Rules & FAQ

Entry/Registration:

• Phase 1: Registration begins on January 12, 2026, for returning intact teams from 2025 (same two

people as last year). Intact 2025 teams receive priority to enter the 2026 Leech Lake Walleye

Tournament on a first come first served basis. To receive priority for participation in this year’s

tournament, your completed Tournament Entry along with the Entry Fee of $450.00 per team

must be received on the tournament website by January 15, 2026.

• Phase 2: Open for a returning 2025 registered angler with a new partner. Registration for Phase 2

will open Jan 26, 2026, and must be completed by January 31. These entries will be filled on a first

come, first served basis.

• Phase 3: Any team openings remaining on or after February 9, 2026, will be opened to all-new

teams on a first-come-first-served basis. During Phase 3, a waiting list will be established for any

teams over 155.

“Judge” measuring boards will be inspected on both mornings prior to tournament launch. Measuring board length markings must be clearly legible. No alterations or enhanced lines will be allowed.

• Fish should be recorded immediately, and measurements noted by length.
• All submissions must include ONLY two photographs and 1 video: 1) Measurement Shot – pic of fish on measuring board 2) Hero Shot – A pic of you holding the fish. 3) A release video of the fish going back into the water.

1st photo Measurement Shot

• Place the fish on the “Judge” measuring board with the left side up, the belly of the fish down (facing the team member) when measuring the fish
• You may not insert anything inside the gill plate of the fish while measuring.
• Tail must be pinched, the tail centrally located on the “Judge” measuring board.
• Absolutely NO hands, fingers, or props are allowed under the fish to alter fish length.
• The team agrees on the length of the fish to ¼ inch accuracy.
• If the tail fin touches or crosses a graduation line on the ruler the official length of the fish for scoring purposes will be lengthened to the next one quarter of an inch line of the “Judge” measuring board.
• Example: 19 ¾” Fish will count as a 20” Legal “under” fish.
• Example: 20” fish will count as a 20 ¼” Legal “over” fish. It will be considered one of your “overs”
• Minimum size for walleyes is 14 inches.
• Legal fish must be at least 14”.
• Example: A 13 ¾” is not a legal fish – will not be rounded up.
• While the fish is being held on the “Judge” measuring board – take the scoring photo which clearly shows the overall length of the fish.
• The head and tail of the fish must be included and show clearly.
• The photograph must be taken of the left side of the fish only.
• A photo that does not clearly show the overall length of the fish including head and tail and the left side of the fish on the “Judge” measuring board will not be scored.
• Be sure you have a clear photo including all requirements, failure to submit a scoring shot will result in that fish being denied.

2nd Photo – Hero Shot

• Photo must be taken of the fish being held up by one team member.
• These photos will be used for technical evaluation and may be used on stage during the awards ceremony or posted to media outlets.
• Failure to submit a hero shot will result in the fish denied.

3rd Release Video

• A video must show the live release of the fish back into the water.
• Failure to submit a release video or a careless release will result in the fish being denied.
• Reference the videos on the LLWT website on correct pictures and videos.
• Failure to submit 2 photos and 1 video will result in fish denial.

Your tournament Director is Steve Henry. If you need to reach your director, tap on the ‘ i ‘ for INFO in the app and scroll down to Contact Info.

The interpretation and enforcement of the rules is at the sole discretion of the directors.

The tournament directors may change rules or impose sanctions as they deem appropriate, including but not limited to disqualifications, forfeiture of prizes, and prohibition from competing in future tournaments. All decisions made by the tournament directors are final.

All participants must be off the water by 3 P.M. the day before the tournament. Fishing is allowed only during tournament hours thereafter. From 3:00 P.M. the day before the tournament through the events conclusion, direct travel to and from boat docks and or docking facility is the ONLY lake travel allowed.

Boat positioning will be determined by witnessed random draw.

Attendance is mandatory by at least one team member at the Rules & Registration on Friday May 29, 2026 from 3-6pm at the Northern Lights Casino & Hotel.

Rules & Registration (Required)

Friday, May 29, 2026

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Northern Lights Casino

All teams are required to complete registration during the designated time. Registration will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis and is intended to be a quick in-and-out process.

Additional Information:

• Each registered angler will receive one complimentary drink token

• No dinner or food will be provided

• Failure to register will result in automatic disqualification

1. Tournament Format:

   This tournament will follow a CPR – Catch, Photo, Release Video format using the FishDonkey App.

   All fish must be properly measured, photographed, and released alive in accordance with official

   tournament rules.

   Pre-Tournament Water Closure:

   All participants must be off the water by 3:00 PM on Friday, May 29, 2026. No scouting or fishing is

   permitted after this time until the official tournament start.

   Rules & Registration (Required):

   • Friday, May 29, 2026

   • 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

   • Northern Lights Casino

   Registration is in-and-out and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Each registered

   angler will receive one complimentary drink token. No dinner or food will be provided.

   Mandatory Boat Check-In:

   • Walker City Park Boat Landing

   • Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31, 2026

   • 5:00 AM

   All tournament boats must be checked in prior to launch each day. Complimentary Coffee, Water

   & Donuts available.

   Tournament Fishing Hours:

   • Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

   • Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

   The FishDonkey App will automatically turn off at 3:00 PM sharp each day. All fish must be entered

   and submitted prior to the cutoff time. No submissions will be accepted after 3:00 PM. It is the

   contestant’s responsibility to ensure they return to cell phone service and upload theri entries prior

   to the 3:00PM cutoff time. The Leader board will not be visible on FishDonkey after 1:00PM on

   Sunday.

   Awards Ceremony:

   • Sunday, May 31, 2026

   • Walker City Park

   • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (approx.)

   Join us for a live awards ceremony as we recognize tournament winners and celebrate the

   weekend. Enjoy raffles, giveaways, sponsor prizes, and an opportunity to connect with fellow

   anglers, sponsors, and the community.

   Official Tournament Format & Schedule

   May 29–31, 2026

   Tournament Host: Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

   Tournament Director: Steve Henry | (218) 536-0584 | steve.henry@casscountymn.gov

   Chamber Contact: Sarah Bruns | (218) 507-0770 | president@leech-lake.com

   Website: leechlakewalleyetournament.com

• Artificial and live bait are allowed.
• Only one line per competitor is allowed.
• Any cellular phone and radio communications (broadcasting and/or monitoring) during tournament hours, other than contact with tournament director, submitting Fish documentation, or in the case of emergency or for safety reasons is prohibited.
• Any magnified viewing device used to observe competitors is not allowed.
• Competing Press members must obtain permit to carry professional camera equipment.
• The Leech Lake Walleye Tournament is a catch/photo/release tournament.
• Each contestant should do all they can to ensure the wellbeing of their catch.
• Only Walleyes will be weighed.
• The tournament will include 3 fish under 20 inches and 2 fish over 20 inches.

• Each participant must always observe safe boat conduct.
• Each participant is required to wear Coast Guard Approved chest-type life preserver, which is fully secured whenever the main combustion engine is running above idling speed.
• Instant engine stop switches must be operating and used properly when contestants are using the main engine above trolling speeds.
• Main combustion engine horsepower may not exceed the Coast Guard B.I.A. or N.M.M.A. horsepower rating plate on the boat.
• Boat registration numbers on all boats must be clear and identifiable.
• All boats must carry a minimum of $100,000 liability insurance.
• Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those prescribed by a licensed physician; or purchased over the counter), during the tournament is prohibited. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification from present and future events.
• Tournament officials reserve the right to delay, cancel or restrict tournaments waters in case of severe weather.
• During the tournament, official weather announcements will be made through the app in which the tournament is happening.
• In the event of a thunderstorm, lighting and/or severe weather, contestants may pull into the nearest shoreline until it is safe to continue fishing.
• Contestants may not leave their boats during tournament hours unless severe weather forces them ashore.
• Tournament officials reserve the right to disallow the use of any boat and/or motor they deem to be unsafe, inappropriate, or unsuitable for use.
• The Tournament Director’s decision in this matter is final and may be made at any time.

• All contestants will be expected to always act in a sportsmanlike manner towards non-competitors and competitors alike. This shall include the areas of safety, conservation, and courtesy. Violators of this rule will be subject to disqualification.
• Any unfavorable conduct or action by a competitor which could negatively reflect on the Leech Lake Walleye Tournament will be grounds for disqualification and/or future rejection of entry application.
• During tournament’s fishing hours, contestants will not discuss techniques, tactics, or fishing spots with any other contestant; nor will they be allowed to receive fishing information from non-competitors.
• Non-competitors are not allowed to anchor or hold spots for contestants.

• Contestants are responsible for knowing tournament rules as well as state and local rules and regulations, which pertain to the tournament waters.
• Any team violating state or local rules may be disqualified at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
• All protests must be lodged with the Tournament Director in writing ½ hour of completion of daily weigh- in. (3:30 pm)
• Following interviews with concerned parties, a ruling will be made.
• The Tournament Director will interpret rules accordingly to the spirit and intent of the rule and his decision in all disputes is final.
• A $100.00 fee must accompany protest. Tournament officials reserve the right to polygraph any contestant. Failure to return the assigned boat number card may result in disqualification from the Leech Lake Walleye Tournament.
• If rules infractions are brought to the Tournament Director’s attention at any time, and investigation proves a violation occurred, a penalty of daily and/or tournament weight may be made. Also, cash prizes and awards must be returned if requested.