Results are in for National Championship Musky Open

The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center along with the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin have released the results of the 38th annual National Championship Musky Open held on seven lakes of the Eagle River area from Aug. 16-18. The total catch and release tournament is open to ages 8 and older and as a family fun event while at the same time is the largest amateur musky tournament in the United States.

The Musky Open hosted 1,129 musky anglers, representing 16 states. A total 162 muskies were caught and released in the tournament by anglers including 61 husband and wife teams and 44 youth anglers.

The largest fish caught in the tournament was 51.5 inches by Cindy Wilson of Reedsburg. She caught and released the fish on Lake Family 3 on Big Sand Lake on Friday, Aug. 16th. As the largest fish of the tournament, a replica fish will be created by Fittante Taxidermy of Antigo and presented to Wilson at next year’s tournament.

The overall winner of the 38th annual National Championship Musky Open was Forrest Grassel, of Seymour, with a catch of four muskies, each measuring 34.5 inches, 36 inches, 36.5 inches, and 37 inches for a total of 144 inches. Grassel was also the winner of the Youth Division for the same catches.

The Husband/Wife Team winners were Pete and Jamie Halbach of Hilbert, with three fish, each measuring 34 inches, 34 inches and 39.5 inches.

This year’s 2024 — 895 DC Recon tournament boat winner was Pete LaBorde of Stratford.

Next year’s tournament is scheduled for Aug. 22–24, 2025.