The Fort Peck Lake Derby Runs Each Summer with Cash Prizes for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Trout

The Fort Peck Lake Trout and Salmon Derby is an annual summer fishing tournament held on Fort Peck Lake in northeastern Montana, near the town of Fort Peck. The derby typically runs for one week in July, though exact dates shift year to year — check with the Fort Peck Lake Association or the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) for the current year's schedule. Anglers fish for walleye, northern pike, and trout, with cash prizes awarded to the heaviest fish in each category and sometimes for the largest overall catch.

The lake itself is a massive reservoir created by the Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River, spanning over 245,000 acres when full. It holds healthy populations of walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and kokanee salmon, making it one of Montana's most productive fishing destinations. The derby draws both local anglers and visitors from across the region, and participation is open to anyone with a valid Montana fishing license.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fort Peck Lake derby runs for one week each July with cash prizes for walleye, northern pike, and trout caught during the tournament window.
  • You must hold a valid Montana fishing license to enter, and some years require a separate derby entry fee paid at registration.
  • Fish are weighed at official weigh-in stations located at marinas around the lake, and you must check in your catch before the daily deadline to be may be able to access for prizes.
  • The lake has multiple boat launch sites and marinas with rental options if you do not own a boat, and shore fishing is also permitted during the derby.
  • Water conditions and fish behavior change throughout the summer, so success often depends on knowing which species are active and where to find them during the tournament week.

How to Register and What You Need to Bring

Registration for the derby typically opens a few weeks before the tournament and closes on the first day of fishing. You can register in person at participating marinas and tackle shops around Fort Peck Lake, or online through the Fort Peck Lake Association website if they offer that option — call ahead to confirm current registration methods. You will need a valid Montana fishing license, which you can purchase online through the MFWP website, at any sporting goods store, or at marinas around the lake.

The entry fee varies by year but is usually modest — typically between $10 and $25 per angler. Some years the derby is free to enter. Bring your fishing license, a photo ID, and cash or a card for registration and any weigh-in fees. If you are fishing from a boat, you will also need a current boat registration and a life jacket for each person aboard, as required by Montana law.

Weigh-In Locations and Daily Deadlines

Fish must be weighed at official weigh-in stations to count toward prizes. The main weigh-in locations are typically at the Fort Peck Marina, Spillway Marina, and sometimes at smaller marinas depending on the year. Weigh-in hours are usually from late afternoon through early evening — often 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. — so plan your fishing day to return in time. Missing the weigh-in deadline means your fish do not count, even if they would have won.

Bring your fish alive or on ice in a cooler. The weigh-in staff will record the species, weight, and angler name, and you will receive a receipt. Keep that receipt — it is your proof of entry for that day's catch. If you catch a fish you think might place, ask the weigh-in staff what the current leading weight is in that category so you know whether to keep fishing or head in.

What Fish Species to Target and When They Bite Best

Walleye are the most popular target during the derby because they are abundant and fight well. They feed most actively in early morning and evening, and in July they often move to deeper water during the heat of the day — fish 20 to 40 feet deep using live minnows, jigs, or crankbaits. Walleye also bite well on cloudy days and at night, so if daytime fishing is slow, consider staying out after sunset.

Northern pike are aggressive hunters and can be caught throughout the day, especially around weed beds and rocky structure near shore. They respond well to large lures, spinners, and live baitfish. Lake trout prefer cooler, deeper water and are often found 60 feet down or more in midsummer, so you will need a depth finder and jigging skills to target them effectively. Kokanee salmon, if included in the derby that year, school in open water and are caught by trolling small spoons or by jigging in deep basins.

Boat Access and Shore Fishing Options

Fort Peck Lake has multiple public boat launch sites managed by the MFWP and the Bureau of Reclamation. The main launches are at Fort Peck Marina, Spillway Marina, Nelson Creek, and Tiber Marina. Launch fees are typically $5 to $10 per day. If you do not own a boat, several marinas rent fishing boats by the day or half-day, and rental rates usually range from $75 to $150 depending on boat size and engine. Call ahead to reserve, especially during the derby week when demand is high.

Shore fishing is also permitted and can be productive, particularly for walleye and northern pike along the dam face and near rocky points. Public access areas include the Fort Peck Dam overlook and several pullouts along the roads that border the lake. Shore fishing requires no boat launch fee and is a good option if you want to fish without renting or owning a boat.

Preparing Your Gear and Tackle for July Conditions

July on Fort Peck Lake is warm and often windy, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. The water temperature is usually in the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, which affects where fish hold and how active they are. Pack a variety of tackle because conditions can change quickly — bring jigs in multiple weights and colors, live minnows or shiners in a bait bucket with an aerator, crankbaits for walleye, and larger lures for pike.

A depth finder is valuable for locating structure and suspended fish, especially if you are targeting lake trout. Bring a net or gaff to land larger fish safely, and keep a cooler with ice to preserve your catch. Check your fishing line before the derby starts — July sun and heavy use can weaken line, and losing a prize fish to a break is frustrating and avoidable.

Rules, Regulations, and What Disqualifies a Fish

All Montana fishing regulations apply during the derby, including daily catch limits and size restrictions. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum size limit in most of Fort Peck Lake, northern pike have a 24-inch minimum, and lake trout have a 15-inch minimum — check the current MFWP regulations before you fish because these can change. Fish caught outside the tournament dates do not count, and fish must be caught by rod and reel during daylight hours or the designated night-fishing window if one is announced.

Dead fish or fish that show signs of being caught before the derby started (old wounds, faded color) may be rejected at weigh-in. Keep your fish on ice immediately after catching it to preserve its appearance and quality. If you are unsure whether a fish meets the size requirement, ask the weigh-in staff before you leave the station — they can measure it and tell you whether it counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Montana fishing license if I am visiting from out of state?

Yes. All anglers fishing in Montana must have a valid license, regardless of residency. Non-resident licenses are available for one day, three days, or the full season and can be purchased online through the MFWP website or at sporting goods stores and marinas around Fort Peck Lake.

Can I fish at night during the derby?

Night fishing rules depend on the current year's derby rules — some years allow it, others do not. Check the official derby rules posted by the Fort Peck Lake Association or MFWP before the tournament starts. If night fishing is permitted, it is often only during certain hours.

What if I catch a fish but cannot make it to weigh-in before the deadline?

Your fish will not count toward prizes if it is not weighed by the deadline. Plan your fishing day to return to a weigh-in station with time to spare. If you are fishing far from the nearest station, factor in travel time before you head out.

Are there lodging options near Fort Peck Lake during the derby?

Fort Peck and the surrounding area have motels, cabins, and campgrounds. The Fort Peck Lake Association or local tourism websites can point you to current options. Book early if you are coming during derby week, as rooms fill up quickly.

What should I do if I hook into a very large fish late in the day?

Fight it carefully and land it if you can, but keep an eye on the time. If you are close to the weigh-in deadline, you may need to decide whether to keep fishing or head in with what you have. Losing a prize fish because you ran out of time is a hard lesson — plan your day with the deadline in mind.