Coronavirus concerns haven’t derailed the largest summer salmon-only fishing contest on the Great Lakes.
“There’s a lot of excitement for the K/D,” said Tom Kleiman of Accurate Marine & Tackle in Kewaunee. “Boat sales are through the roof, and we’re seeing a lot of families coming in. I think in these crazy times, a lot of people are getting back to their roots outdoors.”
The 38th annual Kewaunee/Door (K/D) County Salmon Tournament will run July 17-25, with fishing allowed on both Green Bay and Lake Michigan from the Kewaunee County line to the Wisconsin-Michigan border north of Washington Island.
Accessories from the 2020 K/D Salmon Tournament. Submitted.
Kevin Krueger at B&K Bait and Tackle at Kap’s Marina on Washington Island said that when the K/D announced early on that it was a go in 2020, it gave people something to look forward to.
“You’re going to be around people you’re around anyway for the most part,” Krueger said. “People have been cooped up. This gives them a chance to get outside and do something fun.”
Both Kleiman and Krueger said fishing has been very good this summer, with some very big fish. A 35-pounder was weighed at Kewaunee; Sturgeon Bay had a 33-plus; and Algoma, Baileys Harbor and Washington Island all have seen 30-pounders.
“People are snapping off tackle,” Krueger said. “There are some big ones out there.”
Kleiman said, “I think we’re going to see some huge fish this year.”
From a 2020 K/D Salmon Tournament T-shirt. Submitted.
One of the allures of the contest is that even a beginning angler can get in on the $50,000 in cash and prizes. Unlike the skill needed when finesse-fishing bass and walleyes on structure, there’s a lot of luck involved in trolling a bait past a giant, rogue king salmon suspended over deep Lake Michigan water.
The nine-day event has produced salmon in excess of 30 pounds 22 times since 1983, including a stretch of 11 straight from 1989 to 1999 and seven of the last nine years.
Want to give it a shot? You’ll need a fishing license, a Great Lakes salmon and trout stamp, and an entry ticket. Fish out of your own boat, with a friend, or get a group together to book a charter. All anglers ages 10 and older who are aboard a boat must have a ticket before fishing in the event.
Tickets are $25 for the full tournament or $13 for a one-day chance. They’re available at B&K Bait and Tackle on Washington Island, Jungwirth Ace Hardware in Sister Bay, Baileys 57 in Baileys Harbor, JP Express near Carlsville, Howie’s Tackle and Greystone Castle in Sturgeon Bay, Algoma BP and JP Express in Algoma, and Accurate Marine & Tackle and Center Court Convenience in Kewaunee.
To learn more and see tournament updates, visit the K/D Salmon Tournament on Facebook.
