20th Annual Sturgeon Tournament

May 1st & 2nd, 2026

We are looking forward to the 20th Annual Sturgeon Tournament May 1st & 2nd, 2026 The tournament is full for 2026 but we are taking a waiting list. To be added to the waiting list, contact us at [email protected] or 800-862-8602.

The 20th Annual Sturgeon Tournament May 1st & 2nd, 2026. Just under 200 anglers and 60 boats will enjoyed another year of beautiful spring weather and lake sturgeon fishing in a 1.2 mile stretch out in front of the lodge on the Rainy River.

Each day the participant with the longest measured sturgeon will go home with $3,000 in cash, 2nd place $1,500 in cash, and the 3rd place winner a custom rod. Other prizes will be given away for the largest sturgeon caught by a youth, woman, largest eelpout, largest sucker, and as well as many other door prizes.

Over a hundred sturgeon were caught over the two days last year. $12,000 plus in cash and prizes were awarded over the two-day catch and release event last year. Tournament participants also raised thousands for the Lake of the Woods Take a Kid Fishing program. The monies will be used for lifetime fishing licenses that will be awarded at the event this year in June and for program expenses to continue to teach kids the lifelong sport of fishing. Many thanks to the gracious participants and sponsors who took part in this event. Your donation will make a big impact on many kids’ lives for a lifetime. Thank you!

We want to thank all of the participants, staff, guides, tournament co-director, and emcee Bryan “Beef” Sathre and sponsors who once again made this year another huge success. Thank you!

Tournament Rules

Schedule of Events

Thursday April 30, 2026

3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Register in the lobby and pick up flags
7:30 p.m. – Rules Meeting in the Sand Bar
11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Food available in the Sand Bar

Friday May 1, 2026 (Day 1)

6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Breakfast available downstairs
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tournament Day
11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Food and drink specials available in the Sand Bar
9:00 p.m. – Entertainment in the Sand Bar

Friday May 1, 2026 (Day 1)

6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Breakfast available downstairs
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tournament Day
11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Food and drink specials available in the Sand Bar
9:00 p.m. – Entertainment in the Sand Bar

Friday May 1, 2026 (Day 1)

6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Breakfast available downstairs
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tournament Day
11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Food and drink specials available in the Sand Bar
9:00 p.m. – Entertainment in the Sand Bar

🏆
Our Past Winners

2025
Day 1 – Frank Zappa – 78.5”
Day 2 – Vern Buckmeier – 65.5”

2024
Day 1 – Bill Hendricks – 66.5″
Day 2 – Chris B – 67″

2023
Day 1 – Scott C – 64″
Day 2 – Curt Howe – 72″

2022
Day 1 – Barb Holmstrom – 69.5″
Day 2 – Tony Kaers – 65.7″

2021
Day 1 – Dan Sheedy – 63.25″
Day 2 – Chuck Hauble – 65.75″

2020
Day 1 – Alex Peterson – 55″
Day 2 – Terry Gronseth – 55.88″

2019
Day 1 – Gary Kullhem – 66″
Day 2 – Jake Willborg – 60.75″

2018
Day 1 – Jake Waldo – 63.5″
Day 2 – Tony Kaers – 63″

2017
Day 1- Mark Thelen – 63.75″
Day 2 – Ron Lindberg – 67″

2016
Day 1 – Joe Anderson – 70.5″
Day 2 – Dave Clement – 63.5″

2015
Day 1 – Dustin Lunski – 61.75″
Day 2 – Derek Ferestad – 54″

2014
Day 1 – Doug Decker – 65.5″
Day 2 – Greg Merschman – 68″

2013
Day 1 – Jim Benson – 61″
Day 2 – Hunter Deziel – 58.5″

2012
Day 1 – Chad Rutherford – 65″
Day 2 – Derek Ferestad – 64″

2011
Day 1 – Derek Ferestad – 64″
Day 2 – Randy Shoen – 60.5″

2010
Day 1 – Scott Steinbring – 57.5″
Day 2 – Dustin Hoen – 60.5″

2009
Day 1 – Terry Rutherford – 59″
Day 2 – Zach Stenson – 61″

Specials