The annual Lake of the Prairies Prairie Classic walleye tournament will be headed up by a new team this spring. Kickerfish Media is taking over organizing duties, with the Russell Lions Club providing assistance by way of on-the-ground manpower the weekend of the event.
“The Lions Club will still be involved. You will see us at tournament time helping out to keep things running smoothly,” former Director Kevan McCarthy said. “This will remain an important fundraiser for the Russell Lions Club and we will be busy in the spring lining up volunteers, arranging the parade, and helping at the hall and down at the lake.”
The popular angling tournament is entering its 21st edition with the Lions having organized the last 20 years. It’s been no secret that the event has faced some challenges the last few years with changing angling regulations and aging members. “Our main goal is the multi-year sustainability of this event,” Kevan added. “We all want to see the Prairie Walleye Classic run for many more years ahead.”
Incoming Tournament Directors Eric Labaupa and Mike Dotoli are no strangers to the competition having competed in it for many years. They switched over to the organizing side of things in 2024 when they added a Livestream angle to the event and Eric taking over microphone duties from retired long-time emcee Al Parenteau.
“We’re honoured to continue the long tradition of a great walleye tournament on Lake of the Prairies started by the late Mike Twardoski over 25 years ago,” said Eric. “If you’re familiar with any of our other events, we’ll be bringing that same fresh energy, excitement, and notoriety to the Prairie Walleye Classic. I’ve said it publicly many times that Lake of the Prairies is arguably THE best walleye lake in the country and we want to showcase that to the world.”
New for 2025 is the scoring format moving to a hybrid Catch-record-release/Live weigh-In system. Daily team bags will consist of a maximum two 55cm plus fish scored via CRR and three 45cm or less fish scored via live weigh-in for a total of five walleye each day. “We feel that it’s important to bring the Big Fish component back to this tournament. This lake is full of giant walleye and we want to see all of the teams score them in competition,” said Mike.
More announcements about this year’s tournament that’s being held on June 13-14 are planned in the coming weeks. The change to a Friday/Saturday tournament is being well-received by many competitors. “I think it’s fantastic,” said angler Devon Gurniak. “I’m looking forward to an awesome Saturday awards evening that perhaps most of the teams will now attend. Clears up a laid-back Sunday travel day back home too.”
Long-time tournament sponsors Virden Recreation, Lund, and Humminbird/MinnKota are back as major supporters of the event. The ever-popular boat parade down Main Street Russell and the Angler’s Dinner will continue as well. Team entry fee remains the same at $700/team.
Teams can enter the tournament online by filling out the entry form here on kickerfish.ca Feel free to contact Eric at kickerfish.ca@gmail.com with any questions.