Muskies Inc. - Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club Fishing Contest

2025 MUSKY FESTIVAL FISHING CONTEST
Catch, Photo & Witnessed Release Event

Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter and the Hayward Bass Club encourage Catch & Release and supports the efforts of local sportsmen and conservationists in preserving sports fishing in the Hayward area lakes.

2025 Fishing Contest Entry Form

Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club Booth – Downtown Hayward on Main Street Between Second Street & US Hwy 63
**Must be Present to Win**

photo credit: Muskies Inc Hayward Chapter

Contest Overview

  • The Fishing Contest is open Thursday, June 19 (sunrise) – Saturday, June 21 (3:00 p.m.) in all Hayward area waters.
  • Wisconsin fishing and boating regulations apply. Check current rules for lake-specific guidelines.
  • Fish must be caught, photographed, and released with a witness present for verification.

Entry Process

  • Capture and Measure
    • Place the fish on a bump board or ruler and photograph, ensuring full length is visible in the photo.
  • Witnessed Live Release
    • Release the fish — a witness must see and confirm the live release.
    • If the fish is below legal harvest size or in a protected slot, it must be released immediately after measuring and photographing with a witness present.
    • If legally harvestable, it may be transported to a witness before release.
  • Submit Your Entry
    • Complete the registration/release form, sign it, and have your witness sign.
    • Submit form(s) in person at the Fish Contest Booth on Main Street.
    • Photo evidence of the fish size is needed when form is submitted.
    • Photo evidence can be: a printed picture, a picture shown to registration officials on an electronic device (phone, tablet, laptop), or you can email the photo(s) to muskyfestfish@gmail.com before you arrive with your registration form.
    • Booth will accept entries: Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

                                                         Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Additional angler photos (you with your fish) may be submitted or emailed for booth display.

Prizes and Winner Requirements

  • The contest features two Divisions: Adult and Youth (12 & under).
  • There are seven eligible fish categories:
    • Bluegill/Sunfish, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Bass (Largemouth & Smallmouth combined), Northern Pike, Walleye, Musky
  • First and second place winners will be awarded in each category for both divisions. All successful Musky anglers will receive a special award.
  • A big bonus award of a Kayak will be awarded via a drawing from all the successful anglers from either Division that entered a fish in any category!
  • Winners MUST BE PRESENT at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Fishing Contest Booth ceremony to claim prizes.
  • Judges will verify fish size using submitted photos. All decisions are final.

Contest Rules Summary

✔ All Hayward area waters are eligible.
✔ Wisconsin fishing and boating rules must be followed.
✔ Fish must be caught, photographed, and released between sunrise on June 19 and 3:00 p.m. on June 21.
✔ Photos must show the entire fish on a bump board or ruler for verification.
✔ A witness must verify the live release and sign the entry form.
✔ Registration forms must be submitted in person at the booth before the deadline.
✔ Entrants must attend the awards ceremony at 4:00 p.m. Saturday to win—includes kayak drawing.
✔ Rule violations result in disqualification.
✔ Judges’ decisions are final.

There will be a Bluetooth printer at our booth on the first block of Main Street. Pictures will be printed and displayed.

Questions can be directed to Mike at 715-558-2835 or muskyfestfish@gmail.com