Riverhurst Annual Walleye Classic

Riverhurst Walleye Classic on Lake Diefenbaker has been bringing fathers, families, and communities together for the past 33 years. On Father’s Day weekend, anglers break out their fishing gear, polish up their boats, and set their sails on catching and releasing the big ones worth up to $6,000.

Lake Diefenbaker is well known for its year-round fishing making it the perfect location for anglers of all ages. From June 16th to the 18th, Riverhurst becomes the host to angling teams from all over western Canada and the USA. The derby starts on Friday, June 16th in the evening beginning with supper and derby rules, and finishing Sunday, June 18th with supper and prizes.

Turning the lake into a tournament field with 100 boats takes experienced teamwork as the lake is 225 km long with over 800 km of shoreline. The tournament limits have been established to Enfield Bay to the south and Birsay Pump Station to the north. The Rusty’s Coulee Marina area will serve as tournament headquarters and contestants will be required to start and end each day at this point. Boats will be leaving in two flights each day. The first flight on Saturday puts you on the second flight on Sunday. Flight times are - Saturday: 1st Flight - 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, 2nd Flight - 7:30 am - 4:30 pm; Sunday: 1st Flight - 7:00 am - 3:00 pm, 2nd Flight - 7:30 am - 3:30 pm.

This catch-and-release tournament has prizes of up to $25,000 in cash and merchandise. Prizes are based on a 100-boat field with 25 cash payouts plus many merchandise prizes.

Prizes for the top 20 teams. 1st place wins $6,000 cash. 2nd place earns $3,500 while 3rd place takes home $2,000 and so on. Extra categories include the largest fish for Saturday, Sunday, and the entire tournament. Teams not in the top 20 will have the opportunity to win various hidden place prizes and cool under pressure, Adult/Child (16 and under), Male/Female, Father and Son or Daughter (in-law), and highest finishing new team.

Entry is $250 per team plus $20 for the Fisherman’s Bucket if participating. For an entry form and to view the rules, visit their website at http://riverhurstwalleye.ca/

Spend Father’s Day weekend with friends, family, and the community on the lake or come and watch from the shoreline.