2026 LAKE MINNETONKA CRAPPIE CONTEST

The first 250 kids to weigh a fish will receive a brand new rod and reel combo.

NEW THIS YEAR kids age 7-16 will have an opportunity to reserve a seat in a guide boat for 90 minutes of fishing during the contest. Reserve your spot during registration, spots are limited!

Find Out More

2026 LAKE MINNETONKA CRAPPIE CONTEST

The first 250 kids to weigh a fish will receive a brand new rod and reel combo.

NEW THIS YEAR kids age 7-16 will have an opportunity to reserve a seat in a guide boat for 90 minutes of fishing during the contest. Reserve your spot during registration, spots are limited!

Find Out More

2026 LAKE MINNETONKA CRAPPIE CONTEST

The first 250 kids to weigh a fish will receive a brand new rod and reel combo.

NEW THIS YEAR kids age 7-16 will have an opportunity to reserve a seat in a guide boat for 90 minutes of fishing during the contest. Reserve your spot during registration, spots are limited!

Find Out More

SAVE The Date

The 2026 Lake Minnetonka Crappie Contest will be held Saturday, May 2nd, 2026! We hope to see you there!

Statistics from the 2025 Contest:

675

Total Registered Participants

389

Total Fish Weighed

225.44

Total pounds of fish weighed

21

Fish over ONE pound

1.56 lbs

Biggest fish

0.78 lbs

Winning Mystery weight

83 (2 people)

Oldest Angler

1 year

Youngest Angler

211

Kids 16 & under

Texas

Traveled the furthest

0.48 lbs

Most common weight

Event Summary

For more than 54 years, the Lake Minnetonka Crappie Contest has been a cherished spring tradition, bringing families, anglers, and the community together around a shared love of fishing and the outdoors.

When offered the opportunity, Future Anglers of Minnesota stepped forward to ensure this longstanding tradition continued. As an organization dedicated to youth engagement, conservation, and access to fishing, FAM is proud to carry the legacy of the Lake Minnetonka Crappie Contest forward preserving what made it special while strengthening its impact for future generations.

This event has the capacity to welcome more than 1,000 participants of all ages, with a strong focus on youth involvement. The cornerstone of the contest is ensuring every child can participate, including providing complimentary fishing rods to the first 250 youth anglers and free access to reserve a spot in a boat with a guide for up to 50 kids for an hour and half of fishing.

Families can expect a day filled with fishing, interactive games, and hands-on activities designed to create lasting memories. The event also serves as a collaborative platform for conservation groups, community organizations, and supporters to come together in a shared mission. Vendor and partner organizations are invited to participate, showcase their programs, and help demonstrate that when we work together, our collective impact is greater.

FAM will continue to honor the long-standing history of the Lake Minnetonka Crappie Contest while building a sustainable, inclusive future for the next generation of anglers.

Meet Us

Future Anglers of Minnesota is a Minnesota-based nonprofit focused on introducing and supporting the next generation of anglers through education, access, and conservation-driven fishing experiences. Our mission is to remove barriers to fishing and create inclusive opportunities for youth and families across the state. Through community partnerships and responsible leadership of legacy events, we are committed to preserving Minnesota’s fishing traditions for generations to come.

Event Commitee Contacts

Tony Dahlberg

Event Coordinator

FAM@fa-mn.org

Jake Kuchenmeister

Sponsorships/Raffle

FAM@fa-mn.org

Paul Ghizoni

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteers@fa-mn.org

Diane Scott

Public Relations

FAM@fa-mn.org

Ashlee Just

Social Media Manager

FAM@fa-mn.org

Read Rules

Lake Minnetonka Crappie Contest

  • General Contest Rules:
  • Prize Winners: Must be present to win.
  • Contest hours: 6:00 am -2:00 pm.
  • Weigh-in begins at 8:00 am.
  • Registration: $20.00 for all participants. 
  • Registration closes at 11:59pm May 2nd.
  • Only one registration per person is allowed.
  • Registration is online only www.crappiecontest.com.
  • Participants are allowed to weigh in one (1) fish only, between the hours of 8 am -2 pm.
  • Fish registered must be caught on Lake Minnetonka.
  • A random weight for one crappie will be chosen and sealed prior to the tournament taking place.  
  • The random weight will be revealed promptly after weigh-in.
  • The participant that weighs first and the closest to the random weight wins grand prize.
  • Big fish prize categories: Adult: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th .  Children (16 & under) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th.
  • Children (16 & under) must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Fishing can take place from boat, shore, or dock.  
  • Weigh-in and events at Lord Fletcher’s. 
  • Future Anglers of Minnesota is not responsible, or liable for any injuries, damages or death that may incur during event hours. All anglers and participants participate at their own risk.
  • Event takes place rain or shine.
  • All MN DNR rules and laws must be abided by.
  • Citations by law enforcement will automatically disqualify participant.
  • Refunds will only be awarded if lake limitations due to ice inhibiting the event.  
  • Fish must come to weigh in live, and in a fresh manner.  
  • Dead fish will not be weighed in. 
  • Grand prize winner is subject to a polygraph test. 
  • Rules subject to change prior to event.
  • All rules and actions are at the discretion of the tournament director. All decisions by the tournament director are final.