Participants are hoping to catch even bigger fish than the one pictured. It was pulled from the river section of Tobin Lake back in June. (Facebook/Saskatchewan Premier’s Walleye Cup)

By northeastNOW Staff

fishing tournament

Anglers hoping to lure in big cash prizes at Walleye Cup

Aug 9, 2024 | 1:20 PM

One catch could yield $28,000 worth of prize money for a lucky angler on Tobin Lake.

The 36^th annual Saskatchewan Premier’s Walleye Cup is underway. The event was originally a joint tournament with the Governor’s Cup in North Dakota that started in 1988.

Marketing and Finance Director for the Walleye Cup, Sherry Hidlebaugh said the event has taken place every year since, with the exception of 2020 due to COVID.

“We have met so many fishermen from across North America. It’s been an absolutely amazing tournament for our community, but also a great way to promote Tobin Lake and the fishermen work hard to maintain the fishery and to teach and practice catch and release and the best way to treat our fish in the river section of Tobin Lake,” said Hidlebaugh.

A couple of the walleye that were caught Friday afternoon. (Submitted photo/Sherry Hidlebaugh)

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A total of 70 entries to this year’s tournament have been divided into two divisions. The minor league division has a first prize purse worth $10,000. And the winner of the major league division, for the more serious anglers, takes home a top prize worth $28,000.

“You are allowed to have one fish over 70 centimetres and four under 55 centimetres and the total weight for the two days wins the tournament.”

Totals will be tallied Saturday afternoon and Hidlebaugh encouraged the public to join them as there will be food and ice cream trucks, a beer garden and also a Trout Pond Derby at Nipawin Regional Park from 10 a.m. til noon.

“Diamond North Credit Union will be hosting the kids and the first 50 registrants get some prizes and we have some amazing prizes from the Fishing Hole for the winner of the Trout Pond Derby.”

Although premiers have been a part of the event in the past, Hidlebaugh said Saskatchewan’s current Premier Scott Moe did not cast a line this year.

The event is the longest-running walleye fishing tournament in the province

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