See Some Sensational Salmon Recently Caught in a Montana Lake

Targeting this species is not an easy task. But those who have a passion for it will attest to the thrill when a big one starts stripping line.

In the past couple of weeks, some impressive salmon have been taken at Montana's Fort Peck Lake Reservoir and Recreation Area. Experienced anglers will tell you this is not the kind of fishing you do if you're trying to hook a whole mess of fish. Nope, this is much more of the high risk-high reward kind of fishing. But, oh the thrill when you hook one of these powerhouses!

WHAT POSSIBLY COULD HAVE BEEN A STATE RECORD

We will never know, and that suits Don Jamison from Nashua, Montana, just fine. Don is not one to call much attention to himself. That's why when he landed a whopper salmon in Fort Peck on July 25, he did not go out of his way to get it to a certified scale to see if he had a new state record.  Don continued to fish and waited hours before getting it on the scale, which might have reduced its official weight by an ounce or two. But being a new record-holder wasn't what it was about for Don. His monster salmon still weighed in at 31 pounds, 15 ounces, just shy of the state record of 32.05 pounds.

IT WAS A BATTLE!

Kathy Goodman and her husband, Jody, from Great Falls got hold of a 25-pound salmon on Fort Peck Tuesday, July 30. Kathy tells us that, “We caught it on an 11-inch 406 Tackle “Marina” flasher with a fly to match that Jody tied. We were 70 ft down, 2.2 mph. We were west of York. It was a battle!

RUEB WAS READY

When you hook a big salmon, you better be ready with a good line and good leader. And local angler Gary Rueb (Reeb) was just that! Using an 8-inch chrome/blue flasher and a Black Jaw Fly, Gary reeled in this 16 pound salmon in 92 of water by Duck Creek on Monday, July 29.

Just a few of the anglers who recently made a big splash on a big lake in Montana. If you are intrigued, it's always best to get some advice from people who offer fishing, lodging and guide services and know the lake well.

Good fishing and tight lines to all.