When you chat with anglers who fish the MTT (MN Tournament Trail) walleye tournament, there have been a lot of memories throughout the year.  But in many cases, the tournament has been on the radar screens of most is the championship that takes place at Lake of the Woods next week.

This tournament is special for a number of reasons.  First off, anglers are fishing for a $40k Skeeter boat package powered by a 150 hp Yamaha Outboard.  Secondly, this tournament will determine anglers of the year.  And finally, the best of the best will be fishing this tournament as teams have to qualify by placing in the top 75 for the year or by fishing four one day tournaments and one two day tournament.Mike Holt, MTT, rainbow

Throughout the year, anglers competed on a variety of lakes and rivers in MN to qualify for the championship including the Mississippi River at Red Wing, Big Stone Lake, Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Winnibigoshish and Lake of the Woods.MTT National Anthem (640×424)

The MN Tournament Trail is run by Mike and Renee Holt.  Mike Holt appreciates Lake of the Woods for the championship for a number of reasons.  “First off, anglers love the lake, it is good fishing and there is a variety of lodging.  If the lake is rough, there is about 40 miles of navigable water on the Rainy River to fish.  During mid September there are often quality walleyes to be found in the river.  Finally, regardless of how a team has done on the first day of the two day tournament, you are never out of it as there are monster walleyes in the system.  Two big fish on day two makes up for a tough day one.”

The tournament headquarters for next week’s tournament is Border View Lodge which is located right next to the Wheeler’s Point public access at the mouth of the Rainy River.  The weigh in each day will start at 3pm when the first wave of boats start returning.  There is typically two flights and the weigh in is open to the public.

Good luck to all MTT anglers who are competing in next week’s MTT Championship.  This is the time of the year when dreams come true!