Small fish enthusiasts, after the usual hemming and hawing from the judges, we’re here again with some small news of the best kind! The January Smolt(s) of the Month!

The January Smoltie goes to… Beth Roberts, Paul Graham and photographer Josh Money and the trio’s pair of Texas Hold ‘Em pigs from the wilds of carp country.

Paul writes: “A few of us have been on a bit of a carp kick lately here at Howler Brothers HQ. Result? Mostly donuts.

On one of these glorious outings, my co-worker Beth and I managed to double up! Not on carp, mind you. Instead, we hauled in the most fearsome aquatic predators of the day—a pint-sized Guadalupe Bass and an even tinier sunfish. Armed with 7-weight rods, 12-pound test, and carp flies, we really showed those little guys who’s boss.

Naturally, we had to immortalize the moment with a grip-and-grin that screams, “Professional anglers at work.” Was it a win? Absolutely. Did it involve carp? Not even close.”

Above: The January Smolt(s) of the Month. Photo: Josh Money

We’re sending pint-sized congratulations to Beth, Paul and Josh; enjoy those macro-sized bragging rights, and keep the stoke strong! And remember: treat the fish kindly, this year’s smolts are next year’s hawgs.

All monthly winners are eligible to win a grand prize package from Decked—including a full set of their D-Co Cases (valued over $900)—as well as a trophy custom-made by The Flyfish Journal staff, in May 2025. Monthly winners receive prize packages including a Stealth Work Station from Patagonia Fly Fishing and good goods from The Flyfish Journal.

And, of course, those minuscule bragging rights..

A big thanks to our prize sponsors Decked and Patagonia Fly Fishing.

Head to the the main Smolt of the Month contest page for more information on how to enter your enormously small catches and review past Smolts of the Month. Each monthly contest entry window will be open for the duration of each month, so go small or go home and get after it!

We’ve also compiled a runners-up list with a few outstanding entries in no particular order:

Here: A decidedly smoltie submission. Photo: Brandon Kamholz

Brandon Kamholz checks in with a contender: “What’s up my fellow smolters!? I present to you my entry to your next Smolt of the Month drawing. I caught this beautiful little wild bow fishing a small spring creek on a 17° January day! He took a noble fly called the squirmy wormy which was probably a little over 2/3s the length of the fish. Musta been hungry eh? With all the snow on the ground I stood on top of the water fall and drifted the fly downstream to the most vicious indicator drop of my life. The fight was on as I brung this little guy up I realized my net wasn’t long enough to reach him so with some quick thinking I picked the little guy up and plopped I’m in the pool at the top of the waterfall where I was standing and was able to safely net him.”

Above: A behemoth sculpin. Photo: Carl McGehee

Carl McGehee writes: “A friend and I took our first trip ever to fish the mighty Smolt River in Montana.  We stayed at the Smolt RR Ranch and had a fabulous time! My buddy, who landed this monster after a prodigious fight, also fell backwards out of the drift boat into the Madison, after a “failed” hook set. After fishing my buddy out of the river, the guide said not to be embarrassed because it happens all the time.  I think he was being kind. Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun, and got a big kick out of landing this little guy.  We released him to the Smolt without incident.”