Anglers itching to net a Rainy River monster can prepare to set the hook Aug. 16 during Birchdale’s North American Sturgeon Championship.
The 22nd annual, catch-and-release event kicks off at 3 p.m. Aug. 16 at Nelson Park in Birchdale. The contest, which serves as the one of the community’s biggest fundraisers, runs until 7 p.m.
“What started out as a reason to share a campfire and fellowship with neighbors has become a premium fundraiser for the River Valley Development Association,” said Mike Hanson, one of the event’s organizers. “The sturgeon championships have evolved from just a few area folks to 300 or more participants. The event often sees the same folks return year after year because of the family theme and it attracts new participants because the emphasis on youth participation as they all get prizes.”
Last year, the grand prize of $2,085 for a 59-1/2 inch sturgeon was the biggest payback the contest has seen in the last several years.
“The support of catch and release and that fish are judged by length only bring out the contestants,” Hanson said. “The fact that last year’s winner pocketed over $2,000 aspires all participants to dream that they will be wrestling the next winner.”
And, the organizer said, the event taps into the thrill anglers of all species are seeking – no matter what their level of experience is.
“People with little to no sturgeon fishing experience all have the same opportunity as the veteran angler and it is always fun to see them hook a 5-or 6- footer for the first time,” he said. “The smile on their face is as big as the fish. Experiencing the raw power and strength of a monster sturgeon is never forgotten and makes for permanent etched memories.”
Hanson said Rainy River has experienced a new set of challenges this year with the flood in June, but he assured anglers the water is now down to its traditional banks and is receding every day.
“Nelson Park is healing after being water logged and we would caution everyone to be safe and obey all Minnesota boat and water regulations,” he said. “While the ferocity of the current has fallen, it may be wise to make sure that your anchor system is fully capable of holding your boat in place and it is probably a good idea to come a little early to avoid any delays in launching.”
Fish caught in the contest will be judged by verification officials in flagged boats circulating among angler boats on the river. When an entrant hooks a fish, they are asked to immediately wave a red flat to notify and draw the attention of the verification officials who will come to the contestant’s boat.
Fishing for the championships is only allowed between the green buoys placed in Rainy River to the east and west of the Nelson Park boat landing. Organizers ask boat pilots to respect other boats by restricting wakes.
Prizes will be awarded for length only. Only entrants who have paid the $20 fee ($10 for anglers age 17 and less) may hook, fight and land fish during the contest.
The longest fish measured will bring the person who catches it half of the entry fees paid for the event. Second and third place fish win their angler $50 gift certificates for use at Nelson’s Store in Birchdale. Ben Burgess Enterprises will provide youth prizes at the contest.
Refreshments and food will be available for those who work up an appetite on the water – and for others as well.
“It is surprising how many folks drive over for fresh corn or a rural summer snack and keep a finger on who and what length is on the leader board,” Hanson said. “All are welcome.”
Organizers remind anglers that Ontario has closed its sturgeon harvest season.
Failure to release fish caught will result in disqualification from the tournament.
