Fishing the SJR 500 on the Rainy River: A Spring Tradition

Spring Fishing on the Rainy River

Spring is an exciting time on the Rainy River, as anglers from across the region gear up for one of the most unique and fun fishing tournaments of the year—the SJR 500. Now in its 4th year, this two-day catch-and-release tournament, based out of River Bend Resort, continues to grow in popularity. Whether you’re a walleye fanatic, a sturgeon enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys friendly competition, this event is the perfect opportunity to get out on the water and experience world-class fishing.

Tournament Details

The 2025 SJR 500 takes place on April 8-9, 2025, with two full days of fishing action. Tournament hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The entry fee is just $40 per angler, making it one of the most affordable fishing tournaments in the region.

Anglers can fish anywhere on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods—as long as they access it from the Rainy River. However, no tributaries or Canadian waters are eligible. This means areas like Four Mile Bay and the open waters of Lake of the Woods (outside the gap) are fair game as long as they are reached via the Rainy River.

The tournament welcomes all skill levels, from experienced tournament anglers to weekend warriors. If you can cast a line, you can compete!

The Format: Catch, Record, Release

The SJR 500 utilizes the Fish Donkey app, making it easy for anglers to submit their catches. Here’s how it works:

Catch a fish.
Use your smartphone to take a photo with the Fish Donkey app.
Submit your entry instantly.

Since this is a catch-and-release tournament, anglers can focus on the thrill of the catch without worrying about keeping fish on ice or transporting them.

Another exciting twist this year: the leaderboard will be hidden! Anglers will have to wait until the end of the tournament to see where they place, keeping the suspense high.

Prizes & Payouts

The SJR 500 rewards anglers in multiple ways, offering cash payouts, prizes, and bonus awards.

Biggest Walleye (by length)

1st Place: TBA prizes + 25% of the entry fee payback
2nd Place: $350 in prizes
3rd Place: $250 in prizes

Biggest Sturgeon (by length)
1st Place: TBA prizes + 25% of the entry fee payback
2nd Place: $350 in prizes
3rd Place: $250 in prizes

Bonus Category: Longest Non-Walleye/Sturgeon Fish
Prize: To Be Announced!

Anglers can only win one prize per species, ensuring multiple competitors walk away winners.

Giving Back to the Lake

This year, the SJR 500 is about more than just great fishing—it’s about conservation. Sporting Journal Radio is donating 25% of all entry fees to the “Keep It Clean” initiative at Lake of the Woods. This important program promotes responsible outdoor recreation by encouraging anglers to properly dispose of waste, protect water quality, and keep the lake pristine for future generations.

So, by participating in the tournament, anglers aren’t just competing for prizes—they’re also helping to preserve one of the most incredible fisheries in North America.

Why You Should Fish the SJR 500

1️⃣ Affordable & Fun: At only $40 per angler, this is a budget-friendly tournament that offers big rewards.
2️⃣ Incredible Fishing: Spring walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River is second to none!
3️⃣ Easy-to-Enter Format: The Fish Donkey app makes it simple to record and submit your catches.
4️⃣ Exciting Prizes: Cash, prizes, and bragging rights are on the line!
5️⃣ Hidden Leaderboard: No mid-tournament score watching—everyone stays in suspense until the final reveal.
6️⃣ Giving Back to the Outdoors: Your entry fee helps support “Keep It Clean” at Lake of the Woods.

So, by participating in the tournament, anglers aren’t just competing for prizes—they’re also helping to preserve one of the most incredible fisheries in North America.

Ready to Join the Fun?

The SJR 500 is open to everyone! Whether you’re in it to win it or just looking to enjoy a couple of days on the water, this tournament is the perfect way to kick off spring fishing.

For more details and registration information, visit Sporting Journal Radio’s website.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting, action-packed, and conservation-minded fishing event. We’ll see you on the Rainy River this April!

So, by participating in the tournament, anglers aren’t just competing for prizes—they’re also helping to preserve one of the most incredible fisheries in North America.