What the Chetek Chain of Lakes Walleye Tournament is

The Chetek Chain of Lakes Walleye Tournament is an annual fishing competition held on the interconnected lakes near Chetek, Wisconsin. The tournament draws anglers from across the region who fish for walleye during a set weekend, typically in the spring or early summer. Boats launch from designated access points, fish the chain of lakes, and return with their catch to be weighed and ranked.

The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the Chetek Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Entry fees go toward prize money, lake management, and community events. The event has become a fixture in the Chetek fishing calendar and draws both serious competitors and people who fish mainly for the chance to be part of the community gathering.

Key Takeaways

  • The tournament runs on a specific weekend each year, usually announced by the Chetek Chamber of Commerce in the months before the event.
  • You need a valid Wisconsin fishing license and must follow all state walleye regulations, including size and bag limits, regardless of tournament rules.
  • Entry typically costs between $50 and $150 per boat, depending on the year and whether you fish solo or with a partner.
  • Boats launch and weigh in at designated locations on the chain, and the tournament usually runs from early morning until mid-afternoon.
  • Prize money is distributed to top finishers, with payouts that vary based on the number of entries and the year.

When the tournament takes place and how to enter

The Chetek Chain of Lakes Walleye Tournament is held once per year, usually in May or June when walleye are active and the weather is reliable for fishing. The exact dates change annually, so you should contact the Chetek Chamber of Commerce directly or check their website in late winter to confirm the current year's schedule.

To enter, you register with the tournament organizers before the deadline, which is typically one to two weeks before the event. Registration can usually be done in person at a local bait shop or the chamber office, or by phone. You will need to provide the names of all anglers in your boat, your boat registration number, and proof of a valid Wisconsin fishing license for each person fishing.

What you need to bring and know about regulations

Wisconsin walleye regulations apply during the tournament, not separate tournament rules. This means you must follow the state's current size limit (usually 15 inches for walleye) and daily bag limit (usually five walleye per person). Any fish that does not meet the size requirement will be disqualified at weigh-in, so measure carefully before you bring fish to the scales.

Bring your fishing license, a measuring device that meets Wisconsin standards, and a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh. Most tournaments require fish to be alive or on ice at weigh-in, so plan your fishing strategy accordingly. Check with the organizers about whether you can keep fish in a livewell during the tournament or whether you must ice them immediately.

You will also need a boat with a working motor, a valid boat registration, and a life jacket for each person aboard. The Chetek Chain of Lakes includes several connected bodies of water, so familiarize yourself with the launch points and the boundaries of the tournament area before the event day.

Launch points and weigh-in locations

The Chetek Chain of Lakes has multiple public boat launches, though the tournament typically designates specific ones for competitor launches. The main access points are at Chetek Lake and Birch Lake, both of which have parking and facilities. The tournament organizers will specify which launch you should use when you register.

Weigh-in usually happens at a central location, often at one of the public parks or a local business that partners with the tournament. The weigh-in window is typically a few hours in the afternoon — for example, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — and you must return by the deadline or your fish will not be counted. Arrive early if you can, because lines can form as other boats finish their day.

Prize money and how winners are determined

Prize money is distributed to the boats with the heaviest total catch weight. Most tournaments award prizes to the top three to five finishers, with the largest payout going to first place. The exact amounts depend on how many boats enter and how much entry fee money is collected, so prize pools vary from year to year.

Some tournaments also award a separate prize for the largest single fish caught during the day. This "big fish" prize is separate from the overall weight rankings and gives anglers a second chance at winning money even if their total catch is not the heaviest.

Preparing your boat and fishing strategy

Before tournament day, make sure your boat is in good working order. Check your motor, battery, fuel system, and navigation equipment. Bring a spare battery for your electronics, extra fuel, and basic tools in case something breaks on the water. The Chetek Chain of Lakes is relatively shallow in many areas, so a depth finder is useful for locating walleye structure.

Walleye in the Chetek Chain tend to hold near weed beds, drop-offs, and rocky areas. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most productive times. Jigs tipped with live bait, crankbaits, and live bait rigs all work well. Scout the lakes a day or two before the tournament if you can, or talk to local bait shop owners who often know where fish have been biting recently.

What to expect on tournament day

Tournament day starts early, usually with a mandatory captain's meeting an hour or so before launch. Organizers will review the rules, confirm the weigh-in deadline, and answer last-minute questions. Bring coffee and breakfast, because you will be on the water for six to eight hours and will want to stay fueled and alert.

The atmosphere is competitive but friendly. You will see boats from across Wisconsin, and many anglers use the tournament as a reason to spend a day on the water with friends or family. Even if you do not place in the money, the day is a chance to fish good water and be part of a community event that has been running for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?

Yes, you need to be part of a registered boat. If you do not have your own boat, you can ask local fishing clubs or post on Wisconsin fishing forums to find other anglers looking for crew members. Many boats fish with two or three people, and organizers sometimes help match solo anglers with boat captains.

What if I catch fish that are too small?

Fish under the state minimum size cannot be counted toward your weight. You can release them or keep them for personal use after the tournament ends, depending on the day's bag limit. Measure every fish before you decide to keep it, because undersized fish at weigh-in will be removed and your score adjusted.

Can I fish other lakes besides the Chetek Chain during the tournament?

No, the tournament is restricted to the designated chain of lakes. The organizers will specify which lakes are included — typically Chetek Lake, Birch Lake, and any directly connected bodies of water. Fishing outside the tournament area will disqualify your catch.

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry fees typically range from $50 to $150 per boat, depending on the year and the tournament format. Some years offer discounts for early registration. Contact the Chetek Chamber of Commerce for the current year's fee and payment options.

What happens if the weather is bad on tournament day?

The tournament usually proceeds unless conditions are dangerous — for example, severe thunderstorms or high winds that make boating unsafe. The organizers will make a call early on tournament morning and notify registered participants. Check your email or phone for updates if weather looks questionable.