Mark your calendars for these fun Northwoods fishing tournaments! Anglers can take advantage of Vilas County’s fantastic fishing opportunities throughout the year at tournaments held year after year and sponsored by northern Wisconsin’s chambers of commerce, fishing organizations, and other businesses.
February
- Presque Isle Winterfest & Ice Fishing Jamboree: This annual celebration held at Lynx Lake Resort features an ice fishing contest with categories for adults and children, as well as family-friendly activities, food and drinks, and live music.
May
- Annual Walleye Tournament, Presque Isle: This catch-and-release tournament on lakes in Presque Isle and Winchester dates back more than 30 years and features a free fish fry luncheon on Sunday for all registered anglers.
- Tackle Box Tournament, St. Germain: Anglers can fish for bass, walleye, pike, and panfish in this family fishing tournament.
June
- Free Fishing Weekend: Fish without a license on Wisconsin’s lakes thanks to this program from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that’s held twice a year (January and June).
July
- Kids Fishing Days, Presque Isle: Kids can fish with mentors at this monthly program held at Lynx Lake Lodge in July and August. Bait is provided but bring your own fishing equipment.
August
- National Championship Musky Open, Eagle River: This popular fishing tournament takes place every August and is sponsored by the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin and the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Musky Capital of the World Musky Tournament, Boulder Junction: This two-person catch and release tournament takes place on numerous lakes in the Boulder Junction area.
October
- Midwest Musky Classic, Phelps: This tournament has taken place every fall for more than 40 years; competitors fish on North and South Twin Lakes, Lac Vieux Desert, and Big Sand Lake.
- Greater Wisconsin Musky Tournament, St. Germain: All are invited to participate in this catch-and-release event that takes place on 10 lakes in the St. Germain area.
See more events in Vilas County and the Northwoods of Wisconsin here.
