The Portage Wildlife Club is making waves with its first-ever Walleye Fishing League, giving anglers across Manitoba a chance to test their skills throughout the month of September.
Club president Travis Ross says the idea came from members looking for a fresh way to get outdoors together.
“We had it brought to us that we should do a fishing league. We sat down, brainstormed, and decided, with short notice, to run it from September 1st to September 30th, trying to get a month in. It is walleye only. You can fish in any body of water in Manitoba. All of the Manitoba fishing regulations will apply, of course.”
Membership is the only entry cost
The league is open only to members of the Portage Wildlife Club.
Ross notes that the only cost to participate is the membership itself. Anglers can sign up by purchasing one at MacDonald’s Sporting Goods in Portage or by visiting the Manitoba Wildlife Federation website.
He adds that single adult memberships cost $50, youth memberships are $35, and a family membership is $100.
"If we don’t get kids out doing this stuff, our traditions, our pastimes, they just go away." - Portage Wildlife Club president Travis Ross
Ross continues that families with multiple anglers will likely find the family option the best value.
Membership also comes with a strong local connection. Ross remarks that MacDonald’s Sporting Goods has been a long-time supporter and carries everything needed, including bump boards, which will be required to measure each fish.
How the league works
Ross explains that anglers will compete based on their four longest walleye caught between September 1 and midnight September 30. Each submission requires two photos: one showing the walleye on a bump board and another of the angler holding the fish.
Ross mentions that anglers may submit more than four fish but only their best four will count toward their total length.
Adult and youth divisions
The club is offering both adult and youth categories, each with their own standings and prizes.
Ross continues that youth are considered participants who do not require a provincial fishing licence, which typically means those 15 and under. He adds that the youth division is especially important for the club’s mission.
“We’re all about the youth," he says. "That’s the main thing. We want to get the kids out because if we don’t get kids out doing this stuff, our traditions, our pastimes, they just go away and we need the kids to carry on."
Fishing close to home
Ross remarks that while any legal Manitoba waterbody qualifies, some great options exist close to Portage.
Delta Beach has been producing strong results, while the Assiniboine River also offers plenty of shore fishing opportunities.
For those willing to travel, the Red River and Lake of the Prairies are also popular spots.
Looking ahead
The league is brand new, and Ross admits there may be a learning curve in organizing it. He mentions that the club hopes to post weekly leaderboards on its Facebook page throughout September.
Ross says that, at the end of the day, the Walleye Fishing League is about more than competition. It’s about connecting people with the outdoors.
“We’re all about trying to get people out doing outdoor stuff, hunting, fishing, whatever it may be. This is just a way to have a little fun doing it. A little fun competition to get people to get out in the outdoors and try some fishing.”
Visit the Portage Wildlife Club Facebook page HERE!