Young anglers and their fishing partners are invited to take part in the 46th Annual Dakota Anglers Little Britches Tournament on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The popular youth fishing event is free to enter, and participants do not need to be Dakota Anglers members to compete. Teams consist of one adult and one child and are divided into four age categories: 0-6, 7-10, 11-13, and 14-16 years old.

Registration will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. west of the Farmers Union Camp at the County Park. Fishing begins at 10 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. Teams may fish only one legal North Dakota body of water, with the exception of lakes that have active zebra mussel infestations, such as Lake Ashtabula and Twin Lake.

The tournament uses a unique point system. Walleyes and northern pike are scored using a multiplier based on the total number of fish weighed and their combined weight. Perch, bluegill, crappie, and all bass species are scored based on total weight. Each team may weigh one person’s legal limit of fish, except for northern pike, which are limited to three fish.

For example, a team weighing five walleyes totaling 10 pounds and three northern pike totaling 10 pounds would earn 160 points. If that same team also weighed five perch totaling 3 pounds, they would receive an additional three points for a total score of 163.

The weigh-in will begin at 2 p.m. at the same location as registration. Trophies will be awarded to winners in each age division as well as for the largest rough fish. A casting contest will also be held for each age group, and numerous door prizes will be awarded.

Following the weigh-in, participants and families are invited to enjoy a picnic lunch. Organizers encourage everyone to stay and participate, even if they don’t catch any fish.

The Dakota Anglers will once again send youth anglers to Devils Lake Fish Camp in August. Children ages 8-13 may register for the opportunity at the tournament, with a drawing to be held after the weigh-in.

For more information, contact Cortnie Smith at 701-793-5432.