Montana Catfish Association - News & Updates

August 21, 2021 by Montana Cats Staff

8/21/2021 (Williston, ND) – Low Water. That was the theme of the 11th Annual Missouri River Catfish Clash held in Williston, North Dakota over the weekend.  The event came into question mid-week due to the low water levels and issues with the boat launch at tournament headquarters.  Thankfully, Montana Cats worked collectively with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to ensure safe access for all the anglers and assured that the event would go on as planned.  Despite conditions that had not been seen over the last decade of the event, and a drop in prop boat attendance, 42 boats still signed up to give it a go.  

July 17, 2021 by Montana Cats Staff

7/17/21 - Sidney, MT. - The Yellowstone River is very low and recent temperature's have been unseasonably scorching.  With those conditions unlikely to change over the weekend, the Montana Catfish Association Board of Directors held discussion early this week and took unprecedented action to protect the health of the fish during the event.  For the first time in the 13-year history of the event, the 5-fish limit was reduced to just 4 for this year's event.  The change would allow anglers a better chance to keep their fish healthy and return them safely to the river after weigh-ins.  Mission accomplished!  It was a highly successful event once again.  Despite 96 degree heat, the Montana Cats anglers passed the test with flying colors and proved yet again that they are committed to keeping the fish in great shape.    

June 05, 2021 by Montana Cats Staff

Glasgow, MT 6/5/21 - The Cat Classic is the gift that keeps on giving!  Simply unbelievable.  On a week where it seemed big fish would be hard to come by, it proved to be anything but.  With very lower water conditions and a heat index in the 90's for the days leading up to the tourney there was an expectation among anglers that this years tourney would be a real challenge and the resident population of catfish in the Mighty Milk would be tight lipped on tourney night.  Leave it the Cat Classic to throw everyone a wrench and come out swinging.  The fishing was fantastic again this year for the 80-team field as twenty eight teams weighed in over 20 lbs. of fish!  That ties the all-time record set in 2017 and 2019.     

May 08, 2021 by Montana Cats Staff

The Montana Catfish Association hosted the 15th Annual Yellowstone Challenge this past weekend in Huntley, MT.  Friday night kicked off with the rules meeting, social and Calcutta.  Anglers and fans took the time catching up with old friends and meeting new ones in the process.  The Challenge filled it's 60 team field for the first time since 2015 once again lived up to its name.

August 15, 2020 by Montana Cats Staff

8/15/2020 (Williston, ND) – After 10 years, the Missouri River Catfish Clash can still take an anglers breath away!   The beautiful stretch of water from the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers to the far west reaches of Lake Sakakawea is simply outstanding and continues to produce trophy Channel Catfish year in and year out.  This year's event capped a decade of impressive performances by some of the finest catfish anglers throughout Montana and the Dakotas.  49 teams enjoyed a fine day on the water with twenty teams weighing in at least twenty pounds.