As a reminder, please enter all of your fish of all sizes! This is a Citizen Science event and the data collected supports fisheries management. As an incentive, every fish entered is another chance to win a random draw prize.
This is a length-based fishing event to be held in the 2026 Illinois Walleye Challenge. Refer to the map attached to this event for the official boundaries.
The 2026 Illinois Walleye Challenge is an online event run through Angler’s Atlas website and the mobile app MyCatch, available for iOS and Android.
Anyone can participate in this event and it is for all ages. Multiple accounts are able to use the same device (see accounts tab).
The entry fee is $25.00 US.
Each contestant must have a valid Illinois State fishing license or otherwise be exempt from needing one.
Catches must be submitted through the MyCatch app for approval.
In order for catches to be sent properly, you must use the same login email and password for both the Angler’s Atlas website and the MyCatch app.
Contestants must register for this event through the Angler’s Atlas website or the MyCatch app.
You will receive an automatic email confirming that you have entered the event and that your payment has gone through.
By participating in this event your name may be publicly visible.
Protecting anglers’ privacy is a priority, and any location data collected during the event will not be released to the public. Our promise to anglers is “Secret Fishing Spots Stay Secret”. See below for further details.
Eligible species include only Walleye, Sauger and Saugeye. For this event, Catch and release is suggested but not mandatory if the regulations allow for harvest in the entry location. If you harvest your catch you must follow all limits pertaining to possession and bag limits at all times.
In order for each catch to qualify, a photograph of the fish on a measuring device must be taken using the MyCatch app (ie. photos cannot be uploaded from a photo gallery or other source).
All contestants must have GPS/location services enabled on your cell phone for their catches to qualify. Your location data will be protected. For more information, see details below.
This is a total length measurement event, not fork length. The total length of a fish is measured from the tip of the nose or jaw to the tip of the tail (see picture below). The tail can be naturally pinched to the width of the measuring board.
Each fish must be entered only once. Fish should be entered as soon as possible after catching and catches must be recorded at the fishing site.
The nose of the fish must be at the start or zero mark on all measuring devices.
The entry photo must be taken from a birds-eye view looking down on the fish.
The mouth is allowed to be open, closed, or anywhere in between, so long as the fish meets the other above requirements.
All fish must be measured with the right side down.
There are to be no fingers placed in the gills or mouth of the fish. Any fingers in the gills or mouth of the fish will qualify the fish for a penalty. This rule applies to the Measurement photo only.
If you measure your fish entry on a commercially produced bumpboard, these rules must be followed:
The nose of the fish must be visibly touching the bump end of the board;
The fish must be placed on top of the board;
The entire fish showing the head and tail must be visible in the measurement photo. We must also see past the head and tail in the photo; and
Expandable (sliding) bump boards may not be allowed if the fish passes the expandable section.
If you measure your fish entry on a homemade bumpboard, these rules must be followed:
The measurement rules are the same as above.
You must provide a photo to the organizer of the empty board to verify proof of measurement accuracy, which includes a measuring tape alongside the bumpboard measurements for verification. This photo must be sent to [email protected].
Homemade bumpboards must have a solid edge or "bump" for the fish to be set against and it must line up with the 0 mark on the tape; and
Unverified boards will NOT be accepted
If you measure your fish using a tape measure, these rules must be followed:
The fish nose and the start of the tape must be aligned by placing both against a solid edge;
The fish's nose must be aligned with the zero mark on the tape;
The tape measure must be beside the fish, not on top of the fish or covering it in a way that obscures the measurements;
The entire fish showing the head and tail and past the tail must be visible in the measurement photo; and
*Rapala roll out tapes will be treated as a tape measure*
Soft fabric or flexible measuring tapes are allowed for use but will have a penalty applied, and the total length may be adjusted at the discretion of the organizer.
Sliding/Expandable Bump boards are allowed if it can be shown in the length submission photo that the board is fully extended.
Where a measuring rule is not followed, the fish may still be approved but a length penalty will be applied. The penalty amount will be 1 inch.
Fish will be approved for length only to the last physical mark crossed.
Event organizers reserve the right to adjust entries, and have the right to ask for a picture sent to them of your measuring device.
Our Catch Approval Team reviews and judges all fish. Once a submission has been approved, it will appear on the appropriate leaderboard(s). Entries will not show up immediately after you sync them.
During the entry process, you will be prompted for a second photo, often called the Hero Shot, is to be used as a hero shot and is optional for this event.
As well, a third option is a live video release of the fish and is optional for this event. However, as per last year there are random draw prizes for videos submitted showing the live release of a fish. This must show the fish swimming away under its own power.
The app will work even when out of cell range, however for catches to qualify they must be synced with Angler’s Atlas server. To learn how to submit a catch into the event you can watch this MyCatch video for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS65wMakQHA
Event boundaries include all water bodies within the State of Illinois. Where the state's border has a shared water course with another state, anglers can fish the full width of the water body. Anglers should be aware of and follow all regulations of adjacent states per reciprocal agreements where applicable when fishing any border rivers. See the map attached to this event.
Event boundaries are water bodies within the listed participating State and are waters that are legal to be fished. This event is intended for "inland waters" only across all regions. The Great Lakes and major "flow through" rivers are not part of the event. Refer to the map attached to this event and zoom in to see if particular water bodies are applicable. This includes the St. Lawrence River, the Niagara River, the Detroit River, Lake St Clair, the St Clair River, the St. Mary's River and water bodies between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, the Fox River. Where the state's border has a shared water course with another state/province, anglers can fish the full width of the water body. Anglers should be aware of and follow all regulations of adjacent states/provinces per reciprocal agreements where applicable when fishing any border rivers.
The event runs from Wednesday April 1, 2026 starting at 6:00:00 am Central time through to Sunday June 28, 2026 at 6:00:00 pm Central time.
All catches made within the start and end times must be synchronized with the Angler’s Atlas server within the event times to qualify.
At the discretion of the event organizer, event days may be shortened, postponed or canceled due to unsafe weather or water conditions.
Prizes for the event will be distributed in accordance with the prizing categories below.
Weekly Challenges
There will be a total of 12 distinct weekly challenges. Weekly challenges will be announced Friday afternoons before 6:00 pm Central. You will have that Saturday to the following Friday to compete for these weekly challenges. Each challenge will have a prize value of $100.00.
Week 1 - Apr 4 - 10 - Statewide Presence - Any angler logging at least one walleye is eligible; winner selected from eligible entries.
Week 2 - Apr 11 - 17 - Multi-Waterbody Angler - Log walleye from at least two different named waterbodies.
Week 3 - Apr 18 - 24 - Length Range Builder - Log your shortest and your longest walleye to get the greatest spread
Week 4 - Apr 25 - May 1 - Incidental Angler - Log a catch of any "other" species during the week caught while fishing for walleye. Random draw - Move up the list to encourage this through the event.
Week 5 - May 2 - 8 - River and Lake Combo - Log a walleye from both a river or a lake/reservoir
Week 6 - May 9 - 15 - Method Variety - Log walleye entry showing lure presentation
Week 7 - May 16 - 22 - Species Sprint - First angler to log both a Walleye and a Sauger in the week wins
Week 8 - May 23 - 29 - Memorial Day Fisher - Any fish entered on Memorial Day May 25 is part of the draw
Week 9 - May 30 - Jun 5 - Two-Day Angler - Log walleye on two separate calendar days.
Week 10 - Jun 6 - 12 - Size Does NOT Matter - Smallest fish entered wins
Week 11 - Jun 13 - 19 - Catch-Care Excellence - Best documentation of handling and release condition.
Week 12 - Jun 20 - 26 - Weekend Warrior Challenge - Log a catch on a Saturday and a Sunday to win - winners is drawn from list
Monthly Prizes
Month 1 - Longest Fish Entered - wins $100
Month 2 - Longest Fish Entered - wins $100
Month 3 - Longest Fish Entered - wins $100
Month 1 Random Draw - Live Release Video - wins $100
Month 2 Random Draw - Live Release Video - wins $100
Month 3 Random Draw - Live Release Video - wins $100
Month 1 Random Draw from all fish entries - wins $100
Month 2 Random Draw from all fish entries - wins $100
Month 3 Random Draw from all fish entries - wins $100
Month 1 - Most Waterbodies Fished - wins $100
Month 2 - Most Waterbodies Fished - wins $100
Month 3 - Most Waterbodies Fished - wins $100
Month 1 Most Fish Caught - wins $100
Month 2 Most Fish Caught - wins $100
Month 3 Most Fish Caught - wins $100
Month 1 Tough Luck Draw - wins $100
Month 2 Tough Luck Draw - wins $100
Month 3 Tough Luck Draw - wins $100
Grand Prizes
Overall Longest Walleye - 1st Place wins $400 plus a $200 GC to Discount Tackle
Overall Longest Walleye - 2nd Place wins $200
Overall Longest Walleye - 3rd Place wins $100
Overall Most Waterbodies Fished 1st Place - wins $400
Overall Most Waterbodies Fished 2nd Place - wins $200
Overall Most Waterbodies Fished 3rd Place - wins $100
Overall 1st Place Winning Team Captain - wins $300 plus a $200 GC to Discount Tackle
Overall 2nd Place Winning Team Captain - wins $200 plus a $100 GC to Discount Tackle
Overall 3rd Place Winning Team Captain - wins $100 plus a $50 GC to Discount Tackle
Valid Trip Prizes
The first 200 anglers to enter a valid trip will automatically qualify for a $20 GC to Discount Tackle.
Other prizes will be added as they come available and they are announced.
Cash prize amounts are based on a full field of 250 anglers. If the event doesn’t fill, the payout percentages for each paid position will remain the same but may be adjusted according to the number of paid participants.
Cash prizes are awarded through PayPal, Amazon e-gift Card or gift certificates to participating retailers or a combination thereof. only. Prizes will be paid out at the end of the event. Gift certificates from participating retailers will be available at the vendors' place of business.
A participant can only win one prize placing per prize category.
In the case of a tie, the tie break will go to the first fish recorded by time. If a tie still exists, the tie break will go to the person with the highest number of fish reported.
Awards will be announced after a review process on or by July 15, 2026 and anglers will be contacted directly using the contact information provided in the event registration process.
Anglers have up to 60 days to claim their prize. Anglers that do not claim their prize within this period forfeit their prize.
By registering and participating in the event, all participants agree to abide by the rules and regulations they have received as set out in this rules document.
All fish entered for this event must be caught via angling i.e. using hook, line, rod and reel. Fish caught by non angling (i.e. use of traps, trap nets or cages) is not permitted. Usage of a landing net to land a hooked fish is allowed.
Anglers can only submit catches that they have caught themselves. This is an individual event, so you cannot enter as a partnership or team. Anglers are free to fish alone or with other event or non-event anglers, but each registered angler may only enter their own fish.
Each contestant must have in their possession a valid fishing license for their respective jurisdiction or be exempt under regulations of their jurisdiction.
Each contestant must conform to the general sport fishing rules and regulations that are in place for the jurisdiction in which they are fishing.
All federal, state and local laws must be abided by.
All questions or concerns relating to the rules of this event are to be referred to the Organizer. Their decision will be final in all cases. No other person can be considered a spokesman for the rules during the event. The contact for this event is the MyCatch Approval team and can be reached by email at [email protected]
The interpretation and enforcement of the rules is at the sole discretion of the Organizer. The event Organizer may change rules or impose sanctions as they deem appropriate, including but not limited to disqualifications, forfeiture of prizes, and prohibition from competing in future events. All decisions made by the event Organizer are final.
Abuse of event officials and volunteers will not be tolerated.
Any angler found to be cheating will be disqualified from the event. Angler’s Atlas also reserves the right to ban anglers from competing in future events.
In the event of disqualification, any paid entry fees will be forfeited and not refunded.
Any contestant has the right to make a protest against another contestant by contacting an Organizer through email and must be completed and presented within 1 hour of the close of the event. Their decision will be final in all cases. A $100.00 dollar protest fee may need to accompany the protest. The fee will be returned if the protest is found to be valid.
All rules have loopholes. It is our intention to provide an honest sportsmanlike event. In the interest of good sportsmanship, contestants are reminded the spirit of the rule will prevail in all judgments.
All participants are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. Any participant who displays poor sportsmanship, violates these rules, or brings unfavorable publicity to the sport of fishing could be disqualified.
Participants are responsible for their own safety, actions, and property at all times.
All participants must follow boating safety regulations in your jurisdiction.
All photo and video submissions may be used by Angler's Atlas or our event partners for future use.
By registering for and participating in this event, participants acknowledge that fishing and boating activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, illness, death, property damage, adverse weather, water hazards, equipment failure, and the actions of other participants.
Participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in this event and related activities.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, participants hereby release, waive, and discharge Angler’s Atlas, MyCatch, event organizers, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of or related to participation in the event, including claims arising from negligence.
Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the above parties from any claims brought by third parties arising from the participant’s actions or conduct during the event.
Participants are solely responsible for their own safety, equipment, compliance with all laws and regulations, and for securing appropriate insurance coverage if desired.
“Secret Fishing Spots Stay Secret” — This is our primary commitment to anglers who report their catches through MyCatch. So what does this mean in practice?
Angler’s Atlas does not release MyCatch GPS data to the public. It is treated as confidential and is provided to fisheries researchers under strict conditions.
Every research team we work with must sign a data sharing agreement that sets the terms of use for the data.
Data is anonymized before it is provided to the researcher.
Researchers agree not to share the data with anyone else.
Researchers cannot use the data for any purpose other than the research specified in the agreement.
Exact location data cannot be published as part of the scientific research. Instead, it has to be generalized to a larger region so the location cannot be reverse engineered.
Angler’s Atlas may release data to a law enforcement agency if compelled to do so under court order.
Participation in teams is optional. Anglers may compete independently and are not required to join a team.
A Team is a group of registered anglers associated for social, competitive, or organizational purposes.
A Captain is a designated team leader responsible for team coordination and communication.
A Team Member is any registered angler affiliated with a team.
Captains may communicate with their team members through tools provided by the event platform, including email and text messaging. By joining a team, anglers consent to receive these communications.
All team activities must comply with event rules; scoring remains individual unless otherwise specified.
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