Eric Vanderwielen wins 2024 Midwest Musky Classic in Phelps

The Phelps Chamber of Commerce recently shared that Eric Vanderwielen of Greenville is the winner of the 44th Annual Midwest Musky Classic Tournament. 

Vanderwielen caught a 48.75-inch musky on Lac Vieux Desert on the first day of the three-day tournament hosted by the Phelps Chamber of Commerce. 

The Midwest Musky Classic takes place on Big Sand Lake, Lac Vieux Desert, and North and South Twin Lakes. This year’s tournament drew 184 anglers from across the Midwest and nationwide, and 39 first-time anglers in this tournament. 

Laura Richart, Executive Director of the Phelps Chamber of Commerce, commented that “this year’s tournament had a lot of firsts and special moments and drew an almost record-breaking number of anglers. There were two anglers with multiple catches and a pair of brothers who both placed and took home prize money.” 

She also commented that “what makes this tournament so special is the return participants that come year after year. Groups of friends and multi-generation families make it an annual reunion trip and have a great time fishing together and enjoying all that Phelps has to offer. The camaraderie and the spirit of the anglers is truly unmatched, and it is incredible to be a part of. And, of course, this event is great for Phelps’ businesses with the large majority of anglers coming from out of town.” 

The anglers enjoyed an awards lunch at Wavering Park in Phelps after fishing, with food from Sunrise Lodge and many great raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

There were 19 muskies caught during the tournament, with 12 of them on Big Sand Lake, four on Lac Vieux Desert, and three on North Twin Lake. 

Eric Vanderwielen won first place overall and the Friday Big Fish of the Day award. His total winnings were $2,120, and a replica of his winning fish will be presented at next year’s tournament. 

This year’s second-place winner, taking home $1000, was Brian Fons with a 48.5” musky caught on Big Sand Lake. Brian also received his replica for winning first place in the 2023 Midwest Musky Classic. 

Third place winner was Kurt Vanderwielen with a 48.25” musky caught on Big Sand Lake. Saturday’s Big Fish of the Day winner was Travis Kopke with a 42.25” musky caught on Big Sand Lake, and Sunday’s Big Fish of the Day Winner was John Reynders with a 47.25” musky caught on North Twin Lake. 

Next year’s Midwest Musky Classic will be held Oct. 3-5, 2025. Visit www.phelpswi.us for more information.