05/22/2026
Montana Student Anglers Crown 2025/2026 State Champions at Noxon Reservoir
TROUT CREEK, Mont. — May 16, 2026 — The Montana Student Anglers 2025/2026 State Championship concluded Saturday on the scenic waters of Noxon Reservoir, bringing together top high school anglers from across the state for a full day of competitive bass fishing and sportsmanship!
Hosted in Trout Creek, the championship featured student teams competing for state honors and National/World Championship qualification opportunities through the Student Angler Federation. Anglers launched from Lakeside Resort at first light and weighed in their catches Saturday afternoon following a competitive day on the water. Despite being a cold, blustery and rainy day, with periods of heavy rain and snow-pellets, the students (and boat captains!) demonstrated persistence and fortitude, with all 16 teams weighing-in excellent bags of largemouth and smallmouth bass at the end of the day.
Congratulations to our 2025/2026 State Champions – Sean Kincaid and Karsen Keller!
Sean and Karsen brought in the biggest bag of bass in MTSA history with 24lbs 12oz of feisty smallmouth bass!
In 2nd place, graduating seniors, prior state champions (2022/23) and 2025/2026 MTSA Team of the Year – Christian Rensel & Drake Dawson with 20lbs 15oz – We will miss you next year!!
3rd place – defending state champions (2024/25) – Trent Tennison & Wyatt Daken with 20lbs 10oz.
Special shout-out to Bryton Martin, who is also graduating this spring! Best wishes, and we’ll see you on the water!
MTSA leadership is proud to see the growth of youth fishing across Montana and thankful to the families, boat captains, volunteers, and sponsors who make our events possible!
