What the Michigan Walleye Tour is and how it works
The Michigan Walleye Tour is a competitive fishing circuit run by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in partnership with local fishing clubs and tournament organizers. Anglers fish scheduled events throughout the year on Michigan's lakes and rivers, competing for prizes and points that accumulate toward season standings. The tour operates on a points-based system: you fish individual tournaments, earn points based on your finish, and your best results count toward your final ranking.
The tour is open to both recreational and serious competitive anglers. You do not need to be a professional to enter — most participants are people who fish regularly and want to test themselves against other skilled anglers in their region. Each tournament has its own entry fee, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per angler, depending on the event and organizer. The entry fee covers your spot in the tournament and contributes to the prize pool that gets distributed to top finishers.
Tournaments run from spring through fall, with the heaviest schedule during May through September when walleye are most active. Most events are one-day affairs, though some multi-day tournaments exist. You fish a set time window — usually dawn to mid-afternoon — and return to the weigh-in location with your catch. Fish are weighed, recorded, and released back into the water. Your standing improves based on the total weight of your fish and how many other anglers you finish ahead of.
Key Takeaways
- The Michigan Walleye Tour is a points-based competitive circuit with tournaments scheduled throughout the fishing season on lakes and rivers across the state.
- Entry fees per tournament typically range from $50 to $150, and you accumulate points across multiple events to build your season ranking.
- Most tournaments run from dawn to mid-afternoon on a single day, with fish weighed at a designated location and released after recording.
- You can find current tournament schedules and entry information through the Michigan DNR website, local fishing clubs, and individual tournament organizers.
- Walleye regulations — including size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures — apply during all tournament fishing and vary by water body.
Where tournaments take place across Michigan
The Michigan Walleye Tour spreads events across the state's major walleye fisheries. Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and the St. Clair River host frequent tournaments because of their strong walleye populations and accessibility. Saginaw Bay, on Lake Huron's western shore, runs multiple events each season. Inland lakes like Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, and Torch Lake also host tour events, particularly in spring and early summer.
The Upper Peninsula has its own strong walleye fishery, and tournaments run on waters like the Menominee River and various inland lakes. The specific tournament schedule changes year to year, so the best way to know which waters are hosting events in a given season is to check the current schedule through the Michigan DNR or the tournament organizers directly. Different waters fish differently — some favor shallow structure and vegetation, others require deeper presentations — so experienced anglers often fish multiple venues to learn new water and adapt their techniques.
How to enter a tournament and what to bring
Entry for most Michigan Walleye Tour events happens through the tournament organizer's website or at a designated registration location, usually a local bait shop or marina near the tournament water. You will need a valid Michigan fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Michigan DNR website or at any authorized retailer. Some tournaments require you to register the day before; others allow day-of registration. Check the specific tournament's rules when you sign up.
Bring your fishing rod, tackle, and a cooler with ice for your catch. Most tournaments require you to keep fish alive in a livewell or cooler with fresh water and ice until weigh-in. Wear a personal flotation device if you are fishing from a boat — Michigan law requires it. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection for a full day on the water. Some tournaments provide a mandatory safety briefing before launch; arrive early enough to attend it.
You will also need to know the specific regulations for the water you are fishing. Walleye size and bag limits vary by lake and season, and some waters have special restrictions. The Michigan DNR publishes a fishing guide that lists these rules by water body. Violating regulations during a tournament can result in disqualification and fines, so review the rules for your specific event water before you fish.
Understanding walleye regulations and size limits
Michigan walleye regulations exist to maintain healthy populations and ensure good fishing for everyone. Most inland lakes have a 15-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five walleye per angler. Some waters, particularly those managed for trophy fishing, have higher minimum sizes — 17 or 18 inches — and lower bag limits. A few waters are catch-and-release only.
Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River have their own specific regulations that differ from inland lakes, so check before you fish. Seasonal closures also apply to some waters; walleye spawning season typically closes certain rivers in spring. The Michigan DNR updates regulations periodically, so verify the current rules for your tournament water on the DNR website or in the current fishing guide before the event.
During tournaments, all state regulations apply. Tournament organizers cannot override state law, and fish that do not meet size requirements must be released. Weigh-in staff will measure and verify each fish. Keeping undersized fish or exceeding your bag limit during a tournament can disqualify you and result in citations from the DNR.
Techniques and tackle for tournament walleye fishing
Successful walleye tournament fishing combines knowledge of the water, the season, and the fish's behavior. In spring, walleye move shallow to spawn and feed in transition zones between deep and shallow water. Summer walleye often suspend in deeper water during the day and move shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Fall brings walleye back to shallower structure as water cools.
Live bait — particularly shiners, crawlers, and leeches — remains the most consistent tournament approach. Jigging with live bait or soft plastics works well in deeper water and around structure. Crankbaits and trolling cover water quickly when you need to locate active fish. Many tournament anglers use a combination of techniques throughout the day, starting with one method and switching if fish are not responding.
Electronics matter in tournament fishing. A quality fish finder helps you locate structure, depth changes, and suspended fish. GPS allows you to mark productive spots and return to them quickly. However, the fish still have to bite, and no amount of technology replaces understanding walleye behavior and reading the water. Successful tournament anglers spend time on their tournament water before the event, learning the bottom contours, structure, and where walleye position themselves in different seasons.
Tournament formats and how points are scored
Most Michigan Walleye Tour events use a weight-based scoring system. Your fish are weighed at the end of the tournament day, and your total weight is compared to other anglers' totals. First place gets the most points, second place gets fewer points, and so on down the field. Some tournaments award bonus points for the heaviest single fish or for catching a specific number of fish.
Your season standing is built from your best finishes across multiple tournaments. If the tour runs ten events and you fish eight of them, your top six or seven finishes typically count toward your final ranking. This format rewards consistency and allows you to miss an event or two without falling out of contention. The angler with the highest total points at the end of the season wins the tour championship and associated prizes.
Some tournaments run a two-angler team format instead of individual competition. Team events add a social element and allow anglers to fish with a partner. Points are still accumulated toward individual season standings, but the team's combined weight determines the finish. Check each tournament's format when you register, as entry fees and rules differ between individual and team events.
Finding tournament schedules and connecting with the fishing community
The Michigan DNR website publishes information about walleye tournaments and fishing events throughout the state. Local fishing clubs often organize or co-host tournaments and maintain their own schedules and registration pages. Bait and tackle shops near major walleye waters typically have tournament flyers and can point you toward upcoming events in your area.
Social media groups dedicated to Michigan walleye fishing share tournament announcements, fishing reports, and technique discussions. These communities are welcoming to newcomers and often include experienced tournament anglers who are happy to answer questions about specific waters or events. Attending a tournament is also a way to meet other serious walleye anglers and learn from watching how they fish.
Many tournaments include a pre-tournament meeting or social event the evening before, where anglers gather to discuss conditions, share information, and build friendships. These gatherings are part of what makes tournament fishing rewarding beyond just the competition — you become part of a community of people who care deeply about walleye fishing and Michigan's waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Michigan Walleye Tour?
Most tournaments require a boat, as they cover large water bodies where shore fishing is not practical. Some events on smaller inland lakes or rivers may allow shore fishing, but check the specific tournament rules. If you do not own a boat, some anglers fish as a team with a partner who has one, or you can rent a boat from a local marina for the tournament day.
What happens if I catch a fish that is undersized during a tournament?
Undersized fish must be released immediately. They cannot be weighed or counted toward your catch. If you are unsure whether a fish meets the minimum size, ask the tournament staff before weigh-in. Intentionally keeping undersized fish can result in disqualification and a citation from the Michigan DNR.
Can I fish multiple tournaments in the same season and accumulate points?
Yes, that is how the tour works. You fish as many tournaments as you want throughout the season, and your best finishes count toward your overall ranking. You do not have to fish every event to compete for the season championship — most tours count your top six to eight finishes out of ten or more events.
What should I do if I have never fished a tournament before?
Start by fishing a single event to see how it works and meet other anglers. Arrive early, attend the safety briefing, and do not hesitate to ask tournament staff questions. Many experienced anglers remember being new and are willing to offer advice. Fishing a smaller, local tournament before a larger regional event can help you build confidence and learn the format.
Where can I find the current Michigan Walleye Tour schedule?
Check the Michigan DNR website for statewide tournament information and links to organizers. Local fishing clubs and bait shops near major walleye waters post schedules for events in their area. Social media groups focused on Michigan walleye fishing also share announcements as tournaments are scheduled.