First place team Nick Huckson and Jason Doyon.

The week leading up to the Mattagami First Nation Walleye Tournament was rainy, cold – less than ideal fishing weather. But early arriving anglers pre-fishing for the first event of the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail were not deterred from establishing walleye hot spots and spring patterns.

Anglers reunited at the Mattagami First Nation Community Complex as they discussed pre-fish results and possible tournament day tactics.  J & L Lakeview Retreat and Restaurant provided the made-on-the-spot, all you can eat pasta bar dinner.  There were many full bellies Friday night!

If the week’s miserable weather wasn’t enough, Saturday morning brought in a cold front, with a morning temperature of 0ºC and a thick fog hanging over Mattagami Lake.  Highly anxious anglers (242 of them!) patiently waited for the fog to clear for a delayed start to the tournament.  After a short wait, the horn sounded, and friendships were put on hold as anglers put on their competition faces and blasted off to catch the big ones.

As the fog cleared and the sun became visible, temperatures rose quickly and by noon, many anglers had peeled off layers and slathered on sunscreen.  By the end of the first day of fishing, targets were set on the backs of the top performing teams:

Day 1 Top 3 Teams (weight in pounds):

  • 1st Jason Doyon / Nick Huckson (16.05)
  • 2nd Miguel Tailleur / Denis Gendreau (14.68)
  • 3rd Andre Chenier / Darren Dinel (14.04)

Day 1 Big Fish:

  • 1st André Chenier & Darren Dinel 9.22lbs
  • 2nd Jason Doyon & Nick Huckson 9.02lbs
  • 3rd Miguel Tailleur & Denis Gendreau 7.72lbs

Less than 6 lbs separated first place from tenth, so the win was within striking distance for many.  Payouts run to the top 25 teams so almost all anglers have a chance at a cash prize if the second day produces.

Teams gathered in the MFN Community Complex to refuel with a hearty steak dinner.  The buzz of the first tournament day faded as anglers departed to prepare for the second day of fishing.

Sunday brought  a change in the original forecast of sun and warm temperatures.  Anglers would have to suit up for expected rain and cooler temperatures –  ideal conditions for connecting with large, tournament winning walleyes. For several teams ranked below the top 3  (and even top 10, or so), day 2 proved to be a much more rewarding day:

Day 2 Top 3 Teams (weight in pounds)

  • 1st Jamie Robinson / Terry Bernath (14.31)
  • 2nd Matt Guacci / Denis Perrier (11.63)
  • 3rd Luc Audet / Dan Breault (11.39)

Day 2 Big Fish:

  • 1st Jamie Robinson & Terry Bernath 10.29lbs
  • 2nd Taylor Klimczak & Stephane Morin 7.39lbs
  • 3rd DJ Germain & Dan Hein 5.78 lbs

For some the day 1 weight was enough to offset a tougher day 2.  Then, others had very successful second days which helped recover from a less than ideal day 1.  Consistency also paid off for anglers.

Congratulations to all anglers for 2 successful days of very competitive fishing in challenging conditions.

The top 25 teams in the 2017 MFN Walleye Tournament (weight in pounds):

  • 1 Jason Doyon Nick Huckson 27.40
  • 2 Jamie Robinson Terry Bernath 23.20
  • 3 Darcy Guenette Mathieu Guenette 21.73
  • 4 John Labine Jonathan Morin 21.30
  • 5 Miguel Tailleur Denis Gendreau 21.28
  • 6 Taylor Klimczak Stephane Morin 19.78
  • 7 Chantal Cauchon Ken Perreault 18.98
  • 8 Jody Villeneuve Chad Vis 18.86
  • 9 Luc Audet Dan Breault 18.30
  • 10 Matt Guacci Denis Perrier 18.11
  • 11 Roger Lafontaine Ray Lafontaine 17.64
  • 12 Jeff Shippam Dan Katic  17.40
  • 13 Craig Salmonson Rock Bouchard 17.38
  • 14 Denis Martineau Dave Pilon 17.30
  • 15 André Chenier Darren Dinel 17.02
  • 16 Sébastien Lizotte Jeff Vipond 16.70
  • 17 James Lund Don White 16.35
  • 18 Denis Martin Perry Caverson 15.72
  • 19 Cory Nephin Dean Bliss 15.45
  • 20 Henri Roberge Annie Roberge 15.20
  • 21 Eric Belanger Luc Belanger 15.00
  • 22 JC Cayen John Vrolyk 14.80
  • 23 Brian Millions Robert Huff 14.39
  • 24 Mark Lytham Phil Nadjiwon 14.31
  • 25 Martin Boisvert Roger Toussin 14.26
  • Full results are available on the NOWT Tournament Results page.

The MFN Fishing Committee would like to thank all our generous sponsors for their support.

Our utmost gratitude to all volunteers who helped with the setup, operation, and clean up this weekend!

Congratulations to all anglers for participating and supporting the Mattagami First Nation Walleye Tournaments.

Without the support, effort, and participation of our sponsors, volunteers, and anglers this event would not be possible!

The MFN Fall Classic Walleye Tournament is set for September 9-10, 2017.  See our Fall Classic page for full details.

Full results are available on the NOWT Tournament Results page. 

Be sure to check out our Facebook Page!  We have photos and videos uploaded – you don’t want to miss the weigh-in videos!