Fort Peck Reservoir

Located just 17 miles east of Glasgow, Montana and 120 miles north of Billings; Fort Peck Reservoir is one of just six mainstem dams on the Missouri River that forms a system managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.  Completed in 1940, The Fort Peck Dam is the 2nd largest earth-filled dam in the World.  Trailing only Tarbella Dam in Pakistan which was completed in 1976.  "Peck" is the 5th largest artificial lake in the United States and boasts 1,520 miles of shore line.  That is more than any other body of water in the United States, and if stretched out, it's shores would be longer than the entire coast line of California.  It covers 250,000 acres of land throughout secluded north-eastern Montana.  It is home to over 60 species of fish and there are twelve fully functioning boat ramps during normal water levels.

Fort Peck has long been known for it's world-class Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout, and Chinook Salmon.  The Channel Catfish also belongs on that elite list.  Remaining in relative obscurity, the Channel Cat can grow to enormous proportions in Fort Peck and with little to no fishing pressure, opportunities abound for the serious angler.  Concentrating your efforts during the right time of year and in an optimal reservoir location can bring catfisherman ample opportunities at a trophy.  Weather, lake levels, and feeder river stream flows can all play a part in one's chase for that elusive Montana state record.  A feat already accomplished three times on this massive body of water. 
The state record was set in Fort Peck back in 1984 when Gordon Wentworth landed a 25.89 lb. Channel Cat.  Gordon's record was tied on Fort Peck in 1988 when Tom Hilderman landed his own 25.89 lb. Cat.  Those two shared the title for ten more years until it was broken in 1989.  Dan Davenport reclaimed the state record for "Peck" when he boated a 34.8 lb. giant in July of 2013 in the Snow Creek area.  Dan's record stood for six years before being broken in August of 2019.   

It is tough to target cats if you’re a shore angler on Fort Peck Reservoir, but if you are planning on attacking cats, via boat or shore, plan on getting an early start at it.  Weather permitting, begin in mid April and fish hard into the early part of June.  Concentrate your efforts throughout the far west reaches of the lake.  Catfishing west of the UL Bend Area can be your best bet for cats over 20 lbs. especially during those first spells of warm weather and the ensuing days that extend well into pre-spawn.  Channel Cats will look to charge up the Missouri River towards the James Kipp Recreation area near Fred Robinson Bridge or cruise their way into Crooked Creek Bay on their way up the Musselshell River looking for that perfect place to spawn.  When water levels are condusive, Cats may also push up the far reaches of the big dry arm.  Past McGuire and Nelson Creek and even into the tip of Big Dry Creek. 

Walleye anglers will happen upon Catfish infrequently while fishing the Duck Creek or Pines Recreation areas near the town of Fort Peck.  Often times these accidental catches will come by way of bottom bouncer, crank baits, or various vertical jig presentations.  Hell Creek, Snow Creek, Fourchette Bay, and Devils Creek have all harbored large channel cats during the fall fishing season in recent years.  Anglers have found them in shallow bays and under submerged tree stumps.  It is not uncommon for big game hunters to target massive Channel Cats during the evenings on their trips into the Missouri River Breaks region during the months of September and October.  Big Cats offer an added bonus for those out chasing Elk in some rough country.

Selective harvest is absolutely crucial during your chase of monster Channel Cats.  Please strongly consider a photo and a safe release of all Catfish over six pounds.  This will assure this tremendous resource stays available for many generations to come.  

Above Information from Montana Cats Staff.