Whether you’re a local angler or traveling from across the Midwest, it’s time to drill your holes and drop your lines! The legendary Minnewaukan FFFishtival is back for its 21st year on March 7, and the energy on the ice is going to be electric.
We recently sat down with event organizer Linda Koth and Patrick Kalmerton from Devils Lake Tourism to get the inside scoop on what makes this "little town by the big lake" the place to be this March.
More Than Just a Fishing Tournament
The FFFishtival isn't just about the catch; it’s about the community. This massive family-friendly event draws crowds from North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.
Proceeds go toward life-saving measures for the Minnewaukan Rural Fire District and local high school groups. It’s a chance to enjoy the world-class Devils Lake basin while supporting the volunteers who keep the community safe.
Prizes That Will Make Your Jaw Drop
Forget small-time rewards. The raffle list this year is staggering, featuring:
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UTVs and ATVs
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Electric Golf Carts
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$1,000 Gift Prizes
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A Weatherby Vanguard .22 Rifle
The "Fair Play" Twist: To keep things honest and exciting, prizes for the top 10 spots in the Walleye, Perch, and Northern categories are drawn randomly. That means you don't need a record-breaking monster to walk away with the top prize—you just need a live fish and a little bit of luck!
Don’t Forget the Kids!
This is the second year for the Youth Tournament (ages 15 and under). Linda shared that they’ve added something special this year: Trophies! Nothing beats the pride of a young angler holding up a trophy alongside their catch.
Event Schedule: March 7, 2026
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5:30 AM - 6:00 AM: Breakfast at the New Minnewaukan Fire Hall, hosted by the firemen.
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6:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Registration/Check-in (Must check in by 9:00 AM even if pre-registered!).
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11:00 AM: Lunch is served by local high school groups.
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2:00 PM: Weigh-in cutoff. You must be in line by 2:00 PM with a live fish.
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3:00 PM: Prize ceremony and raffle drawings begin.
Buy Your Tickets Now!
Tickets are only $10. That ten-spot covers your fish weigh-in and enters you into the massive raffle.
Pro Tip: Many people buy a book of 10 tickets ($100) to increase their raffle odds and weigh in multiple fish.
Where to get them:
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Minnewaukan: Dakota Spirits, Old 281 Tavern.
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Devils Lake: Cenex West (available right up until the day of).
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Online: Check the Minnewaukan FFFishtival Facebook Page for registration links.
Tickets move fast and often sell out on the morning of the event. Don't wait until the shotgun start to claim yours!
Get in Touch
Have questions? Reach out to Linda Koth directly at Linda.koth@k12.nd.us.
We’ll see you on the ice!