100 teams registered!

WE HAVE FILLED OUT!

WE INVITE ANGLERS TO JOIN OUR FIRST COME/ FIRST SERVED WAIT LIST 

THERE IS NO CHARGE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST.  IF A VACANCY OCCURS, YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY KCWC.  IF YOU CONFIRM YOU WISH TO JOIN THE FIELD, YOUR TEAM WILL BE BILLED AT THAT TIME!

If you are looking for lodging in Bemidji for the week of the Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic- look no further than the Country Inn and Suites- Located next door to the Sanford Center!

The Country Inn and Suites are providing a special rate for fishermen for the days prior to the tournament and the weekend of the tournament.  Just mention you are an angler in the KCWC to receive the special room rate!

Bemidji Country Inn and Suites- 927 Lakeshore Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 56601

2025 Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic

Presented by Acme Tools, Milwaukee Tools, and Kubota!! 

25th ANNUAL KC WALLEYE CLASSIC

June 14, 2025

7AM START FROM LAKE BEMIDJI WATERFRONT

ALL AFTERNOON EVENTS HOSTED BY THE SANFORD CENTER- DOORS OPEN AT 2PM!!!

The Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic is a competitive, catch- photo- release walleye-fishing tournament to be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, on Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving. The tournament has raised over $1.25M for local charities over the past 24 years.

One hundred two-person teams will compete for cash and prizes worth more than $50,000. Anglers will start their engines at 7:00 a.m. at the Bemidji Waterfront.

The community is invited to the Sanford Center starting at 2:00 PM to attend family activities. There will be entertainment provided by the Empty Cooler Band, and kids games hosted by All Pro Dad and several other beneficiary organizations in the afternoon with food and beverages available. Door prizes will consist of random drawings for $100 cash held every 15 minutes. (must be present to win!)

The awards presentation featuring a TOP TEN TEAM BOAT PARADE begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

First prize for the top team is $15,000, with other cash and prizes awarded to the top 20 teams and additional prizes awarded to the bottom 80 teams in a random drawing.

A Lund 1650 SS Angler equipped with a 60 HP Mercury Motor and Shoreland’r trailer donated by Ray’s Marine in Bemidji will be raffled off at 5:30PM. Tickets will be available in late March from many local businesses, Bemidji Youth Baseball players, and Knights of Columbus members.

Proceeds from the Walleye Classic will benefit Bemidji Youth League Baseball, Bemidji Area Special Olympics, Fishing Has No Boundaries, Let’s Go Fishing, Take A Kid Fishing, Bemidji Boy Scouts, All Pro Dad, The Bemidji High School Lumberjack Fishing Team, American Heroes Outdoors TV, the Knights of Columbus, and the local fisheries through the MN-DNR.

2024 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS WALLEYE CLASSIC DONATES $125,000.00 TO LOCAL CHARITIES

A celebration with the eleven beneficiaries of the Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic fishing tournament, presented by ACME Tools, Kubota and Milwaukee tools, was held at St. Philip’s Catholic Church on Thursday, September 19,2024.  This year, the KCWC raised $125,000.00 which was distributed among our 11 beneficiaries. 

The KCWC committee, distributed the funds from this year’s tournament to the following beneficiaries: Boys Scouts of America, Bemidji Youth Baseball, American Heroes Outdoors, Fishing Has No Boundaries, Let's Go Fishing, Special Olympics, Take A Kid Fishing, All Pro Dad, Bemidji Lumberjack Fishing Team, MN Dept of Natural Resources Fisheries and the Knights of Columbus Council #1544.

Money was raised through generous donations from our 45 community sponsors and the sale of raffle tickets for the Lund boat, motor and trailer, which had been donated by Ray’s Marine.  2024 was a record-breaking year for the KCWC both for fundraising and community attendance. 

The fishing tournament was held on June 8th, starting at the waterfront and ending at the Sanford Center with a large community event including food, kid’s games and live entertainment by the Empty Cooler Band. The awards ceremony featured a boat parade for the top ten teams.  The tournament’s first place purse of $15,000.00 was captured by Kamin Pierce and Darren Roth, two newcomers to the winners circle!

The KCWC Committee is looking forward to hosting the 25th Anniversary of the Walleye Classic in 2025.  The KCWC wishes to sincerely thank all our sponsors and our community for their excellent support of these worthy beneficiaries!

Congratulations to the 2024 Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic Champions Kamin Pierce & Darren Roth!

2024 K.C.W.C. Raffle Winners

2024 Lund Angler Boat courtesy Ray’s Marine,
Mercury, & Shoreland’r Trailer

 • Russ Lamberson (Bemidji)

$1,000 • Tara Hokuf (Bemidji)

$500 • Mitchell Ziska (Texas)

$250 • Kyle Schulke (Bemidji)

$250 • Mary Lipscy (Laporte)

$100 • Amy Hougen (Bemidji)

$100 • Demo Regas (Hines)

$100 • Stephen Aultmam (Bemidji)

$100 • Stacey Spaeth (Bemidji)

$100 • John & Ann Miesen (Lake George)

$100 • Jared Pink (Bemidji)

$100 • Delores Walsh (Badger)

$100 • Brian Tebben (Madison, MN)

$100 • Ken Coauette (Bemidji)

$100 • Mike Schwersinske (Pennington)

$100 • Ryan Welle (Bemidji)

$100 • Shawna Gjouik (Bemidji)

$100 • Tony Hass (Ogilvie)

$100 • Hugh Welle (Bemidji)

$100 • Greg Johnson (Baudette)

½ Day Guided Fishing Trips (5)

Eileen Bretschneider (Bemidji)

Judd Shogren (Bemidji)

Justin Frederick (Bemidji)

Eileen Bretschneider (Bemidji)

Mark Anderson (Park Rapids)

Megaphone

ON THE LATEST PBCO PODCAST: The KC Walleye Classic is coming Saturday June 8th and it is legitimitally BIGGER & BETTER than ever. Joeski is back to talk about all the changes. The event moves to The Sanford Center this year. Everyone is welcome at no charge with family activities beginning at 2pm and just for showing up, there will be amazing prizes like a Weber Genesis Grill, Milwaukee Tools, and $100 every 15 minutes. He also discusses additional prizes through the Raffle Tickets and the BIG SHOW including a Boat Parade of the Top 10 Teams and weigh in. All that AND our Lake of the Week from the Grand Rapids area. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts, or just click HERE: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/HUBB1940489589

The Knights of Columbus is proud to have the Country Inn and Suites as a new sponsor this year.  They are located right next to the Sanford Center and are the Official Hotel of the KC Walleye Classic.  Mention that you are staying in town for the KCWC and get a special room rate.

Kev Jackson and Phil Hodapp discuss exciting new changes to the Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic for this year!!

POTPOURRI: Phil Hodapp On Big Changes To The KC Walleye Classic; Steve Scepaniak Previews Opener On Mille Lacs; And Our Lake(s) Of The Week – The Power Loon (theloon.com)

The Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic Fishing Tournament has added many valuable prizes to this year's event!!

Besides increasing the Tournament Grand Prize to $15,000.00 the KC's have added some great prizes to the raffle drawing for 2024. 

BOAT RAFFLE: Included with the Grand Prize Lund 1650 Angler Boat, Mercury 50 HP Motor and Shorelander Trailer there are 18 cash prizes and five (5) Half Day Guided Fishing Trips donated by local fishing guides from our tournament!!

DOOR PRIZES- $4530 worth of cash and valuable prizes donated by Acme/ Milwaukee!  Grand Prize is a Traeger Grill donated by Ace Hardware. Members of the public are invited down to the Sanford Center on Saturday, June 8th where the Knights will be randomly drawing names of those who are present to win one of 23 valuable prizes.

SEE PRIZE LISTINGS UNDER PRIZE TAB ABOVE!!

KC WALLEYE CLASSIC FISHING TOURNAMENT IS MOVING THIS YEAR!!!

THE COMMUNITY-FAMILY EVENTS AND THE FINAL AWARDS CEREMONY WILL BE AT THE SANFORD CENTER THIS YEAR!

The Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic Fishing Tournament, presented by Acme Tools will be held Saturday June 8, 2024, starting at the waterfront on Lake Bemidji. This year will be the 24th annual event and it promises to be bigger and more fun than before. 

The Walleye Classic has contributed over $1.1 Million to our worthy beneficiaries since it’s inception. John Marcum, Grand Knight of the Bemidji Knights of Columbus Council said, “The Knights are determined to continue the tradition started by Kraus-Anderson and carried forward by the Bemidji Knights. Beneficiaries of this year’s Walleye Classic include: Bemidji Youth Baseball, Take A Kid Fishing, American Heroes Outdoors, Boy Scouts, Fishing Has No Boundaries, Special Olympics, Let’s Go Fishing, All Pro Dads, Bemidji Lumberjack Fishing Team, Minnesota DNR, and Bemidji Knights of Columbus Council 1544.”

Raffle tickets for the 1650 Lund Angler boat/ 50HP Mercury motor and Shorelander Trailer sponsored by Ray’s Marine and other valuable prizes are on sale for $10 each from any member of the Knights or can be found at:

ACME TOOLS – Bemidji

RAY’S SPORT AND MARINE – Hwy 2 Wilton

LUEKENS VILLAGE FOODS NORTH – Service Counter

LUEKEN’S VILLAGE FOODS SOUTH - Service Counter

ACE ON THE LAKE – Cashier station

NORTHWOODS BAIT AND TACKLE – Hwy 71 N @ Fern Street

TIMBERLINE SPORTS- Blackduck, MN

The Walleye Classic kicks off at 7AM on Saturday  at the Bemidji Waterfront with Joe Vene singing the National Anthem as 100 teams of anglers set off for a day of competitive fishing. While the teams are fishing, the Sanford Center will be alive with food, fun and family activities. The KCWC Committee is planning family events including bouncy houses, casting contests and other entertainment! The awards ceremony starts at 6pm as you watch the TOP 10 teams pull their boats through the Sanford Center Arena before assembling on stage and showcasing their fish!

Keep following the KCWC website and Facebook pages for more exciting updates to this year’s tournament!  

OUR TOURNAMENT HAS FILLED OUT.

If you are interested in fishing the KC Walleye Classic, please register on our waitlist.  We will contact you when a slot opens.  First come first served from the waitlist.

Register now!!!

2024 KCWC Registration

All registrations for 2024 will be processed through the 2024 KCWC Walleye Classic registration portal on this site.  The registration button will appear on the home page on February 1, 2024 at 8:00AM.

The 2024 KCWC is a 100-team event. The field will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A waiting list will be established after the 100 team field is filled.

Phase 1: Registration begins on February 1, 2024, for returning anglers from the 2023 KC Walleye Classic whether returning as an intact team or returning with a new partner.   Your completed Tournament Entry along with the entry charge of $480.00 plus fees ($497.10) per team, must be received on the tournament website by February 29, 2024.

Phase 2: On March 1, 2024, registration opens for new anglers,

Listen to Fishing Paul Bunyan Country as Kev Jackson and Phil Hodapp discuss the KC Walleye Classic Fishing Tournament on June 8, 2024

Click on Link:   Megaphone

24th ANNUAL KC WALLEYE CLASSIC

June 8, 2024

LAKE BEMIDJI WATERFRONT

The Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic is a competitive, catch- photo- release walleye-fishing tournament to be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 on Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving. The tournament has raised over $1.1M for local charities over the past 23 years

One hundred two-person teams will again compete for more than $40,000 in cash and prizes. Anglers will start their engines at 7:00 a.m. at the Bemidji Waterfront.  The Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic is presented by Acme Tools/Milwaukee Tools/Honda Power Equipment. 

The community is invited to attend family activities hosted by All Pro Dads and several other beneficiary organizations in the afternoon with food and beverages available.  The awards presentation is at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. First prize is $15,000.00, with other cash and prizes awarded to the top 20 teams.

A Lund 1650 Angler boat equipped with a 50 HP Mercury Motor and Shorelander trailer donated by Ray’s Marine in Bemidji will be raffled off at 5:30PM.  Other cash prizes will also be raffled off at this time.

Proceeds from the Walleye Classic will benefit Bemidji Youth League Baseball, Wounded Warrior Guide Service, Bemidji Area Special Olympics, Fishing Has No Boundaries, Let’s Go Fishing, Take A Kid Fishing, Bemidji Boy Scouts, All Pro Dads, The Bemidji High School Lumberjack Fishing Team, the Knights of Columbus, and the local fisheries through DNR.

KCWC Committee Announces new Grand Prize of $15K for 2024 Champions

The KC Walleye Classic Committee is proud to announce they have added additional prize money making the Grand Prize for the 2024 KCWC Champion a whopping $15,000!! 

The top twenty places in the tournament are eligible to receive cash prizes with19th place receiving a free registration for the 2025 KCWC valued at $497.10.  The prize list is available for viewing on the "Prizes" page.

2024 Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic

Set for June 8, 2024

The Bemidji Knights of Columbus Council #1544 is proud to announce the 24th Annual KC Walleye Classic date is set for June 8, 2024 at Lake Bemidji  and Lake Irvine.  This year, 100 teams will once again launch from the Lake Bemidji Waterfront at 7:00 A.M. and compete for a new Grand Prize of $15,000.00.

The top placing 20 teams are also eligible for cash prizes with 19th place team receiving a free 2025 registration to fish in the 2025 KCWC!  Anglers also are eligible for random drawings for other valuable prizes that will take place once fishing has concluded for the day.

2023 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS WALLEYE CLASSIC DONATES

$100,157.00

TO LOCAL CHARITIES

MORE INFORMATION ON THESE DONATIONS FOUND ON

BENEFICARY PAGE

Congratulations to the 2023 KCWC Champions!!!!

PAT MCSHARRY & DAN FULLER

BAG WEIGHT-  38.69902991

THE KC WALLEYE CLASSIC WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025

The K.C. Walleye Classic Awards Boat, Motor, and Trailer!

Congratulations to Russ and Jenni Lamberson from Bemidji, who were the Grand Prize winners of a 2024 Lund 1650 Angler, with a 50hp Mercury Motor, and Shoreland’r Trailer, as part of the Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic Annual Raffle.  The Knights would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Ray’s Sport & Marine for their donation and continued support of this raffle, which has generated thousands of dollars over the years to help support tournament beneficiaries and local non-profits.  The Knights would also like to thank everyone in the community who helped support this year’s raffle.  (Pictured with Russ and Jenni are K.C.W.C. committee members George Whalen, Terry Belanger, Phil Hodapp, and Joe Bofferding.  Presenting the Grand Prize to the Lamberson’s is Regan Rudbeck, Sales Manager for Ray’s.) 

BEMIDJI PIONEER ARTICLE

Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic’s youngest team secures win in annual tournament

By Charley Gilbert

June 10, 2024 at 4:59 PM

BEMIDJI — After not catching a single fish last year, duo Darren Roth and Kamin Pierce were crowned first-place champions on Saturday in the annual Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic fishing tournament.

The pair also happened to be the youngest of the nearly 100 two-person teams competing in one of the largest catch-photo-release walleye tournaments in the area. They were awarded with $15,000, champion jackets and plaques.

According to Phil Hodapp, tournament chairman, the team is the youngest to win since 2015 and might even be the youngest in the event’s history.

“I was up on stage when the top 10 finalists were up there, who are really good fishermen, and they were all thrilled by them winning, too,” Hodapp shared. “They thought it was just exceptional for a young team to win like that. I think everyone in the fishing world just loved it.”

Boats lined up along the shoreline of Lake Bemidji at Paul Bunyan Park at the crack of dawn on Saturday in anticipation of the 7 a.m. start time. The anglers fished for walleye and documented each one through the smartphone app called FishDonkey. This ensured photographic proof for officials so the fish could be released back into the lake to decrease fish mortality.

For the first time, the award ceremony that followed was held in the Sanford Center arena, rather than being held at the Lake Bemidji waterfront in Paul Bunyan Park. At 5:30 p.m. drawings for the Walleye Classic fishing boat and other prizes were held. Friends and family waited anxiously to see who would make it into the top 10.

Once the award ceremony began, the top 10 finalists were announced with each of their boats pulled one by one into the arena. As the anglers were pulled around the stage, they tossed candy and merchandise to the young attendees lined up at the front of the crowd, amping up the energy in the room.

Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic competitor Darren Roth throws candy to children on Saturday, June 8, 2024, during an awards ceremony at the Sanford Center.Charley Gilbert / Bemidji Pioneer

After Roth and Pierce were declared the tournament winners, the Empty Cooler Band provided live music as friends and family members mingled and enjoyed the remainder of the evening’s activities.

The perfect pairing

Roth, 21, and Pierce, 20, were neighbors growing up in Bemidji and have been fishing together for as long as they can remember.

“I can’t even put a date on when our friendship started,” Pierce said, gesturing to Roth.

“I don’t know when we started fishing either. Probably when we could barely walk. We were young enough where we definitely had life jackets while we were on the dock,” Roth chimed in.

The life-long friendship served as a perfect pairing for the fishing competition as they were able to keep each other company and stay calm throughout the day.

“We honestly had the nerves running all day long but when we caught that first fish things started rolling,” Pierce said. “We were both pretty serious and would try to lighten each other’s moods a little bit.”

This was Roth and Pierce’s second time competing at the Walleye Classic. Last year, their results were quite different.

“Last year we zeroed, no fish the whole time,” Roth said with a sigh. “That’s why nerves were so high today.”

After their last catch, they thought there was maybe a chance they could be in the finals. They anxiously waited for the phone call to confirm they would make it to the Top 10.

When the call came, they were excited but still didn’t think there was a chance they would get first place.

“We knew it was a good sign when our names weren’t being announced right away,” Roth said of the awards countdown. “We didn’t even think there was a chance that we were going to win. Everything started to line up at the end of the day and that helped us secure our win.”

Both men have always wanted to fish in the tournament since attending as children.

“When we got into the tournament last year, we made the most of it even though it didn’t go the way we wanted it to,” Roth said. “To come back and win this year feels amazing.”

The team shared that they “mesh really well together” and that helped the dynamic on the boat.

We’ve spent a long time together and a long, long time together in the boat,” Pierce said. “It all adds up. Look where it got us.”

Inspiring others

The duo confirmed they will absolutely be competing next year. As the youngest team to win this year, they hope to be role models for the next generation, especially the kids in attendance.

“There are some professional guides up on that stage who have been doing this for years,” Hodapp said. “It’s pretty incredible that these young fellows come along and win the whole thing. Everybody loved it. The kids were blown away. It was an exciting day for everyone to witness that.”

Roth’s younger 6-year-old brother, Peter, lept into his big brother’s arms as soon as he had the chance after their award was announced.

“I am very proud of him,” Peter said. “I want to win someday too.”

Peter shared that he has already been fishing and really enjoys the sport.

“I catch a lot of rock bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass,” Peter said. “He likes to go fishing and I do, too. I like when we fish together.”

The duo left off by encouraging others to get out on the lake and try fishing for themselves.

“Fishing takes time,” Roth said. “But it only takes one fish to get you hooked for life.

Tournament results

Here's a look at the main awards and top 20 teams from the tournament.

The Big Fish Award went to Andrew and Ben Hittle for their 27.75-inch walleye that weighed 8.9 pounds.

The Legacy Award for the highest-placing father/son team went to Toby and Dean Kvalevog, who placed second overall.

Top 20 finishers

1. Kamin Pierce and Darren Roth with 31.80 pounds.

2. Toby Kvalevog and Dean Kvalevog with 30.48 pounds.

3. Matt Newell and Mark Newell with 29.40 pounds.

4. Pat Mcsharry and Dan Fuller with 28.96 pounds.

5. Aaron Schmitz and Tony Klaers with 28.90 pounds.

6. Will Pappenfus and Stephen Roller with 28.81 pounds.

7. Kelly Juelson and Michael Juelson with 28.42 pounds.

8. Sam McSharry and Bart Rosen with 27.09 pounds.

9. Larry Eichstadt and Andrew Vaughn with 26.71 pounds.

10. Andrew Hittle and Ben Hittle with 26.61 pounds.

11. David Zothman and James Foerhenbacher with 26.42 pounds.

12. Bryan Martinka and Scott Lewis with 26.40 pounds.

13. Will Annette and Andy Fisher with 25.85 pounds.

14. Dan Schultz and Bob Wagner with 25.80 pounds.

15. Mike Straus and Asher Straus with 25.41 pounds.

16. Tom Petersen and Keith Hanson with 25.33 pounds.

17. Bryan Hanson and Conner Hanson with 25.13 pounds.

18. Jace Peterson and Charlie Peterson with 24.82 pounds.

19. Mike Winkler and Sean Moran with 24.82 pounds.

20. Aaron Murphy and Rich Blomberg with 23.66 pounds.

01/24/2023

The Knights of Columbus Committee sent invitations to the 2022 Captains this week.  If you were a Captain last year and are planning to return to the tournament with your same partner you can register your INTACT TEAM beginning on February 1st, 2023.  That morning at 8:00 AM a button will appear on the upper left side of our home page where you can Click to begin the process.  Entries are being handled on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis.  Your Captain letter has the required code to allow your entry into the tournament.  This tournament is limited to 100 boats.

Returning anglers with a new partner will be eligible to register for remaining slots beginning at 8:00 AM March 1st, 2023. Entries handled on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.

The event will open to the public on March 1st at 8:00 AM for remaining slots.  A wait list will be created once the tournament fills.

Click the links below from Fish Donkey to see short videos describing the APP

How to Enter a Fish

How to Measure a Fish

1/24/2023

The June 10, 2023 Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic, presented by Acme Tools/Milwaukee Tools/Honda Power Equipment- angler registration is approaching fast! Our committee has been meeting through the fall and has been busy planning for our next event!

We have been working to evolve this tournament to catch/photo/release format with more and better features. 

We are planning to provide fantastic opportunities for anglers’ families, friends and the community to follow the tournament live at the waterfront and online at the KCWC Facebook page, @KnightsofColumbusWalleyeClassic.

Angler registration begins at 8:00 AM, February 1, 2023, with returning, intact teams from 2022.  Returning 2022 anglers with a new fishing partner are eligible to begin registration on March 1st, 2023.

Remaining slots will be open to the public on March 8, 2023. 

Continue to monitor this website and our Facebook page for additional updates as the tournament approaches. Last year's Captains will be receiving a sign-up  reminder in the mail in just over a week.

This year the KCWC will be raffling off a 2023 Lund 1650 Angler Tiller with a 50 HP Mercury engine and trailer which is being donated by Ray's Marine, Lund boats, and Shorland'r Trailers and will include trolling motor and graph. 

Please also remember to support the tournament by buying raffle tickets  when they become available shortly.  We will announce the locations to purchase tickets soon.

If you have questions, please contact Tournament Director John Marcum at bowhunterjohnm@gmail.com.

The Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic will be conducting the 22nd event on Saturday, June 10 2023,  at the Lake Bemidji Waterfront! This will  once again be a CATCH/ PHOTO/ RELEASE tournament using Fish Donkey APP to document your catches.

More information about this tournament will be posted on our website and FACEBOOK page soon.

Sundquist and Holley, who also won the KCWC in 2004, claimed the championship with 13.86 pounds. Duane and Travis Peterson took second and the Legacy prize with 13.38 pounds. Big Fish prize went to Kurt Knott and Marty McSharry with a 5.81 pound fish!