What Iowa Great Lakes Walleye Weekend Is
Iowa Great Lakes Walleye Weekend is a spring fishing tournament held on the Iowa Great Lakes, typically in May, that draws walleye anglers from across the region. The event centers on Spirit Lake and West Okoboji Lake, two of Iowa's largest and most productive walleye fisheries. It is organized by local fishing clubs and tourism boards in the Okoboji area, and it combines competitive fishing with community celebration—weigh-ins are public, prizes are awarded, and the weekend draws families and serious anglers alike.
The tournament runs for two days, usually a Friday and Saturday. Anglers fish during daylight hours and return to designated weigh-in locations in the evening. The event is open to both residents and visitors, and entry fees are modest. Beyond the tournament itself, the weekend includes food, local business participation, and often live music or community gatherings in the towns around the lakes.
Key Takeaways
- Iowa Great Lakes Walleye Weekend takes place each May on Spirit Lake and West Okoboji Lake, with two days of tournament fishing and public weigh-ins.
- The event is open to anglers of all skill levels, and entry fees typically range from $25 to $50 per angler, with team options available.
- Walleye are most active in spring when water temperatures are cool, making May an ideal time to fish the Iowa Great Lakes.
- Weigh-ins are public events held at marinas or community centers, and prizes go to the heaviest fish and sometimes to the largest single walleye.
- The weekend draws visitors to the Okoboji area, so lodging and restaurants fill up—booking accommodations in advance is wise if you plan to attend.
When the Tournament Runs and How to Enter
Walleye Weekend occurs in May each year, when water temperatures on the Iowa Great Lakes typically range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This timing matters because walleye feed actively in cool water and are less likely to be deep or sluggish. The exact dates shift slightly year to year, so check with the Okoboji Chamber of Commerce or local fishing clubs for the current year's schedule.
Entry is straightforward. You register at a participating marina or through the tournament organizers, usually a few days before the event begins. Most tournaments charge a per-angler fee—typically $25 to $50—and some allow team registration, where two or three anglers fish together and combine their catch. You receive a tournament packet with rules, weigh-in times, and the location of your assigned weigh-in station. A valid Iowa fishing license is required, and you must follow all state fishing regulations, including daily catch limits and size restrictions for walleye.
Where to Fish and What Walleye Prefer in Spring
Spirit Lake and West Okoboji Lake are the primary tournament waters. Spirit Lake is the larger of the two and has deeper basins and more structure—rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges—that hold walleye. West Okoboji is shallower overall but has productive areas near the inlet between the two lakes and along the eastern shore where walleye congregate in spring.
In May, walleye move into shallower water to feed after winter. Look for them in 8 to 15 feet of water near rocky shorelines, submerged timber, or weed beds. Early morning and late evening are peak feeding times, but walleye in spring will bite throughout the day if you are in the right spot. Live bait—shiners, minnows, or crawfish—works well, as do jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait. Trolling along drop-offs and casting near structure are both effective approaches.
Preparing Your Boat and Gear
If you own a boat, make sure it is in good working order before the tournament. Check your motor, fuel system, battery, and navigation electronics. The Iowa Great Lakes can be windy in May, so a reliable boat and proper safety equipment—life jackets, a kill switch, and a working radio—are essential. If you do not own a boat, many marinas around Okoboji rent fishing boats by the day, and some offer guide services for anglers unfamiliar with the lakes.
Pack a tackle box with a variety of jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), soft plastics in natural colors, live bait containers, and extra line. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers—May weather in Iowa can shift from cool mornings to warm afternoons. A net for landing fish, a stringer or live well to keep walleye fresh, and a cooler with ice are all practical. Many anglers also bring a GPS unit or use their phone's mapping app to mark productive spots.
Understanding Tournament Rules and Weigh-In
Tournament rules are designed to keep the event fair and protect the fishery. Most Walleye Weekend tournaments follow these basics: fishing begins at sunrise on the first day and continues through sunset on the second day; you must fish only during designated hours; and all fish must be caught on rod and reel with hook and line. Live wells or stringers keep fish alive until weigh-in. Any walleye under the state minimum size (usually 15 inches) must be released immediately.
Weigh-ins are held at a central location—often a marina or community center—at a set time each evening. You bring your catch to the weigh station, where officials record the weight and the number of fish. Prizes typically go to the team or angler with the heaviest total weight, and sometimes there is a separate prize for the largest single fish. Weigh-ins are public, so spectators can watch, and results are posted the same evening or the next morning.
What to Expect in the Okoboji Area During the Weekend
The Iowa Great Lakes region fills up during Walleye Weekend. Hotels, cabins, and resorts in Okoboji, Arnolds Park, and Emmons fill quickly, so book lodging well in advance if you are traveling from out of state. The towns around the lakes have restaurants, bait shops, and tackle stores that cater to anglers, and many offer special promotions or extended hours during the tournament.
Beyond fishing, the weekend is a social event. Local businesses sponsor activities, there are often food vendors at weigh-in sites, and the community celebrates the fishing culture that defines the region. If you are bringing family members who do not fish, there are amusement parks, beaches, and shops in the Okoboji area to keep them occupied during the day while you are on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish Walleye Weekend?
No. If you do not own a boat, you can rent one from a marina around Okoboji, or you can fish from shore at public access points. Some anglers also team up with local anglers or hire a guide who provides the boat. Check with the tournament organizers for a list of rental and guide services in the area.
What is the state size limit for walleye in Iowa?
Iowa's walleye minimum size is 15 inches. Any walleye under that length must be released immediately. There is no maximum size limit, and the daily bag limit is typically six walleye per angler, though tournament rules may be more restrictive. Check the current Iowa fishing regulations before you go.
Can I fish with my kids in the tournament?
Yes. Many tournaments allow youth anglers to fish as part of a team with an adult, or some offer a separate youth division. Check the tournament rules when you register to see what options are available for young anglers.
What if the weather is bad on tournament days?
Tournaments may be postponed or cancelled if conditions are unsafe—high winds, lightning, or severe storms. The organizers will announce any changes through the local chamber of commerce or the tournament website. If you are traveling from a distance, have a flexible schedule or a backup plan.
Where can I find current tournament dates and registration information?
Contact the Okoboji Chamber of Commerce or search for "Iowa Great Lakes Walleye Weekend" online. Local fishing clubs and marinas in the Okoboji area also post tournament details and registration deadlines. Information is usually available by March for the May event.