The 34th annual Devils Lake Chamber Walleye Fishing Tournament has been one of the most popular such tournaments in North Dakota for a long time.
However, it is projected to be down slightly in entrants this year.
But not enough to be alarmed about.
"We had about 137 teams last year and we’re projecting maybe 120 this year,” says Tourism Director Susie Baisch.
“I think a lot of tournaments are down across the country, but we’re not down all that far. It’s mostly about the economy.”
The tournament will be held June 26-27 at Grahams Island State Park, one of the most picturesque parks in the state.
That in itself adds to the popularity and attractiveness of the tournament.
With 120 teams expected for this year’s event, it means at least an additional 240 people will be on hand and involved.
It should be noted, however, that a good portion of entrants for this tournament are local anglers.
“It has really maintained its popularity for a lot of years,” added Baisch.
“And there’s a lot of reasons for that. We have a tremendous fishery and there is a great prize list. Word gets around pretty well that it’s a good tournament.”
There is a maximum entry level of 150 teams for the tournament.
A strong volunteer base has also helped make the tournament what it is today.
A lot of those people are repeat volunteers, who are very much appreciated, Baisch added.
One other aspect of the tournament is extremely popular as well.
Local sponsorships are handed out by several businesses to teams entering the tournament prior to March 31.
Those names are then thrown into a hat and drawn out, resulting in free entry for five teams.
The Lake Region Anglers Association is a key player in the tournament too, staging a fish fry at Burdick Arena in early September from fish harvested in three major tournaments here.
“These tournaments all play a key role in getting people here to Devils Lake,” Baisch said.
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The 34th annual Devils Lake Chamber Walleye Fishing Tournament has been one of the most popular such tournaments in North Dakota for a long time.
However, it is projected to be down slightly in entrants this year.
But not enough to be alarmed about.
"We had about 137 teams last year and we’re projecting maybe 120 this year,” says Tourism Director Susie Baisch.
“I think a lot of tournaments are down across the country, but we’re not down all that far. It’s mostly about the economy.”
The tournament will be held June 26-27 at Grahams Island State Park, one of the most picturesque parks in the state.
That in itself adds to the popularity and attractiveness of the tournament.
With 120 teams expected for this year’s event, it means at least an additional 240 people will be on hand and involved.
It should be noted, however, that a good portion of entrants for this tournament are local anglers.
“It has really maintained its popularity for a lot of years,” added Baisch.
“And there’s a lot of reasons for that. We have a tremendous fishery and there is a great prize list. Word gets around pretty well that it’s a good tournament.”
There is a maximum entry level of 150 teams for the tournament.
A strong volunteer base has also helped make the tournament what it is today.
A lot of those people are repeat volunteers, who are very much appreciated, Baisch added.
One other aspect of the tournament is extremely popular as well.
Local sponsorships are handed out by several businesses to teams entering the tournament prior to March 31.
Those names are then thrown into a hat and drawn out, resulting in free entry for five teams.
The Lake Region Anglers Association is a key player in the tournament too, staging a fish fry at Burdick Arena in early September from fish harvested in three major tournaments here.
“These tournaments all play a key role in getting people here to Devils Lake,” Baisch said.
