It's Back! Local Lions Revive Lake Minnetonka Crappie Contest

The Lake Minnetonka Crappie Contest is a tradition that has taken place the third weekend in April for 42 years.

This year should be the 44th edition of the event, but instead it will be the 43rd due to a missed year in 2011.

Three years ago, due to the current economy, Gandar Mountain had to stop organizing the event. Lord Fletcher's continued the tradition in 2010 hoping someone would take over, but last year the Crappie Contest failed to take place.

This year the Crappie Contest is back, organized by Lions Club organizations around Lake Minnetonka.

Contest proceeds will benefit the Lions Clubs and their local charities, such as reading programs and food shelves. 

Registration for the event is still just $5, and the weigh in will take place at 1 p.m. on Maynards' deck.

Prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd largest fish—along with kids 14-and-under largest fish—will recieve cash prizes and trophies. Door prizes this year include a boat, motor and trailer package donated in part by NRD Powersports in Rogers, a trolling motor, fishing gear and gift cards.

Minnesota Lake Party has helped the Lions put together this event along with donating a web page with complete prize list, event information and online registration. The webpage can be found at MNLakeParty.com

What: Minnesota Lake Party is proud to be helping organize a Crappie Contest on Lake Minnetonka with all proceeds going to Orono Lions Club and Northwest Tonka Lions Club.

When: April 21, 2012 with weigh in at 1 p.m.

Where: Maynard’s Restaurant on Lake Minnetonka
(If coming by car do not park in Maynard’s lot)

Cost: $5 entry fee

Largest Fish Prizes

• 1st Place – $100 and a trophy
• 2nd Place – $50 and a trophy
• 3rd Place – $25 and a trophy
• Kids (14 and under) – $25 and a trophy

Current Door Prizes

• 14′ Alumacraft 1232 Boat, Mercury Outboard, and Trailer package – Donated in part by NRD Powersports
• Electric Trolling Motor
• Rod and Reel packages
• $20 Gas Gift Cards
• Framed Abstract Photo from Leanne Newton
• $25 Gift Certificate for McCormick’s in Wayzata

Official Contest Rules

• Each contestant is only eligible to win once in the largest fish contest
• In order to turn in a fish you must have purchased at least one raffle ticket prior to 9 am the day of the event
• Tickets drawn in the raffle will be removed from play
• A contestant with multiple tickets in raffle may win multiple times
• Fish must be weighed in by 1 pm on the day of the event at Lord Fletchers
• Anyone caught cheating will be automatically disqualified
• Each fisher must abide by tournament rules and DNR laws
• Raffle will start at 1:30 pm on the Wharf at Lord Fletchers
• Contestants do not need to be present to win
• Raffle sales proceeds will support local Lions Clubs and their Charities
  • Northwest Tonka Lions
  • Orono Lions
  • St Boni Lions