Walleye Days Returns in 2025

Nekoosa, Wis. (WFHR/WIRI) – One of the signs of spring is the annual celebration of Walleye Days in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. This three week fishing tournament attracts people from all over to participate in a beloved sport.

When and Where

In 2025 Walleye Days will be taking place from March 22 – April 13. The closing weekend includes both the Jim Freeman Memorial Tournament on April 12 and the Kid’s Tournament on April 13 which start at the Jim Freeman landing in the city garage. These tournaments run from 10 am – 3 pm. If you pre-register you will receive free bait, a free t-shirt and goody bag. There are links below for each of the registrations.

Who Can Participate

During the three weeks leading up to the tournaments anyone and everyone are invited to try out the sport of fishing. Walleye Days is about experiencing the fun as an individual, with your family or with friends. The Jim Freeman Memorial Tournament is for teams of two with a registration fee of $100. While there will be prizes for the top three teams, the top prize for the tournament is $2500 cash.

Licensing Information

Make sure you have your fishing license prior to the event. A fishing license is required for anyone in Wisconsin ages 16-98. If you are an active duty military on furlough or leave your license is free. Those under the age of 15 don’t need a license. There are various options which range in price from $5-20. For more information go to the Wisconsin DNR website.

Photo Submission

These tournaments are the conclusion of three weeks of catch and release fishing. For the tournament itself teams qualify by submitting a picture of the fish and its measurements. Anglers are required to use a bump board which can be found at: Jim Freeman Memorial Boat Landing, Wakely Shore, Chester Creek, and plank hill. There are multiple ways to register your big fish: online at fornekoosa.org, through Facebook Messenger at NekoosaWalleyeDays, or by calling the BIG FISH HOTLINE at 715-213-5040.

Links

To learn more about Nekoosa Walleye Days click here.
Registration for the Kids Tournament, click here.
To register for the Jim Freeman Memorial Tournament click here.