lake erie tournament schedule

Guide to Lake Erie Fishing Tournaments in 2025

ByLake Erie Staff

Lake Erie’s 2025 tournament season kicks off March 22 with LEWT at Magee East, followed by the joint LEWT/MWC event in Port Clinton (April 11-12). Don’t miss the FishCrazy Derby (April 13-May 24) offering $9,000 for first place. You’ll need LEWT membership for most events, though exceptions exist like the Geneva GOTL Open. Prepare with proper gear including UPF clothing and one-handed grippers. The complete schedule reveals opportunities for both walleye and largemouth enthusiasts.

As the 2025 fishing season approaches, Lake Erie is gearing up to host an impressive lineup of competitive angling events. The Lake Erie Walleye Trail (LEWT) kicks off the tournament season with its first event at Magee East on March 22, with designated blow days extending through March 30 in case of inclement weather. If you’re planning to participate, remember that LEWT membership is mandatory for most of their tournaments throughout the year. Preparing your equipment with proper brush storage will ensure your boat stays pristine throughout the tournament season. Anglers should consider installing self-priming pumps to efficiently clear water from boats during rough lake conditions.

You’ll want to mark April 11-12 on your calendar for the joint LEWT/MWC event at Port Clinton, with April 13 reserved as a blow day. Following closely is the 2025 FishCrazy Lake Erie Walleye Spring Derby, running from April 13 through May 24. Don’t miss the April 9 registration deadline if you’re interested in this six-week competition. Winners of this competition can expect to receive substantial prize payouts including $9,000 for first place and descending amounts for runners-up.

Don’t miss the joint LEWT/MWC event in Port Clinton, followed by the six-week FishCrazy Derby—registration closes April 9!

The Bay’s Edge Casting & Jigging Open arrives on April 26, offering another opportunity to test your walleye fishing skills. LEWT continues its series with the Lorain event at Black River on May 17, keeping May 18 as a contingency day.

Later in the summer, you can participate in the LEWT Port Conneaut Marina entry scheduled for July 19. August brings the National Walleye Tournament (NWT) qualifier to Lake Erie on August 7-8, hosted in Dunkirk. This event serves as a stepping stone for anglers looking to advance in the competitive walleye fishing circuit. The NWT format combines professional anglers with amateurs through a random draw system, giving co-anglers valuable opportunities to learn while competing for prizes.

The NWT qualifier is followed by the Masters Walleye Circuit, which features several events throughout the season. Top performers in these events earn berths into the 2026 World Walleye Championship.

The highly anticipated LEWT Geneva GOTL Open is scheduled for August 30, 2025, as Event #7 of the season, featuring the exciting BIG FISH Friday tournament that doesn’t require LEWT membership to enter.

For bass enthusiasts, the Great Lakes Largemouth Series Championship concludes the major tournament season on October 11-12 at West Harbor. Anglers must participate in at least 3 tournaments throughout the series to qualify for this championship event. This prestigious event guarantees a $5,000 first-place prize and requires team registration. You’ll face late fees for same-day payments, so plan accordingly.

Across all tournaments, you’ll find various formats and participation requirements. The Great Lakes Largemouth events offer thousands of dollars worth of sponsor products and special incentives for participating teams. LEWT prizes typically include walleye fishing gear and cash awards that vary by event.

Whether you’re targeting walleye or largemouth bass, Lake Erie’s 2025 tournament schedule provides ample opportunities to test your skills against fellow anglers. Many serious competitors bring one-handed grippers to efficiently handle fish during weigh-ins while minimizing stress on their catch. For extended fishing days under the summer sun, consider wearing UPF 50+ clothing that blocks 98% of harmful UV rays while keeping you cool and comfortable. For night fishing tournaments, consider using underwater fishing lights with IP68 waterproof rating to attract baitfish and increase your chances of landing trophy catches. Stay updated through official websites and social media channels for any schedule changes or additional event information.

With proper planning and preparation, you’ll be ready to compete in some of the most prestigious fishing tournaments the Great Lakes region has to offer. Based on previous events, you can expect incredible catch rates at Lake Erie tournaments, where some competitions have recorded over 900 fish caught by participating teams.

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