26th Annual North American Sturgeon Championship

Maybe you have heard, the Rainy River is loaded with sturgeon.  The fishery is extremely strong right now and the average length of Lake Sturgeon continues to grow.  It is only fitting that the home of the 26th Annual Sturgeon Championship takes place is in Birchdale, MN just 27 miles east of Baudette on Hwy 11.  This event is open to the public and all are welcome.  The tournament is Saturday, August 19, 2017.  Noon -2:00 pm is the Youth Contest.  3:00 pm – 7:00 pm is the adult contest.

This will be the third year there is a youth sturgeon championship.  This is free of charge and youth are encouraged to take part.

If you have never fished sturgeon, most anglers use a sturgeon rig with a no roll sinker and a few nightcrawlers loaded on a hook. Anchor upstream or in a deep hole in the river and still fish with your offering on the bottom.  It is a good idea to use heavy rods, reels and line as sturgeon can reach 100 lbs.   Click Here for a video to show you how.

It is also a good idea to have a big net or some way of landing a sturgeon that does not cause harm to the fish or yourself.  When you handle a sturgeon or any big fish, do not grab the eyes or gills.  It is best to grab just in front of the hard tail and support their underbelly keeping the fish horizontal, not vertical.  Holding a big fish vertically can actually cause internal tearing of organs due to the sheer size.

If you plan on attending, there is lodging along the river and in Baudette.  Here is a list of lodging on the Rainy River and Baudette area.

For more details on the Birchdale Sturgeon Championship, see info below.  Good luck!

To learn more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

To find a guide, charter boat or lodging, check out our lodging page.