VOL. 14 · NO. 25 June 17, 2026 · Bozeman, MT LIVE · 6 RIVERS TRACKED · TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK
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FISHINGExperience Montana’s Free Fishing Days This Father’s DayJun 17 FISHINGMastering Fly Selection: The Rock Method for Trout FishingJun 17 HUNTINGCan Arkansas Hunters Really Prepare for a Montana Spring Bear Hunt? Deadhaul…Jun 17 CONSERVATIONBeavers Rewilded 12,000 Montana Wetland Acres Better Than Anyone ExpectedJun 17 HUNTINGWildlife Policy Battle: Sportsmen Defend Hunting TraditionsJun 17
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61.26 Pounds Claim 1st Place in 2026 Tough Guy Tournament

The 2026 Jerry Johnston Memorial Tough Guy Tournament concluded with Zeik Gordon and Owen Wilcox winning first place with 61.26 pounds. The competition was fierce, with impressive performances from all top five teams.

Talk about a heavy haul! The 2026 Jerry Johnston Memorial Tough Guy Tournament at Hell Creek just wrapped up, and the leaderboard is absolutely stacked. In a grueling one-day showdown on Fort Peck, the duo of Zeik Gordon and Owen Wilcox absolutely crushed the competition, securing first place with a massive total weight of 61.26 pounds. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement, especially with their biggest fish clocking in at an impressive 13.02 pounds!!

While Gordon and Wilcox ran away with the top spot, the rest of the top five put up a heck of a fight:

  • Josh Zgrabik & James Oliver locked down 2nd with 25.12 lbs.
  • John Swenson & Eric Braunburger took 3rd with 24.07 lbs.
  • Gage Gordon & Wayne Wilcox claimed 4th with 22.96 lbs.
  • Jayson Emmett & Cash Kramer rounded it out in 5th with 22.53 lbs.

Huge props to everyone who braved the water—this tournament definitely lived up to the “Tough Guy” name!


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