come up less than 1 1/2 pounds short this go around. Excruciating losses for family bragging rights for the both of them, but an unbelievable performance nonetheless for the second straight year. Both of these teams deserve a ton of credit for winning last year and then coming back and proving no luck was involved. As of right now, they all deserve the title of “Cat Classic Kings”.

The top ten looked eerily similar to previous years, especially last year. Seven of the top 10 teams from 2012 returned to the top ten this year. Last years third place team of Mark Canning and Alex Canning finished a very respectable 10th place. Finishing in third place this year was Kendal Kessler and Bob Mallard. As was the case with the top two teams, Kessler and Mallard also targeted their cats in the North Platte River throughout the day. Nathan Robertson and Jeremy Canning captured their own repeat of sorts over the weekend by capturing their second consecutive big fish award. Their cat tipped the scales at 12.72 lbs., the biggest cat caught at the Classic in many years. Two other cats were weighed in at over 11 lbs., proving the big fish are definitely out there to be caught.

The Lake Mac Cat Classic just never seems to disappoint. Every year it is one of the most well attended events in catfish tournament rich Nebraska. The teams come back every single year to Darrell and crew at The Oregon Trail Trading Post. Everyone comes back because they put on a truly fine event. Do yourself a favor and pencil in May 3rd, 2014 for the 17th version of this tournament. You will be treated to a calcutta and social on Friday night complete with a free team meal and Saturday will provide you with ten hours of non-stop tournament action. Please enjoy the complete results from this past weekend.

February 28, 2013 by MT Cats Staff

In the sport of catfishing, there is probably only one thing that can compare to the adrenaline rush you receive when landing and releasing a trophy. That one thing is the smell of spring thaw and the thought of open water. Now that March is upon us and the peak of winter has come to pass it is time to start looking forward to the new season. All of us here at Montana Cats cannot wait to get 2013 kicked off with a bang. Before you know it, you will be gripping that rod, smiling, and waiting with nervous anticipation for your first big “thump” of the season. Lets hope that first one, is truly a memorable one, and starts this season off right.

August 24, 2012 by MT Cats Staff

Burwell, NE 8/25/12 – The largest and most recognized catfish circuit in the country finally found it’s way to within Nebraska borders. Cabelas answered the call from many of the regions top anglers that have been clamoring for a shot at a championship event against some of the nations best and a chance to qualify for the famous Cabelas King Kat Classic held at the end of every September. The event was held at the renowned Calamus Reservoir in Northeast Nebraska, home to some of the biggest channel cats in the world, and it simply did not disappoint. Much to the pleasure of Cabelas and the Burwell, Nebraska chamber of commerce the leader board showcased just why it was a sought after location for such an event.

Thirty-five high profile teams, from eight different states, flocked to the rural area reservoir. Lincoln, Nebraska anglers, Josh Koll and Mat Helm, turned in one of the best Channel Catfish limits ever seen on the Cabelas King Kat circuit. The amazing basket tipped the scales at 118.75 lbs. An astonishing 23.75 lb. average. For their efforts they received a check for $2,500 and a guaranteed spot in the Cabelas King Kat Classic. The veteran tournament squad used an unconventional approach on the waters of Calamus, choosing to anchor up in fourteen to seventeen feet with cut shad and creek chubs. It paid off in a big way. The rest of the top five all chose to use the ever-popular drift fishing method. Taking runner-up honors were Kansas natives, David Studebaker and Rich Witt. Their five fish limit was impressive in its own right; coming in at 79.75 lbs. Rounding out the top three was Cory Muhlbach of Shelton, Nebraska and Craig Stephens of Riverdale, Nebraska with 75.4 lbs.. Craig is an experienced Nebraska Circuit angler and the president of Central Nebraska Cats.

Montana Cats was well represented by Jason Flaten of Gillette, Wyoming and Chad Dawson of Dickinson, ND. Fishing in their first ever King Kats event, they found themselves just outside the top five. Finishing in 6th place with 55 lbs., less than four lbs. out of 4th place. The top 20 teams automatically qualified for the King Kat Classic, so there outstanding finish more than got that job done. Following the weekend of events, Cabelas was so impressed with the body of water and the limits that hit the scales that they already marked a return trip for next year on August 24th, 2013. Results such as these and quality team numbers are beginning to move the circuit northwest. In 2013, Cabelas will make stops in Burwell, Nebraska, South Sioux City, Nebraska, and Grand Forks, North Dakota. News like that is certainly exciting for the competitive catfish angler in this part of the country! Please enjoy the top six results from Calamus below.