Women Anglers of Minnesota upcoming events

2026 WAM Slam Challenge (04/01/2026)

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

WAM's multi-species challenge is back!

This virtual catch-and-release tournament celebrates big catches all open-water season and encourages members to target new species. Whether you're setting personal goals or competing for the top five money spots, there's something for everyone!

When: April 1st - October 11th, 2026

Where: All waters (excluding private ponds) in the US and Canada

Who: All members! If you aren't a WAM member, JOIN HERE! You can join at any time during the tournament.

Cost: $40.00

Registration: Register on FishDonkey and join the fun!

Scoring: Based on a point system by species length. Only your largest fish per category counts. Culling is allowed.

Leaderboard: Track your progress under the "Mixed Bag" stringer

Facebook Event: coming soon

Point Prizes!

5 points - Rod Sleeve with WAM logo

10 points - Head Lamp

20 points - Rapala Fillet Knife + Electronic Photo Collage of your catches!

30 points - Dry Bag

Cash Prizes!

1st Place - $500

2nd Place - $450

3rd Place - $400

4th Place - $350

5th Place - $300

So what are you waiting for? Get registered today on the FishDonkey app under WAM Slam

Challenge 2026.

Once you have joined, read the Rules and Regulations.

VIDEO: How to Enter a Fish

VIDEO: How to Properly Measure a Fish

Questions?

If you have any questions, please reach on the Facebook event page, or email at cotour@womenanglersmn.com.

2026 Trailer Mentoring Class (04/18/2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Towing your boat shouldn’t be the most stressful part of your fishing trip. Whether you’re new and looking for a supportive place to start, or you already have some experience and want to sharpen your skills, our trailer mentoring session is designed for you.

Join a crew on April 18, 2026 for hands-on, practical guidance that will help you feel confident behind the wheel and at the launch.

Offering in-person mentoring opportunities at several location across the state.

(specific times and locations are being determined)

-South Central

-Central

-Twin Cities

-Brainerd Area

-Moorhead Area

READY TO TAKE THE DRIVER'S SEAT?

Have Questions?

Email: education@womenanglersmn.com

2026 48th Annual Women Anglers of Minnesota Open Water Fishing Tournament (06/06/2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Join us for our 48th Annual Open Water Tournament taking place on Big Sandy Lake!

Fun, Fishing, and WAMily!!!

We welcome all skill levels to this event as there is truly something for everyone! We guarantee you will leave with new fishing knowledge, new friendships, and memories that will last!

Thursday, June 4th: BBQ & Bingo Location TBD Likely McGregor Community Center

Friday, June 5th: Rules meeting at Big Sandy Lodge and Resort

Saturday, June 6th: Tournament starts at 6:30 AM Big Sandy Lodge and Resort

Awards Ceremony at Big Sandy Lodge & Resort

Don't have a boat? We have limited pontoon spaces available!

Indoor activities including fundraising, games, and FUN both Friday and Saturday evening.

***Guests are welcome at the dinner on Friday and Saturday! You may purchase dinner tickets with this registration! ***

Space is limited so register guests soon!

Basic Schedule of Events
Registered participants will receive more detailed information via email and in the tournament handbook.

Thursday June 4th: Social & BBQ Location TBD - Likely McGregor Community Center

5:00 pm social/games

6:00 pm dinner

Friday June 5th: Rules Meeting and Dinner at Big Sandy Resort and Lodge

5:00 pm - Social hour, raffles, and WAM gear for sale

6:00 pm - Dinner

6:30 pm - Membership Meeting

7:00 pm - Tournament rules meeting (at least one person from your boat MUST attend)

To join the discussion, visit the Facebook event page, Women Anglers of Minnesota 48th Annual Open Water Tournament | Facebook

Saturday June 6th: Tournament Day from 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM; Check-in and boat inspections begins at 5:30 AM at Big Sandy Resort and Lodge

To join the discussion, visit the Facebook event page, Women Anglers of Minnesota 48th Annual Open Water Tournament | Facebook

Fish measurements will be completed using the FishDonkey app. This is a catch, photo, video release tournament. This supports WAM's mission of fish conservation!

VIDEO: How to Enter a Fish

VIDEO: How to Properly Measure a Fish

Official Prize Payouts based on minimum entry of 100 participants

WAM Slam: $2000

Grand Prize Fish: $1000

Bass 1st-5th Place: $500, $300, $200, $150, $50

Pike 1st-5th Place: $500, $300, $200, $150, $50

Walleye 1st-5th Place: $500, $300, $200, $150, $50

Crappie 1st-5th Place: $500, $300, $200, $150, $50

Sunfish 1st-5th Place: $500, $300, $200, $150, $50

Rock Bass 1st-3rd Place: $250, $150, $50

Rules Document: 2026 Open Water Tournament Rules

If you have questions, please contact the Event Chair: Stephanie Kelzer at masterangler@womenanglersmn.com

Resort Lodging on Big Sandy Lake:

Big Sandy Lodge and Resort

20534 487th St, McGregor, MN, 55760

www.bigsandylodgeandresort.com

218-426-5040

Crossroads Hotel

403 Meadow Drive, McGregor, MN 55760

www.mcgregorcrossroads.com

218-768-7378

VRBO and Airbnb available

REFUNDS: Registration fees will be returned if Women Anglers of Minnesota receives notification by May 4th, 2026. If participation is cancelled after this date, there will be no refunds. A $15.00 service charge will be retained from all refunds.

If the tournament is canceled due to inclement weather, NO MONEY will be refunded. Tournament registration fees (minus dinner cost as we cannot refund that portion and we will still have the event portion of the tournament) and prizes will be held over for the next year’s annual tournament.

Tournament winnings are based on at least 100 people participating. If less than 100 participants, awards may be adjusted.

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OFFICIAL WAM WAIVER FOR 2026 WAM OPEN WATER FISHING TOURNAMENT

By registering for this event, you are agreeing to the following:

RISK AND LIABILITY

I understand that participating in a fishing tournament is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter unless I am medically able. I assume any and all risks associated with this fishing trip, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown. Knowing these facts and in consideration of the acceptance of my application and application fee by Women Anglers of Minnesota (WAM), I hereby, for myself, my executors, administrators or anyone else who might claim on my behalf, agree not to sue and waive, release and discharge WAM, other competitors, hosts, sponsors, volunteers, and tournament officials, including their agents, employees, or assigns from all claims or liability of death, personal injury, or property damage of any kind arising out of or in the course of my participation in this event. I am at least 16 years of age. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the tournament rules. If under 18 years of age, a parent must sign a release at the time of registration at the tournament.

MEDIA RELEASE

I grant WAM the right to use photographs, video, and information concerning my participation in this tournament for any internal WAM or third-party media.

ALCOHOL & DRUG POLICY

WAM participants cannot consume alcohol in the boat or on the ice while participating in this WAM-sponsored trip. Illegal drugs of any kind are also not allowed. Any violation of this policy may result in a participant being asked to leave without a refund.

PERSONAL CONDUCT

WAM encourages all members to show respect for others, both inside and outside of the organization. Conduct by anyone during any part of the event that is illegal, violent, dangerous, irresponsibly puts others at risk, or is conduct that reflects poorly on Women Anglers of Minnesota may result in the member being asked to leave and no refunds will be provided.

CANCELLATIONS: If this tournament is canceled due to severe weather, no refunds will be provided. See Rules cancellation policy date.

2026 Jiggin' with Kids (06/26/2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Jiggin' with Kids - Virtual Tournament

June 26th - July 5th, 2026

Open to any state in the US

Presented by Women Anglers of Minnesota

Sponsored by Scheels, Lund, Omnia Fishing & Zebco School of Fish

Cash prizes for Top 3 Winners for each Age Group & Stringer Category!

Fun Prize - Most Patriotic Outfit!

Age Groups:

Ages 10 & Under and Ages 11-17

Entry Fee: $15.00

Categories:

Stringer of 5 Panfish (sunfish, perch, or crappie) and a Stringer of 3 Toothy (walleye or northern pike)

A stinger is the total length of eligible species.

Most Patriotic Outfit

All fish in the tournament will be photographed, measured, and recorded with the FishDonkey app.

Search for Jiggin' with Kids and click JOIN NOW.

Once you have joined, read the Rules and Regulations.

VIDEO: How to Enter a Fish

VIDEO: How to Properly Measure a Fish

Categories and leaderboards will update throughout the contest so check the leaderboards through you app to follow the tournament progress.

*Fish caught using a guide service are not eligible.

Good Luck!

Tournament questions:

Katera Thompson youth@womenanglersmn.com

Volunteer Opportunity - 2026 Alexandria Youth Outdoor Activity Day (08/23/2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Seeking volunteers to help at WAM's color your own crank bait booth.

Contact Katera Thompson at youth@womenanglersmn.com

or register for this event

What is the Alexandria Youth Outdoor Activity Day? -

https://www.youthoutdooractivityday.org/

2400+ youth attend this event with 50+ activities for them to participate in.

It is a free event with fun giveaways and activities for all ages.

Location: