by Mark Schram, myfishingpartner.com
The 38th annual Mercury National Walleye Tournament is just days away in Fond du Lac, WI on June 10-12, 2016. Also known as Walleye Weekend to the local folks, the Merc National is one of the largest and most prestigious team walleye tournaments in the United States, with up to 300 teams of the best walleye sticks on the planet competing for the first prize of $13,000.
What to expect for your 2016 Mercury National Walleye Tournament: Lake Winnebago has been very fickle in 2016 when it comes to walleye fishing. An early ice out in March, was followed by an elongated Spring with sub normal temperatures.
As a result of the cool spring, weed growth has been hindered on the main lake. Additionally, water temperatures have remained on the cool side until a few weeks ago, along with water levels being below normal. This has resulted in very clear water with visibly to nearly 11 feet on the North Shore (near Neenah, WI) for most of the past month.
All these factors have contributed to a lower population of larger walleyes in Lake Winnebago, with female fish residing longer in the upper lakes and rivers, prior to dumping out into Lake Winnebago. The system is about two weeks behind normal yearly trends for migration.
Tournament anglers have struggled to produce quality fish in 2016; however, walleyes are not absent. A recent year class of walleyes has the system full of 13 to 14-inch fish, and the system is very healthy. For purposes of the tournament world, a minimum length of 15-inch fish is required for the walleyes to be deemed eligible to be counted in the daily tournament bag. Many fishermen are catching solid numbers of fish, just not larger “weigh” fish.
The walleyes which have already returned to the main lake have scattered into the main basin, making locating schools of fish difficult. Typical walleye haunts in the shallows have been vacant due to the lack of weed development (and bait fish), eliminating many predictable fishing patterns.
Long range forecasts are calling for extremely warm temperatures near 90 degrees, with the potential for some afternoon storms on Saturday and Sunday. Winds are expected to play a factor for the week leading into the tournament.
The Walleye Weekend fishing tournament can expect reduced weights overall in 2016. However, I predict the top teams will produce some huge weights, maybe pushing over 45 pounds for the two-day event. The large walleyes, when found, have been running on the heavy side. Some teams will “dial in” the bite, and bring big totals to the stage.
Participants of the tournament will take off at 6:30 am from Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac each morning. Returning flights are staggered between 2 pm to 3:30 pm each day. The weigh in moves back to Oven Island, from the main harbor. Contestants will work their boats through the main festival grounds via the channels on the way to the stage. This provides a great atmosphere for contestants and fans.
All fish, which can be released, are returned to the lake immediately after weigh in. Fish which need to be harvested are donated to local charities.
If fishing isn’t your thing, be sure to come out for softball, volleyball, strongmen competitions, walks/runs or just some great stage entertainment. Family Friendly fun to be had by all. National recording act, Jackyl will be performing. Time to fire up the chainsaw, with their hit song The Lumberjack!
C’mon In to Walleye Weekend this weekend. The beer is cold, the temperatures will be hot. This is a great kick off to the summer.
