There is something inherently special about tournament fishing, but every once in a while, you run into an event that transcends the sport itself.

Fresh off the road from North Dakota, outdoor content creator Patrick Kalmerton couldn’t help but share his absolute awe after behind-the-lens coverage of the 50th Annual Devils Lake Chamber Walleye Tournament. For Pat, it wasn't just about the massive bags of fish brought to the scales—it was about a masterclass in community, volunteerism, and midwestern hospitality.

If you’ve ever thought about fishing Devils Lake, or if you’re looking for your next great angling adventure, here is why this tournament needs to be at the very top of your bucket list.

 

 

 

1. An Army of Volunteers (From Grade School to Senior Citizens)

When Pat arrived at Graham’s Island State Park at 4:30 AM on tournament Friday, the staging grounds were already alive with energy. Well before the 7:00 AM launch, an incredible multigenerational army of local volunteers was already hard at work packing lunches, organizing the docks, and prepping the stage.

From young kids to senior citizens, the entire town showed up. Whether it was Park Rangers directing flow, locals inspecting livewells, or volunteers smoothly launching 119 boats into the water without a hitch, the logistics were flawless.

"Kudos to you all," Pat shared. "You guys busted a hump and did an amazing job. It's incredible to go to a tournament and have that kind of support, not only from the community of fishermen but also from the town itself."

2. Massive Bags and Endless Ways to Catch 'Em

Of course, you can't talk about Devils Lake without talking about the world-class walleye fishing. The competition was fierce, with the top weights clearing the 30-pound mark for a 5-fish bag limit. Second place came in at an incredible 31 pounds, and the winning bag hammered down over 33.3 pounds!

But what makes Devils Lake truly unique is its versatility. This isn't a lake where you're forced into one specific style of fishing. The tournament saw anglers finding success using an incredible variety of tactics across all depths:

  • Forward-facing sonar

  • Pitching crankbaits

  • Dragging crawler harnesses

  • Jig with a night crawler or leach

  • Slip bobbers in the shallows

No matter your preferred technique, Devils Lake has a bite that will fit you and your partner's style.

3. A Tournament for Everyone

You don't need a $100,000 rig to compete and feel welcome here. The field of 119 teams was beautifully diverse, featuring top-tier pros, passionate amateurs, sleek fiberglass boats with 450 HP motors, and classic aluminum tiller boats.

The tournament structure ensures everyone has a reason to celebrate, featuring three distinct categories:

  • The Main Open Field

  • Mixed Teams (Guy/Gal)

  • Youth Teams (with anglers under 16 or 18)

Crucially, the youth and mixed teams are still eligible to take home the tournament's grand prize. Beyond the main event, the community even hosted a youth fishing clinic to ensure the next generation of anglers gets hooked on the sport.

4. From the Scales to the Frying Pan: The Ultimate Thank You

Perhaps the coolest, most unique tradition Pat highlighted is how the tournament handles the catch. In many weigh-in tournaments, the logistics of fish care can be a stressful talking point. At Devils Lake, they turn it into a celebration.

Local fishing groups and volunteer clubs step up to clean all the walleye brought to the scales. Then, they host a massive, full-blown community fish fry. It’s a beautiful circle of gratitude: the out-of-town anglers support the local economy, the community supports the event, and at the end of the day, everyone sits down together to enjoy a fresh fish dinner.

"Thumbs Up, Devils Lake"

As the weigh-ins wrapped up, the camaraderie was palpable. Anglers didn't just pack up and leave; they stuck around in droves to cheer on their buddies, laugh, and celebrate the sport.

From the local bait shops, resorts, and guide services to the regional radio stations and newspapers, the entire region pulled in the same direction.

"For us from out of town, we saw it, and we appreciate it," Pat concluded. "Keep up the great work. Thumbs up, Devils Lake. We’ll see you next year for the 51st anniversary!"

Heading into the 4th of July season, it’s community-driven traditions like this that remind us what makes the outdoor community so great. Happy birthday, America—now get out there, celebrate, and go catch some fish!