27th Annual Sturgeon Championship, Open to Public
The Rainy River is loaded with sturgeon, so why not have a tournament for them right?! The fishery is extremely strong right now and the average length of Lake Sturgeon continues to grow along with the population. It is only fitting that the home of the 27th 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 18, 2018. Noon -2:00 pm is the Youth Contest. 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm is the main contest open to all ages.
This will be the fourth 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!
This fundraiser for the Birchdale Community Building
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Mike Hanson at (218)-244-6886
Event takes place at the Nelson Park public landing 1 mile north of highway 11.
4th Annual North American YOUTH Sturgeon Championship
ENTRY FEE: FREE
Saturday, August 18th, 2018. From 12:00pm – 2:00pm OPEN TO ALL YOUTH AGE 17 AND UNDER. Longest Measured Fish will Receive Trophy and Grand Prize Sturgeon Championship Prizes Awarded by Drawings.
27th ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN STURGEON CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, August 18th, 2018. From 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Longest Fish: 50% Payback
Entry Fee: Adults $20 17 & Under $10
JUDGING BY LENGTH ONLY
(Verification Judge Boats on Water)
All Judges Decisions are Final.
PLEASE OBEY ALL MINNESOTA BOATING AND ANGLING REGULATIONS.
CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY!
BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS OR INJURY
Click Here to return to the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.
