Whitefish Chain of Lakes Offers Challenge for GNWC Teams
By Steve Weisman
GNWC Publicity Director
The teams fishing the Minnesota Region of the Grand National Walleye Cup
(GNWC) are preparing for a truly formidable challenge, the Whitefish Chain
of Lakes Tournament scheduled for Sunday, June 12.
The Whitefish Chain is just that: 14 inter-connecting lakes. Each has
its own unique characteristics and fishing opportunities. Therein lies the
challenge: where and how. The smaller lakes, the shallower lakes or the
larger, deeper lakes – and only 14 from which to choose.
The tournament take-off and weigh-in site will be at Piney Ridge Resort
on Upper Whitefish, and the rest of the Whitefish Chain is fishable for the
GNWC teams.
“It will be interesting to see what strategies the teams use. So much
water and so many lakes. Time is a key element, and they are restricted to
eight hours-from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. How far will they be willing to go? There
are several no-wake areas on this chain, so time management will really be a
key,” said GNWC Executive Director Bernie Barringer.
Bruce Bryant, owner of Circle B Outfitters Bait Shop, agrees with
Barringer. “There are a lot of good walleye areas.” Bryant rattled off Upper
Whitefish, Lower Hay Lake and Cross Lake as three likely lakes, but as far
as what the bite will be like, he could only shake his head.
“Our May weather has not been good for fishing. It was warm early and
late April and cold all of May. Two weeks of sunny 70 degree weather would
really make a difference in fishing.”
So with 14 bodies of water from which to choose, extensive pre-fishing
will be at the forefront for the GNWC anglers.
The tournament director will have the trailer at Piney Ridge Resort from
6-8 p.m. the evening before the tournament to take late entries and answer
questions. Take-off is at 7 a.m. with the weigh-in commencing at 3 p.m.
sharp at Piney Ridge Resort.
“I encourage the general public to come to Sunday’s weigh-in. It’s free
to the public, and it is a great opportunity for folks to get a glimpse at
what tournament fishing is all about. Also, we will have a couple of Aqua-Vu
underwater cameras set up in our release tanks so that the public can see
how they work. The audience will also get to hear from the teams and find
out what presentations and tactics worked to trigger the fish. This is a
great way to learn about taking walleyes on the Whitefish Chain,” added
Barringer.
For those interested in entering, the entry fee remains at $210 per team
for each tournament. Openings do still exist for the Whitefish Chain
qualifier, and Barringer encourages interested anglers to contact him at
1-800-890-FISH (3474), or email the GNWC at [email protected]. “I also
encourage people to check out our website at http://www.walleyecup.com for all the
latest information on the Grand National Walleye Cup,” added Barringer.
Major national sponsors for the GNWC include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
Outboards, Lowrance Electronics, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, Aqua-VU,
Aqua Innovations, Cabela’s and UpNorthOutdoors.com. National championship
sponsors are Towtector Shield and the VIB”E” Lure Company.