United Way Fishing Tournament 2026
July 25–26, 2026
Catch • Photo • Release Tournament
The United Way of Bemidji Area Fishing Tournament, partnering with the Lakes Area United Way, is a catch-photo-release tournament featuring both Bass and Walleye divisions.
Gather your fishing partner and compete for thousands of dollars in prizes while supporting local United Way initiatives!
Tournament Information
- Dates: July 25–26, 2026
- Registration: $300 per team (2 anglers per team, plus applicable fees)
- Tournament Format: Catch • Photo • Release
- Scoring App: FishDonkey
Fishing Areas
Participants may fish any lake within:
- Beltrami County
- Clearwater County
- Hubbard County
- Aitkin County
- Cass County
- Crow Wing County
- Cass Lake Chain of Lakes
Tournament Categories
Bass Division
Teams are scored using their best five bass by weight.
Walleye Division
Teams are scored using their best five walleyes by weight.
New for 2026:
Each team's walleye stringer will be scored using their best five fish, with no more than two fish measuring over 20 inches.
Schedule
- Fishing Begins: Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 6:00 AM
- Tournament Ends: Final scores must be recorded by 6:00 PM on Sunday, July 26, 2026
Prize Payouts
| Place | Bass | Walleye |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| 2nd | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 3rd | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| 4th | $750 | $750 |
| 5th | $500 | $500 |
| 6th | $400 | $400 |
| 7th | $300 | $300 |
| 8th | $250 | $250 |
| 9th | $250 Acme Tools Prize | $250 Acme Tools Prize |
| 10th | Free Entry to 2027 Tournament | Free Entry to 2027 Tournament |
Prize Notes
- Prize payouts are based on 100 registered boats.
- Payouts may change depending on registration numbers.
- Places 4–10 may be updated as additional sponsors are confirmed.
Special Awards
Keg N' Cork Bass Big Fish Award
$500 awarded for the largest bass entered during the tournament.
Deerwood Bank Walleye Big Fish Award
$500 awarded for the largest walleye entered during the tournament.
Kraus-Anderson Legacy Bass Award
A lifetime fishing license will be awarded to the top-ranking bass team that includes a youth participant 15 years old or younger.
Chester Berg Toyota Legacy Walleye Award
A lifetime fishing license will be awarded to the top-ranking walleye team that includes a youth participant 15 years old or younger.
How to Register
- Download the FishDonkey app.
- Select "Join Tournament."
- Search "United Way Fishing Tournament 2026."
- Register your team!
Presented By
Lueken's Village Foods
Tournament Website
