Lake of The Woods Women's Walleye Tournament

OFFICIAL RULES

2026 OFFicIAL RULES & REGULATIONS


1.0 ANGLER RESPONSIBILITY

1.1 Read the Rules!  Every angler is responsible for reading the rules and understanding the tournament rules. Participants must have a functional cell phone with sufficient power and storage for the eTournament Fishing app.

1.2 Watching the eTournament Fishing app tutorials prior to tournament start is strongly encouraged. 

1.3 Checking their Digital Livewell® at the end of the day to make sure all of their fish submissions have been Received and are GREEN. You will need a minimum of 2 bars of service or strong Wi-Fi.  If any entries are RED leave that screen open until all fish are GREEN.  1.4 At the end of the day when anglers return to docks and hand in your bump board the dock master MUST check and confirm that all fish submitted are GREEN. If not you will stay in your boat with the app open until all fish are GREEN.

***ONCE THE TOURNAMENT IS OFFICIALLY OVER 4:00PM NO PHOTOS WILL BE ALLOWED TO BE SUBMITTED – THEY WILL BE DENIED***

2.0 TOURNAMEMENT FORMAT

2.1 Lake of the Woods Woman’s Walleye Tournament is a one day, women’s only fishing derby. Women must enter in teams of two and are able to have a third person (male or female) on board to aid with the operation and launching/loading of the boat ONLY. No fishing, no fishing assistance, and no direction to fishing locations are allowed by the third person including baiting the hook, using net to assist or taking photos. The third person may control the trolling motor. 

2.2 By entering the Lake of the Woods Woman’s Walleye Tournament all participants declare they understand tournament rules and agree to abide by them including slot sizes and eTournament Fishing app rules.

2.3 You are responsible for your safety and actions at all times before, during and after the Tournament. Each entrant, upon registration to compete in the derby, agrees that she will not hold the Sponsors or Hosts liable for any kind of accident that might occur during the Fishing Derby.

2.4 Registration on app and with LOTWWWT must be completed.  Read REGISTRATION PROCESS document (can be found on the website).

2.5 You must comply with all Ontario Sport Fishing Regulations and Transport Canada rules, or you will be disqualified. Boat operators must comply with all safety requirements and have their Pleasure Craft Operators Card certification as per Transport Canada regulations.

2.6 Entry Fee

  • NO DRIVER – $320.00 per team which must be submitted via etransfer and a fully completed entry form and registration on the eTournament Fishing app. (including a $20 fee for the eTournament Fishing Verification Services.) 
  • ADDITIONALLY there is a subscription fee to be able to participate in the tournament $4.99USD 
  • WITH DRIVER – $220.00 per team which must be submitted via etransfer and a fully completed entry form and registration on the eTournament Fishing app. (including a $20 fee for the eTournament Fishing Verification Services.) 
  • ADDITIONALLY there is a subscription fee to be able to participate in the tournament $4.99USD
  • All Competitors, Officials, and Volunteers will conduct themselves in a true sportsmanlike, courteous, safe and ethical manner. As Competitors, each person represents not only their Team but also their Sponsors and those of the tournament. If ANY unsportsmanlike behaviours the team WILL be disqualified and will be at the discretion of the tournament directors if you will be allowed to fish in the tournament in years to come.
  • All decisions of the Tournament are final by the eTournament Fishing Verification Services and may be protested with a $100 fee. If determination is in your favor the $100 fee will be returned. The entry fees for the tournament are as follows:  

2.7 It is the angler’s responsibility to enter their team into the correct division, and their names are correct in the eTournament Fishing app. Failure to notify the directors to correct a division or name mistake before fishing in the tournament will result in the team’s disqualification.

2.8 No cancellations will be accepted. There will be no refunds. If the team is unable to participate in the tournament, you may find another team to replace but the tournament director must be notified of the change in writing before the deadline to qualify for the change.

2.9 No change of divisions will be accepted. 

3.0 eTournament FISHING APP

3.1 All registrations must be completed by registering in the eTournament Fishing app. 

3.2 Practice the eTournament fishing app ahead of time.  There are many YouTube tutorials on the app that explain everything step by step or refer to the REGISTRATION PROCESS document (found on the website).

Test the app before you get out on the water.  

1. Download the app

2. Search eTournament Fishing – Practice  

3.3 Team names will no longer be present on the leaderboard as you will be identified by a PIN number issued to you when you register on the app.  This keeps it more exciting! 

3.4 All anglers will be allowed access to the eTournament Fishing app starting at 7:45am and will end at 4:00pm the day of the tournament. 

3.5 The leaderboard will be available to view from 11:00am – 12:00pm then it will be closed for the day. 

3.6 There is also a “FAN” Friends Angling Network on the app so while you are out catching your friends and family can view the leaderboard. (SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED)

4.0  eTOURNAMENT FISHING APP – MEASURING & PHOTO DOCUMENTING

4.1 All photos and videos must be taken through the eTournament Fishing app and measurements must be on a tournament provided bump board.

4.2 Fish should be recorded immediately and measurements noted by length in inches.

4.3 All submissions must include one photograph and one release video:  

  • 1) A picture of the fish on the bump board nose touching and tail pinched
  • 2) A video of the fish on the bump board and then being released

4.4 Close the fish’s mouth. The nose MUST touch the bump board (the belly is facing you). This photo needs to include the entire fish on the board.  

4.5 Pinch the tail so that there is no V in the tail. Make sure that you can fully see the tail. Make sure to pinch the tail, not the body of the fish.

4.6 If the tail touches or crosses a graduation line, round up ¼ inch.

4.7 All participants must have their fish submitted before the end of the tournament at 4:00pm.

4.8 In the event a photo that designates a fish to be scored is judged to be un-scorable, a replacement fish will not be allowed.

4.9 WALLEYE LENGTH: Each team can submit four walleyes under the following description: 

  • Only (3) three between 12 in (30.5 cm) & 16.75 in (42.5 cm) 
  • Only (1) one over 27.6 in (70 cm)                     
  • None between 16.93 in (43 cm) & 27.56 in (70 cm)

4.10 Any fish that appears to have been mangled, mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered will be credited only at the discretion of the eTournament Fishing Verification Services. Any fish that are deemed altered by an angler will result in Team disqualification for the day or event.

4.11 eTOURNAMENT FISHING APP IN POOR RECEPTION AREAS:

  • The app will work without the internet. Open the app before heading out to poorly covered areas. Tap on the name of the tourney. That is all it takes to fully load your event for the day. To enter a fish click the measurement photos icon and take your photo. Make sure the nose is touching the bump board and that the tail is pinched, no V should show in the tail. Also make sure that the nose and tail are clearly visible. 
  • Keep the fish on the bump board and click the release video icon. Start the video with the fish on the bump board then continue recording while your partner releases the fish in the water. (by keeping the fish on the bump board at the start of the video it gives a second chance to make sure the correct measurement is used) 

All fish that have been submitted will be GREEN, if fish are RED keep the app open with strong wifi or signal until it goes GREEN. 

5.0 PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY

5.1 Anglers must be a minimum of fourteen (14) years of age as of June 13, 2026. Participants under 18 must be paired with an adult 18 years of age or older. 

5.2 All Anglers will require a 1) WAIVER OF CLAIM, RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND 2) PERMISSION TO PHOTOGRAPH AND VIDEO signed by them. 

5.3 You cannot fish in the tournament with a CONSERVATION fishing license.

5.4 All anglers must possess, and be able to show upon request if asked, a valid Ontario Sport Fishing License, except those who are exempt by the Fisheries Act, in this case a Harvester’s Card (Métis) or a Status Card (First Nation) must be available and valid if requested.

5.5 There will be a limited field of 60 paid teams – 30 NO DRIVER and 30 WITH DRIVER for the Tournament with exception of sponsor paid teams.5.6 If, after competition has started, a team captain or partner is unable to continue for medical, family or other justified reasons, the remaining team member will be given the option of continuing as a single angler. In the event the remaining team member elects not to continue in the tournament, the team’s entry fee will not be refunded

6.0 BOATS AND MOTORS

6.1 All boats, motors and their equipment must meet Canadian Coast Guard standards. 

6.2 All boats equipped with an emergency kill switch mechanism must have the kill switch tether securely attached to the operator whenever the boat is on plane. 

7.0 LAUNCHING AND MORNING INSPECTIONS

7.1 There are three check-in times – 6:45am, 7:00am, and 7:15am. 

7.2 Your CHECK-IN times will be based on your boat entry number. 

  • CHECK-IN ONE @ 6:45 AM: Registered teams #1 – #10 FOR BOTH NO DRIVER AND WITH DRIVER DIVISIONS 
  • CHECK-IN TWO @ 7:00 AM: Registered teams #11 – #20 FOR BOTH NO DRIVER AND WITH DRIVER DIVISIONS 
  •  CHECK-IN THREE @ 7:15 AM: Registered teams #21 – #30 FOR BOTH NO DRIVER AND WITH DRIVER DIVISIONS 
  • With the exception of sponsored teams being put in at random for check-ins 

7.3 All anglers will gain access to the eTournament Fishing app at 7:45am and start fishing

7.4 Boats MUST have boat #’s affixed to the left side (port) of the motor prior to the arrival at the dock – only exception will be on an inboard boat when the boat # will be affixed to the port side of the windshield. 

7.5 Teams must have all tackle boxes, compartments, bump boards and live wells open for easy inspection prior to the arrival at the dock. 

7.6 Anglers must be wearing their PFD when arriving at the dock along with the tether cord attached so that when dock master comes to do inspection you can show that the kill switch works 

7.7 Failure to report for daily boat inspection will result in disqualification.

8.0 RETURN TO DOCK AT THE END OF THE DAY AND FINAL INSPECTION

8.1 The eTournament Fishing app CLOSES at 4:00pm when the tournament ends.

8.2 All boats must check back at the dock to return the bump boards, live well inspection and to make sure all fish are GREEN. 

8.3 Earliest anglers may check in, is at 3:30pm and the latest is 5pm. If your team fails to check-in at the end of the day it will result in disqualification and a $100 fee of failure to return the bump board. 

8.4 Have your app open so the dock master can check that all fish are GREEN. If not, you will be asked to stay until they are and it must be checked by the dock master.

9.0 SAFETY

9.1 All Anglers must practice safe boating during practice and tournament fishing. 

9.2 Every angler must wear a fully secured Coast Guard approved life jacket or floatation device while the big motor is on while traveling from one location to another at other than trolling or drifting speed, and tethered kill switches must be attached to the driver’s body (if applicable). 

9.3 No alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs may be possessed or consumed by the anglers during tournament fishing hours up to and including the weighing of their catch. Failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate tournament disqualification of the team.

9.4 In the event of a thunderstorm, lightning, or severe weather, teams may pull onto the nearest shoreline until it is safe to continue fishing. Angler(s) may not leave their boats during the tournament except at the Official Check-In Station, except in the case of a proven emergency.

9.5 Every Team, regardless of catch, must, at the end of the day, report to the Official Check-In Station, the Jarnel Pavilion docks.

9.6 In the case of an emergency, first call 911, then notify us by calling Danyelle Neniska 807-464-2148

9.7 Unlimited pre-tournament fishing is allowed up until 4pm on June 12th, 2026, however moving fish from one location to another during pre-tournament practice is prohibited. Violations could result in tournament disqualification. 

9.8 Each team will be given a team number. Team numbers must be affixed to the port (left) side of the main combustion engine so that they are clearly and plainly visible when arriving at dock for morning inspections. With exceptions to inboards as they must be affixed on the port side of the window. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

9.9 The Tournament Directors have the right to delay or shorten the Tournament, subject to weather and/or safety considerations. 

10. ON THE WATER

10.1 Anglers are personally responsible for knowing all Tournament Rules, as well as the current Ontario Sport Fishing Regulations and Canadian Coast Guard regulations. Penalty: Teams found to have violated federal or provincial fishing and boating regulations during the tournament may be disqualified when this information is confirmed by tournament officials. This judgment could also apply to eligibility to participate in future tournaments. 

10.2 Anglers are not allowed to toss or pass any item(s) to another boat or to receive any item(s) from another boat. 

10.3 All Teams and their equipment are subject to inspection at any time during the Tournament. 

10.4 No fishing information may be given to or exchanged with Competitors during the Tournament fishing hours by Tournament or Non-Tournament anglers. 

10.5 Anglers are expected to co-operate as much as possible with official video and still photography personnel. 

10.6 All waters accessible by boat on Lake of the Woods, within Canada, are deemed Tournament waters unless stated otherwise. 

10.7 All waters leading into the first narrows of Shoal Lake downstream from marker No. W10, and all the Labyrinth thereafter are not part of Lake of the Woods and are out of bounds for fishing. 

11.0 TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS

11.1 The interpretation and enforcement of the rules is at the sole discretion of the directors.  The tournament directors may change rules or impose sanctions as they deem appropriate, including but not limited to disqualifications, forfeiture of prizes and prohibition from competing in future tournaments.  All decisions made by the tournament directors are final.

12.0 RULE(S) VIOLATIONS, PROTESTS AND APPEALS

12.1 General Penalties: Teams may be disqualified from the tournament for frequent or major infractions of the rules and will not receive a refund of their entry fee. Examples of major infractions include unsafe boating practices, gross angling ethics violations and violations that clearly give the competitor an unfair or illegal advantage over other competitors, such as movement of fish, caged fish, violation of provincial and federal fishing and boating regulations, exchanging fish between teams, and drug and alcohol violations.

12.2 Each Team Captain has the right to file a Protest when they have firsthand knowledge that a rule or rules may have been broken or violated by another Team. This must include proof whether it’s a photo or team #. A Protest must be filed within ten (10) minutes of check-in at the check-in site to be considered along with a fee of $100 

12.3 The Directors and or eTournament Fishing app will interpret the rules according to their spirit and intent. The decision is final and not subject to review of any kind. 

13.0 TIE BREAKERS 

13.1 Ties will be settled by using the time stamp on the measurement photo. If there is still a tie, the longest single walleye will be used. And if there is still a tie after that, it will be settled by the second largest walleye, and if need be, the third largest walleye.

13.2 In the case of a continued tie, regardless of fish lengths, the winner will be determined using a time stamp on a photo of the largest walleye to determine which team caught the largest walleye first.

14.0 PRIZE STRUCTURE

14.1 The prizes will be paid out to the first 5 placings for each division (NO DRIVER AND WITH DRIVER). They will be based on the number of teams entered and based on entry fees collected.  There may also be prizes that also go along with the cash prizes.

14.2 It is the responsibility of the tournament director to disburse all prizes.  

14.3 From our terms and conditions, you have agreed to the following.  

15.0 CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS

The Lake of the Woods Woman’s Walleye Tournament Committee retains the right to change or amend any or all preceding rules at their sole discretion without prior notification or consultation with the Competitors.


HAVE FUN AND CATCH FISH!


HAVE FUN!