18th Annual Sturgeon Tournament Successful at Lake of the Woods
Now in its 18th season, the Annual Sturgeon Tournament at Sportsman’s Lodge took place the weekend of May 3rd & 4th. With close to 200 anglers fishing, this event has become an annual spring tradition on the Rainy River.
Each year, anglers from across the Midwest compete for cash and prizes in this 2-day sturgeon fishing extravaganza. Over $4,500 in prize money has been awarded, in addition to some great prizes provided by tournament sponsors.
Tournament Co-Director Bryan “Beef” Sathre expected a great turn-out and wasn’t disappointed. “Each year seems to get better than the last. And with the sturgeon bite in full swing, our anglers had an outstanding chance to hook into a big sturgeon.” Check out this website for many many great photos: www.sportsmanslodges.com/sturgeon-tournament. Congratulations to all participants and sponsors making this event one of the best at Lake of the Woods. Thanks to Sportsman’s Lodge for hosting this event.
In addition to the angler payouts, some of the proceeds from the event were donated to the Lake of the Woods Take a Kid Fishing program. 
These funds will be used for program expenses, as well as to purchase lifetime fishing licenses that will be awarded at their event this year in June. LOW Take a Kid Fishing is designed to promote and teach kids the lifelong sport of fishing.
This tournament is also very popular to the young anglers as it features the youth fishing category as well. What a great introduction to a great sport for a lifetime of pleasure.
This season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.
Oct 1 – April 23, Catch and Release
April 24 – May 7, Harvest Season
May 8 – May 15, Catch and Release
May 16 – June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed
July 1 – Sep 30, Harvest Season
If you fish during the harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a tag for $5 prior to fishing. One sturgeon per calendar year (45 – 50″ inclusive, or over 75″).
According to the Minnesota DNR, roughly 100,000 sturgeon over 40 inches live in these waters. The tournament took place where the Rainy River flows into Lake of the Woods where world-class fishing is literally one of the best areas around for the ancient fish.
The waters of the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods must be perfect for reproduction of these pre-historic fish because they are in abundance. Even though the sturgeon population is growing, the MN DNR reports that it is very compatible to the walleye population.
Last spring, these fish came up river to the Clementson Rapids for their spawn. Locals and tourists swarmed the area and were able to see these monstrous fish in their display. Historically, the Laurel Indians of decades back harvested these huge fish by the hundreds and used them for heating their igloos. That’s because the sturgeon is a very oily 
fish. Very interesting.
The sturgeon is considered a pre-historic fish. It differs from other species in that its body consists of cartilage and not bones. Sturgeons are long-lived, late maturing fishes. Their average lifespan is 50 to 60 years, and their first spawn does not occur until they are around 15 to 20 years old. Sturgeons are broadcast spawners, and do not spawn every year because they require specific conditions. Those requirements may or may not be met every year due to varying environmental conditions, usually in the spring with clear water with shallow rock or gravel, where the eggs can adhere, with proper water temperature and flow for oxygenation of the eggs. A single female may release 100,000 to 3 million eggs, but not all will be fertilized.
Many sturgeons leap completely out of the water, usually making a loud splash which can be heard half a mile away on the surface and probably further under water. Why they do this is not known, but suggested functions include group communication to maintain group
cohesion, catching airborne prey, courtship display, or to help shed eggs during spawning. This is a familiar site on the Rainy River. Spring and fall especially find these great fish putting on a show as they leap out of the water.
The opportunity to cook sturgeon is rare because it is a special occasion fish. You would only find sturgeon fillets in very few shops so it’s best to fish the waters of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River because of their abundance. Sturgeon is a unique fish to cook. Check out this website for great ideas and recipes. https://recipemarker.com/best-sturgeon-recipes
Again, congratulations on a successful and enjoyable tournament. Make plans now for the 19th Annual.
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