Winnebago's Busiest Weekend Ever?

The Busiest weekend ever? 

Winnebagoland will be under siege from tournament anglers during the first weekend in June of 2010.  It may be the single largest tournament weekend ever on the lake.  In total, 8 events will take place over the weekend of June 5^th and 6^th.  If tournament permits become fulfilled a total of 930 boats and 1,860 tournament anglers will all hit the water in the morning of Saturday June 5^th.    

The two largest tournaments are the Cabela’s National Team Championship tournament and the Master’s Walleye Circuit (MWC).  These tours will allow teams to participate in both tournaments at the same time, but could result in a maximum of about 470 teams (940 anglers), if they have full fields.  The Cabela’s tournament is the crown jewel of the circuit, crowning a National Champion at the event.    MWC is the longest running walleye tour in North America.  Both of these tournaments will continue their events into Sunday.  Many of these anglers will come from throughout the Upper Midwest and Canada. 

In addition, the annual tournaments of the Van Dyne Lion’s Club (125 boats, 250 anglers), and the Stockbridge Walleye Tournament (120 boats, 240 anglers) will be happening on Saturday.  Traditionally these tournaments are comprised of local anglers, and draw very well.  Many tournament teams will use these events to prepare for the Mercury National Walleye Tournament (June 12 and 13) and Otter Street tournaments (June 19 and 20) in the coming weeks which field 300+ teams each.

Other events on the system include The Mercury Marine Employee event (100 boats, 200 anglers), the Fisherman’s Road Club Tournament (60 boats/120 anglers), the Boom Bay Walleye Tourney (60 boats, 120 anglers) and the Wolf River House Open (60 boats/120 anglers). 

Lake Winnebago will see the vast majority of the action, with the Wolf River and Lake Poygan receiving some pressure also.  Traditionally, the trolling bite will just be starting; so many teams will probably be working the mud looking for action.  Other teams will leave their trolling gear at home and will be focusing on walleyes located on reefs or in emerging weed beds. 

One thing is for sure, Lake Winnebago has grabbed the attention of the world’s largest tournaments for being an incredible walleye fishery.  These tournaments will bring millions of dollars of economic impact into the region, which is much needed in these poor economic times.  All these anglers need bait, gas, food, and most will require a place to sleep.   Typically, the larger tours will have the “serious” contestants into the area for up to two full weeks in advance of the tournament to pre fish in preparation of the actual events. 

This weekend is also Wisconsin’s free fishing weekend, where no fishing license is required.  This is sure to attract many novice fishermen to the lake for a try at an elusive walleye, white bass, or perch.  That is, if they can find a place to launch a boat! 

So with the potential 1,900 tournament anglers on the water on Saturday, hundreds of local fishermen, and others fishing from shore, Lake Winnebago will be a busy place.