The Leech Lake Walleye Tournament draws anglers from across Minnesota each year
The Leech Lake Walleye Tournament is an annual fishing competition held on Leech Lake in north-central Minnesota, one of the state's largest and most productive walleye fisheries. The tournament typically takes place in early summer, though the exact dates shift year to year. It attracts both experienced tournament anglers and people fishing for the first time, with divisions for different skill levels and boat types.
The lake itself sits in Cass County and spans over 112,000 acres, making it deep enough and large enough to hold walleye populations that support both the tournament and year-round fishing. The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and it operates under Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulations for the lake.
Key Takeaways
- The tournament runs for one or two days in early summer, with specific dates announced by the organizing clubs several months ahead.
- Entry fees vary by division and boat type, and you must register before the tournament closes registration — spots often fill weeks in advance.
- Walleye must meet a minimum size requirement (typically 15 inches on Leech Lake) and are weighed at an official weigh-in station before release.
- You need a valid Minnesota fishing license and must follow all state regulations for the lake, including possession limits and seasonal rules.
- Most divisions fish from sunrise to sunset, and boats must carry required safety equipment including life jackets and a functioning kill switch.
When the tournament happens and how to register
The Leech Lake Walleye Tournament is held once per year, usually in June or early July, though the exact weekend changes annually. The organizing clubs announce the date by late winter or early spring, giving anglers time to plan. Registration typically opens two to three months before the tournament and closes one to two weeks before the event, depending on how quickly divisions fill.
To register, contact the tournament organizer directly — this is usually a local fishing club, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, or a bait and tackle shop on or near the lake. You will need to provide your name, contact information, boat details (length and type), and the name of your fishing partner if you are fishing as a team. Some tournaments allow single anglers to be paired with another angler; ask when you register whether that option is available.
Entry fees cover the cost of running the tournament and the weigh-in operation. Fees vary by division — a typical range is $75 to $150 per boat, though this can be higher for larger tournaments or special divisions. Some tournaments offer a separate youth division at a reduced rate.
What fish count and how the weigh-in works
On Leech Lake, walleye must be at least 15 inches long to count in the tournament. Any walleye shorter than that must be released immediately. Most tournaments allow you to keep your five largest walleye (or however many the rules specify) throughout the day, and you bring them to the official weigh-in station before the deadline — usually one to two hours before sunset.
At weigh-in, each fish is measured to confirm it meets the minimum size, then weighed on a certified scale. The total weight of your catch determines your placement. Fish are released alive after weighing whenever possible, though some tournaments keep fish in live wells during weigh-in to ensure accuracy. Ask the tournament organizer about their release policy when you register.
If you catch a fish that is exactly at the minimum size, bring it to weigh-in — the official measurement will determine whether it counts. Disputes are rare, but the tournament director's measurement is final.
Licenses, regulations, and what you need to bring
You must carry a valid Minnesota fishing license while fishing the tournament. A one-day license is available if you do not have an annual license, and you can purchase one online through the Minnesota DNR website or at any bait shop near the lake. The license covers you for the entire tournament day.
Leech Lake has specific possession and size limits set by the Minnesota DNR. The 15-inch minimum for walleye is standard, and you cannot keep more walleye than state law allows (typically five per day, though this can change). Check the current regulations on the DNR website or ask at a local bait shop before the tournament, because limits do change.
Your boat must have a working kill switch (an engine cutoff device), and every person in the boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway. Bring a net for landing fish, a measuring board or ruler to verify size, and a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish after weigh-in. A GPS or map of the lake is useful but not required.
Finding a fishing partner and choosing your strategy
Most tournaments are fished as two-person teams in one boat, though some allow single anglers or larger groups depending on the division. If you do not have a regular fishing partner, ask the tournament organizer whether they pair solo anglers with other competitors. This is common in community tournaments and a good way to meet other people who fish Leech Lake.
Leech Lake walleye respond to live bait (minnows and leeches) and jigs, particularly in early summer when the tournament typically runs. The lake has shallow bays, deeper structure, and mid-lake reefs — different areas produce at different times of day. Spend time on the water before the tournament if you can, or talk to anglers at the bait shop about where walleye have been biting recently.
Tournament fishing is different from casual fishing: you are competing against other boats, so you want to find productive water quickly and stay there. Many experienced tournament anglers scout the lake days or weeks ahead, marking spots with GPS. If you are new to tournament fishing, fishing with an experienced partner makes a real difference.
What happens after weigh-in and awards
After all boats have weighed in, the tournament director calculates the standings and announces winners. Awards are typically given for first, second, and third place overall, and sometimes for categories like largest single fish or best youth team. Prize money or gift certificates are distributed the same day or within a few days.
Some tournaments also run a "big fish" pool — a separate entry fee that goes to whoever catches the heaviest single walleye. This is optional and separate from the main tournament entry.
After the tournament ends, all fish are released back into the lake (unless you purchased them at weigh-in to keep). This catch-and-release approach keeps the walleye population healthy and allows the same fish to be caught again by other anglers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have fished a tournament before to enter?
No. Many tournaments have a division for newer anglers or allow anyone to enter the main division. Talk to the organizer about divisions when you register — they can tell you which one fits your experience level. Fishing with an experienced partner is a good way to learn how tournaments work.
What if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous — high winds or lightning that make boating unsafe. The tournament director makes the call on the morning of the event. If the tournament is postponed, it is usually rescheduled for the following day or weekend. Check your registration confirmation for the organizer's contact information so you can reach them if weather looks questionable.
Can I fish other parts of Leech Lake or do I have to stay in one area?
You can fish anywhere on Leech Lake during the tournament. Most anglers move around throughout the day, trying different depths and structures to find walleye. The entire lake is open to tournament fishing.
What if I catch a walleye that is damaged or has a hook in its mouth already?
Bring it to weigh-in anyway. As long as it meets the minimum size, it counts. The tournament director will measure and weigh it like any other fish. Damaged fish are still released after weighing.
How do I find out the tournament date for next year?
Contact the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, local fishing clubs in the area, or bait shops on the lake. They announce dates several months in advance. You can also check the Minnesota DNR website for a calendar of fishing tournaments across the state.