By Edward Lynn
Editor
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — Spring is here and the ice is clear, and so the open water fishing season has begun. And with it, this year’s Midwest Walleye Challenge is underway, inviting anglers of all skill levels to participate in a unique fishing tournament that doubles as a citizen science initiative. Running from April 1 through June 29, the event encourages participants to log their walleye catches using the MyCatch mobile app, contributing valuable data to fisheries biologists.
Launched as a pilot program by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in 2022, the challenge has since expanded across the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and South Dakota, with Michigan joining on May 15. The initiative aims to engage anglers in data collection efforts to support walleye conservation and management.
Last year, nearly 900 anglers participated across the Midwest, with Iowa leading in participation. Iowa anglers completed 1,119 fishing trips, reporting 1,646 fish caught at 93 different water bodies throughout the state. Notably, Iowa angler Larry Hulsebus won the grand prize—a five-day Northwest Ontario walleye fishing trip.
For an entry fee of just $25, anglers compete for a share of $10,000 in prizes, including awards for the longest walleye, most fish caught, and even “Tough Luck” prizes for those who report trips without any catches. Participants receive a $20 gift certificate from sponsor Discount Tackle upon submitting a valid trip. New incentives this year include referral and early bird prizes, as well as rewards for catch-and-release videos.
While data collected remains anonymous (ensuring anglers’ favorite spots stay confidential while aiding in the management and conservation of walleye populations) Brushy Creek Lake in the Brushy Creek State Recreation Area—just a 25 mile drive from Eagle Grove—was among the top 5 best fishing spots in the state last year.
For more information or to register, visit the Angler’s Atlas event page: https://www.anglersatlas.com/event/835/2025-midwest-walleye-challenge-iowa.
