Montana Catfish Association - News & Updates

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.

August 18, 2012 by Montana Cats Staff

The 2012 version of the Montana Cats Circuit will always be known as the year of the “RECORD”. For the third time this year a new standard was set. And for the second time this year, one of the fishermen was Chad Dawson. Chad, of Dickinson, ND. joined forces with Lars Sorensen, of Williston, ND., to take down the field at the 2nd Annual Missouri River Catfish Clash held over the weekend in Williston. The duo focused their efforts on submerged cover and deep water to land over twenty catfish on the day.

July 17, 2012 by Montana Cats Staff

The 4th Annual Monster Cat Roundup was held over the weekend on the beautiful Yellowstone River. Continuing with this year’s tournament theme, every record was smashed at the event. 2012 has truly been an unforgettable year for the Montana Cats Circuit and the Roundup would not be outdone. The highlight of the weekend was seeing tournament participation rise to 49 teams just before the Friday night calcutta at the Ranger Lounge, with 42 of those teams fishing from boat. The previous record had been 35 teams, competing at the 2nd Annual event in 2010. With increased team numbers, comes increased competition.

June 09, 2012 by MT Cats Staff

Savage, MT 6/9/12 – The 9th Annual Savage Volunteer Fire Dept. Catfish Tournament is officially in the books and this years leader board truly tells the tale. In a year where records seem to be falling left and right on the Montana Cats Tour, the Savage tournament proved to be no different. Never before had so much weight been brought to the scales. Once again anglers were only able to weigh-in their five biggest slot fish, as only 12″ to 18″ cats count towards your final tally. Anytime you can land over five pounds it is a very successful day on the water and anything near six and you very well could be looking at a championship. This year it took nearly six pounds just to squeak into the top six and take home some prize money.

Local anglers, Chad Mueller, Brady Mueller, and Justin Verhaselt would rise above the rest and turn in a new tournament record, 7.83 lbs, besting the previous mark set by Brenner, Brady, and Jason Flaten in 2006 at 7.74 lbs. The trio pointed to the use of chicken livers and targeting current seems as their keys to the championship. Brady and Chad are some of Montana’s most accomplished catfish tourney anglers and were excited to sit atop the mountain after many years of knocking on the door. Brady has a runner-up finish at the Monster Cat Roundup in 2010, a 12th place finish in last years Milk River Catfish Classic, and a top-five finish at last years Inaugural Missouri River Catfish Clash, while Chad is a two-time runner up at Sidney’s Monster Cat Roundup in 2009 and 2011. A well deserved title indeed.

Taking runner-up honors was the tournament veteran crew of Brenner Flaten, Chad Dawson, and Cade Flaten. Finishing well off the pace, they weighed in a five catfish limit at 6.50 lbs. The three anglers felt fortunate after the events culmination, as they did not have a single slot fish in the boat before noon. Rounding out the top three was another local squad: Don Mastvelten, Kirk Sanders, and Donny Dillman. They pushed for 2nd place honors, coming up just short with 6.45 lbs. Despite not be able to weigh-in a slot fish, Brandon Mueller was able to bring even more success to the Mueller family this past weekend. Brandon cashed-in on the tournaments big fish pot when he weighed in a 14.435 lb. Yellowstone trophy. It is one of the bigger fish ever weighed in at the Savage tournament and Brandon’s personal best after many years of chasing kitties in the Sidney area. Congrats on a fantastic catch Brandon!

There are a few things that you can always count on when it comes to fishing. A great time in Savage, Montana on the second weekend of every June is one of them certainties. The folks with the Savage Volunteer Fire Dept. are first class and put on a top shelf event year in and year out. If you are an avid tournament angler and would like the challenge of targeting “slot fish” for a change, it is time to start making your plans. We can assure you it will not disappoint. Anglers who have fished the tournament the previous year always have the first chance at registration, so if you are new to the party, do not wait long as it fills its 60-team field very quick. Come and enjoy an incredible calcutta that you have to see to believe and enjoy a farm-raised catfish feed after a long day on the water. Please enjoy the top six results from this past weekend’s event below.

June 01, 2012 by Montana Cats Staff

In perhaps the greatest weekend in Montana Cats Circuit history, two young anglers proved the future of Montana catfishing is in good hands. The 13th Annual Milk River Catfish Classic events kicked off on Friday night on Glasgow’s famous front street with the annual catfishing social and calcutta of the fishing teams.