The 2016 MFNWT is dedicated in memory of Daniel Germain, son of NOWT angler DJ Germain. (In photo L-R: DJ Germain, Dominique Morin, Jessica Naveau, Doris and Alissa Germain, Crystel Vallee)

The 2016 MFNWT is dedicated in memory of Daniel Germain, son of NOWT angler DJ Germain. (In photo L-R: DJ Germain, Dominique Morin, Jessica Naveau, Doris and Alissa Germain, Crystel Vallee)

June 4-5, 2016 marked the 17th year of the Mattagami First Nation Walleye Tournament on Mattagami Lake. This event kicked off the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail’s (NOWT) season with 120 registered teams competing for over $47,000 in cash prizes.

Anglers were welcomed Friday night at the Mattagami Community complex with an all you can eat pasta bar, licensed bar, registrations, and a rules summary.

This year the tournament was special in that the event was held in memory of Daniel Germain, son of well-known NOWT angler DJ Germain. A custom made, metal fabricated sign was presented to the Germain family.

Anglers lined up Saturday (Day 1) morning ready to blast off to their fishing spots. The weather conditions were perfect for fishing. Catching was a different story – challenging for some, incredible for others. By the end of the day, 3 people won cash for their largest walleye of the day, and the leaderboard was established:

Day 1 Top 3 Teams (weight in pounds):

  • 1st Matt Guacci / Denis Perrier (17.55)
  • 2nd Darcy Guenette / Kevin Morrisette (16.38)
  • 3rd Jamie Robinson / Terry Bernath (15.95)

Day 1 Largest Walleyes:

  • 1st Prize sponsored by Mikey’s – Eric Duguay & Michel Gendreau (8.30 lbs)
  • 2nd Prize sponsored by The Cache Campground – Jamie Robinson & Terry Bernath (8.11 lbs)
  • 3rd Prize sponsored by Albert’s Sports & Workwear – Annie Roberge & Henri Roberge (6.83 lbs)

Anglers woke up to rain on Sunday for the second day of fishing. With the leaderboard set and targets on the backs of the top anglers, the chase was on to secure one of the 25 cash-paying final rankings. Prizes were also up for grabs for largest walleyes of the day.

As anglers worked their knowledge, skill, experience, and tackle boxes throughout the rainy day, 25 teams would leave with cash, but only one team would be crowned winner of the 2016 MFN Walleye Tournament. The top 3 teams of Day 2 put new names at the top:

Day 2 Top 3 Teams (weight in pounds):

  • 1st Mike Joliat / Mike Walker (13.80)
  • 1st Miguel Tailleur / Denis Gendreau (13.80)
  • 2nd Jeff Vipond / John Labine (13.38)
  • 3rd JC Cyen / John Vrolyk (13.08)

Day 2 Largest Walleyes:

  • 1st Prize sponsored by Con’s Electric – Mike Joliat & Mike Walker (7.25 lbs)
  • 2nd Prize sponsored by Debastos – Dean Bliss & Russ Smith (6.83 lbs)
  • 3rd Prize sponsored by Albert’s Sports & Workwear – Miguel Tailleur & Denis Gendreau (5.78 lbs)

With two days of fishing completed, and weights calculated, the top 3 finishers of the 2016 MFN Walleye Tournament are:

  • 1st Dan Hein / DJ Germain (26.35 lbs)
  • 2nd Matt Guacci / Denis Perrier (25.38 lbs)
  • 3rd Jeff Vipond / John Labine (24.54 lbs)
  • Full results are available on the NOWT Tournament Results page.

On behalf of all anglers, we’d like to congratulate DJ and Dan on this very, very special win!

Angler recognition awards were also presented:

  • Best Sportsmanship: Matt Browne / Marc Poirier
  • Young Angler: Paul Leger
  • Female Angler: Michelle Theriault

Several sponsor prize draws were held on-site as well. The winners of these draws are:

  • Guiho Stihl Package: Anicet Cyr
  • Princecraft boat and trailer: Pascal Ducharme

Be sure to visit our YouTube channel and watch the angler interviews by host Brett Robinson!

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.

Proceeds from our events go towards improvements in the Mattagami First Nation community including recreational programs, equipment, and child/youth initiatives.

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

The MFN Fall Classic Walleye Tournament is set for September 10-11, 2016. Registrations are currently being accepted online for this event! See our Fall Classic page for full details.

Full results are available on the NOWT Tournament Results page.  Photos will be added to our Facebook Page shortly!