Pierre, SD (KELO.com) – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has just announced an exciting new event for anglers: the Midwest Walleye Challenge. This online fishing competition will take place from April 1 to June 29, 2025 and includes not only South Dakota but also five other states: Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. The event is being hosted by Anglersatlas.com and the MyCatch app.
This challenge is part of a special research project aimed at understanding the health of the walleye fishery in the Midwest. By reporting their catches, participants will help biologists gather important information that can be used to improve fishing conditions and fish management in the region.
A Citizen Science Event
The Midwest Walleye Challenge is what’s called a Citizen Science event. This means that anyone who loves fishing can be part of the research by sharing information about the fish they catch. By reporting all catches, anglers help biologists understand which walleye species are thriving and where the best fishing spots are located.
According to Brian Blackwell, a regional fisheries biologist with GFP, South Dakota has many lakes that can’t be surveyed every year. With the help of anglers, the data collected will allow the department to get a better idea of the fish population in lakes that aren’t regularly checked. This will also allow for comparison between angler-caught fish and those found by the GFP during surveys.
Blackwell also added that this data will help assess the walleye recruitment, which refers to the number of young walleye that are growing in the lakes. This is vital information for fisheries to ensure that fish populations remain healthy.
Why Reporting Catches Matters
The importance of reporting every catch cannot be overstated. By doing so, anglers are not only contributing to a scientific study but also improving the quality of fishing in their area. For instance, the data could lead to better management strategies or even new fishing areas that are specifically designed for walleye. This feedback loop between the anglers and biologists helps make fishing in South Dakota and surrounding states even better.
In addition to helping the community, participants in the challenge can win prizes and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition. By joining the challenge, anglers also become part of a regional effort to study and improve walleye populations across the Midwest.
How to Join the Challenge
It costs $25 to join the Midwest Walleye Challenge, but anglers who sign up will receive a $20 gift certificate to Discount Tackle when they report their first fishing catch. This is a great incentive to get involved and start fishing right away.
The competition is easy to enter. Simply download the MyCatch app and start logging your walleye catches. Anglers must report their catches with the length of the fish to ensure the data is accurate. This will also help the GFP compare the fish measured by anglers with those collected by biologists in their surveys.
For more details on how to participate and get started, visit the event’s official website: Midwest Walleye Challenge 2025.
Why Anglers Love This Challenge
This challenge is more than just a fishing event; it’s an opportunity for people who love fishing to give back to the community. Anglers in South Dakota have always been passionate about their state’s quality fishing lakes, and this event allows them to share their knowledge and contribute to a cause that benefits everyone. The data gathered will help create better management strategies for walleye fishing and ensure future generations can enjoy these great fishing opportunities.
Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Midwest Walleye Challenge offers a unique chance to enjoy your favorite outdoor hobby while making a meaningful impact on the future of walleye fishing.
(Source : kelo.com)
