The grand tradition of Eagle River’s National Championship Musky Open tournament is returning this weekend to celebrate its 40th year.

Hosted by the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin, Inc., the catch and release tournament draws anglers from across the country to this premier muskie-fishing destination.

The tournament runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 21-23, and is headquartered at the Vilas County Fairgrounds in Eagle River. Any last-minute registrants can sign up in-person Thursday evening and Friday and Saturday mornings, Aug. 20-22.

Eagle River chamber Executive Director Abbey Gatlin is thrilled to welcome everyone to this milestone event 40 years in the making.

“For 40 years, the National Championship Musky Open has brought anglers to Eagle River for a weekend built around the fish, the water, and the down to earth community that shows up for it every August,” Gatlin said. “Whether you’re chasing the title, the boat, or just a good weekend with friends on some of the most sought after muskie water in the country, this tournament has become a tradition worth being part of.”

Last year’s event drew a whopping 1,146 muskie anglers representing 14 states. A total of 117 muskies were caught and released in the 2025 tournament, and St. Germain resident Bob Sommers was the top angler, catching four muskies measuring 43, 36.5, 39 and 37.5 inches for a total of 156 inches. Sommers fished on the Rainbow Flowage in lake family five.

Big boat, big prizes

The chance to win big prizes has continued throughout the four decades of the event.
Those who register for the tournament will be competing for this year’s grand door prize, a 2026 model 895 DC Recon boat with a 115 Mercury outboard motor and trailer.

Trophies will be awarded for released muskies only, and the contestant who releases the largest muskie will also receive a free graphite replica, courtesy of Fittante Taxidermy and Replicas of Antigo.

Additional prizes have been supplied by Mercury, St. Croix Rod, Daiwa, Humminbird/Minn Kota, H3O Polarized, Enticer Tackle, Suick Lure Company, Z Leaders Fishing Rigs, and the Eagle River Inn. Anglers who bring a new friend to the tournament will also be entered to win a muskie rod.

Schedule of events

Tournament festivities kick off Thursday evening with briefings at 6:30, 7:30 and 9 p.m., and a seminar scheduled for 6 p.m. Food will be served at the fairgrounds from 5 to 9 p.m.

Registration periods will open Friday morning from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m., with briefings being held at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Fishing hours Friday and Saturday will be from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fishing hours on Sunday are from 6 to 11 a.m. Fish verification slips for fish caught and released on Friday and/or Saturday must be turned in on Saturday evening at tournament headquarters between 6 and 8 p.m. Any fish not turned in between that time will not be scored.

Door prizes will be handed out at 6 p.m. Saturday, and winners must be present. Food will also be available from 5 to 9 p.m.

Sunday is a shortened fishing day from 6 to 11 a.m. All verification slips must be turned in by 12:30 p.m. to be valid.

Anglers will head to the fairgrounds Sunday afternoon where tournament results, door prizes and the grand prize drawing will start at 1:30 p.m. All winners must be present to win.
Organizers remind anglers that they need to register in person, receive all tournament information and attend a briefing before fishing by Saturday at 6:30 a.m.

Each angler will fish one of the seven “lake families” which can be requested and will be assigned on a first come, first-served basis. Each lake family is limited to 500 participants, meaning once full, anglers must fish their second choice. Once assigned, that lake family is to be fished for all three days of the tournament; there will be no changes.

A portion of tournament proceeds always goes toward fish stocking and habitat improvement in the Eagle River area, supporting the fishery for generations to come.

More information can be found by visiting eagleriver.org/events/national-championship-musky-open, calling the Eagle River chamber at 715-479-6400, or stopping in at 201 N. Railroad St.