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Great Lakes Special Events
  • Home
  • Tournaments
    • LOCS - DIVISION 1
    • LOCS - DIVISION 2
    • King of the Lake
    • Wilson Harbor Invitation
    • Erie PA Sport Fishing
    • PresqueIsle FishFarmDerby
    • Niagara Pro-Am
    • Orleans County Open
    • King of Kings
    • A-TOM-MIK Challenge
    • Monroe County Offshore
    • Oswego Pro Am
    • Sodus Pro Am
    • King of the Lake Cobourg
    • Sandy Creek Shoot Out
    • A-TOM-MIK Invitational
  • Standings
  • Instructional classes
  • Resource Center
  • About
  • Contact Us

The Wilson Harbor Invitational will be held on May 17th and 18th, 2025.

New York State's Super Bowl of Salmon Fishing: Thousands in cash and prizes will be on the line again at this years event.

Last year almost $50,000 was paid out for the events. Please check the WHI FB page or web page for updates as the event nears.

You will also find updates there regarding the 1K and Slam results, slips and the schedule of events.

Additionally, feel free to email us on the contact page or contact Kevin Jerge at (716) 863-1001  with any questions.

REGISTER NOW

The WHI week long competition consists of 3 events:

Wilson Harbor Invitational


Main Event: The WHI consists of a 2-day event; Saturday and Sunday with each day counting as its own one-day event. Teams can pay $200 in addition to enter the overall, which will encompass both day's event and an "overall" WHI champion. Entry is $400 per day plus $200 for the overall making it $1,000 to participate.


This year, we will continue to accept Canadian entries at Par if that team desires, but will pay at Par also. 


The Newbie division is back: WHI will be adding a additional payout of $1,000

for the winner of the "Newbie" Challenge

(see rules and regulations).


Again for 2025-FishUSA will be awarding the overall winner with a FishUSA apparel package,  (4) Flagship Rods and $20 off coupon. 


This year, we will be bringing back the Captain's Challenge. However, we have a returning sponsor for 2025; Dreamweaver Lures. Cost will be $600 and those who enter will automatically qualify for the UMS Big Fish Award which will pay $300 per day in cash. 


The 2025 WHI will be held on Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th, 2025. (No make-up days) Canadian waters are off limits, and the field is unlimited. With our 2-day format, lower entry fees, high pay outs, great fishing and week-long events, we hope to keep the WHI as the pinnacle of all Great Lakes salmon team tournaments!

Trout and Salmon Slam


7 days and 7 trout and salmon combined species challenge. The Slam begins Saturday May 10th and **concludes Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 4:00 pm. Anglers can weigh a maximum of 7 fish throughout the week. There will a maximum limit of 2 trout; lake trout, steelhead or brown trout qualify. *Teams can now weigh all 7 kings or 6 kings and 1 trout as well. Boat Entry is $300.00 The WHI retains 10% for the administration of the event. This event is also open to anyone outside of the WHI participants.


This year, we will continue to accept Canadian entries at Par if that team desires, but will pay at Par also. 


The WHI will be adding an additional  payout of $2,500 to the payouts into the pot courtesy of Keller Technology: 50/30/20 split.


Last day to register is May 15th, 11:59pm.  *Late fee applies after May 9th.


Please make sure you understand the rules.


Canadian waters are permitted during the Slam.


The object of this tournament is to catch 7 fish (kings and trout) over 7 days. The total number of fish weighed during the 7-day event may not exceed 7 fish. Entry scoring is 10 points per fish plus one point per pound. The vessel /team with the heaviest catch is awarded the winner of this event. Teams may weigh any number of fish on any day of the competition.

Prizes will be awarded on Friday at Captain's meeting-if no protest or complaint is brought forward.

1K A Day

1K A Day


Land a Grand In Your Hand! Daily progressive jackpot of up to $1000. The action starts Saturday May 10th and **concludes Friday, May 16, 2025 at 4:00 pm. Boat Entry is $150.00. The WHI retains 10% for the administration of the event. This event is also open to anyone outside of the WHI participants. If no one wins the daily event, that day/s scheduled payout will roll over to the next day, etc...


This year, we will continue to accept Canadian entries at Par if that team desires, but will pay at Par also. 


Last day to register is May 15th, 11:59pm.


Please make sure you understand the rules.


Canadian waters are permitted during the 1K.


NOTE: Teams are NOT automatically included in this year's 1K a Day. All teams must register.  


 Prize structure based on 100 entries. Daily prize will be prorated (if less than 100 entries are received). Prizes will be awarded on Friday at Captain's meeting-if no protest or complaint is brought forward.

2025 TOURNAMENT UPDATES

NEWBIE CHALLENGE IS BACK FOR 2025!

The object of this event is to award new teams and captains to the WHI. The overall winner amongst US and/or Canadian teams will receive a $1,000 overall prize.

RULES AND REGULATIONS 

  1. A minimum of 5 teams must enter by the overall deadline. Since there is no registration, there will be no refunds if less than 5 teams register.
  2. WHI rules apply.
  3. Teams must be registered in main event plus overall to qualify.
  4. Your team/team name or reference to team name must not have ever entered the WHI prior.
  5. The team captain must not have entered as the team’s captain prior in a WHI. That captain could have fished on a boat captained by someone else as that team’s main captain (not team member).

If you are uncertain or have questions regarding Rule 5 or 6, please call Candie (tournament director) 814-602-8436

Registration for this challenge is free to enter if you qualify. Sign up can be completed when you register for the WHI.

SLAM AND 1K WEIGH IN STATIONS ADDED

This year all teams will be allowed to weigh in for the Trout and Salmon Slam and the 1K at Wilson, Boat Doctor, Olcott, or Wicked Worm.

SLAM HAMMERHEAD LAKE TROUT CHALLENGE

All participants in the 2025 Salmon and Trout Slam will automatically be entered to win $500 in Hammerhead products awarded to the team that has the heaviest weight for 2 lake trout weighed in the event (both trout weighed must be lake trout and teams do not have to weigh any kings to qualify). See rule changes for 2025. Prize will be awarded at the Captain's meeting on Friday, May 16th, 2025.

SLAM A-TOM-MIK KING CHALLENGE

All participants in the 2025 Salmon and Trout Slam will automatically be entered to win $500 in A-TOM-MIK products awarded to the team that weighs 7 kings "only" for the Slam (cannot weigh any trout).  See rule changes for 2025. Prize will be awarded at the Captain's meeting on Friday, May 16th, 2025.

EVENT RULES

Wilson Harbor 2025 Rules (pdf)

Download

2025 Trout and Salmon Slam Rules (pdf)

Download

2025 1K a Day Rules (pdf)

Download

APPAREL IS AVAILABLE FOR 2025!

Gildan Charcoal Hoodies

Port & Co Carolina Blue T-Shirt

Port & Co Carolina Blue T-Shirt

Available at 2025 WHI Captain's Meeting

Available in Sizes M,L,XL,2XL

Cash Price $40

Port & Co Carolina Blue T-Shirt

Port & Co Carolina Blue T-Shirt

Port & Co Carolina Blue T-Shirt

Available at 2025 WHI Captain's Meeting

Available in Sizes M,L,XL,2XL

Cash Price $20

Sponsors

Don Johannes Memorial Scholarship

Don Johannes was an avid outdoors-man who was always interested in getting young people involved in fishing and hunting. He was a mentor to many new fishermen over the years. To Don teaching the art of fishing to his grandchildren and their friends was a priority and a fun thing to do. He helped raise and teach many children how to fish who are now avid tournament or charter fishermen. Over the years Don was involved in the Western Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishery since it became popular in the mid 1970’s. He was an officer in the LOTSA, sat on the Niagara County Sport Fishing Advisory Board and was president of the Niagara County Charter Captain’s Association. Don became a licensed captain in 1990 and started the On-The-Rocks Fishing Charters in 1991. He lost his 3 year battle to cancer in May of 2000 but his memory and achievements live on.  If you would like to make a private donation to the fund please email the scholarship program.


The Don Johannes Memorial Scholarship was created to provide a monetary award of at least $500 to a promising student who shows a commitment to communicate and interpret a love of nature and an understanding of the need to practice conservation to preserve our great outdoors.   Eligibility for application is extended to any student or graduate student enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary educational institution whose educational goals clearly coincide with Don Johannes’ interest in communicating and interpreting nature’s wonder.  Students pursuing degrees in environmental protection, conservation, natural resources, forestry, wildlife and fisheries, biology or environmental law and public policy are encouraged to apply.  Dedication to the ideals of the scholarship’s honoree will be considered at least as important as financial need in making the award.


Applications should be send to: Don Johannes Memorial Scholarship – c/o Michael Johannes 3313 Ridge Rd. Ransomville, NY 14131 or by email: Donjohannesscholarship@gmail.com


**2024 contributions are being rolled into 2025 due to lack of applicants in 2024.


Questions: Contact Michael Johannes at (716) 791-3646.    

PAST WHI EVENTS

2024 Wilson Harbor Invitational2023 WILSON HARBOR INVITATIONAL2022 WILSON HARBOR INVITATIONAL

WILSON HARBOR INVITATIONAL RESULTS

2024 WHI Overall Winner

2024 Wilson Harbor Invitational 1st Place

Team Mister Squirrelly


Tournament Gallery and Highlights


Overall Results

Saturday Results

Sunday Results

UMS Challenge Results

Salmon Slam Results

1K Results

2023 Wilson Harbor Invitational 1st Place

Team Nemesis


Tournament Gallery and Highlights


Overall Results

Saturday Results

Sunday Results

A-TOM-MIK Challenge Results

Salmon Slam Results

1K Results

2022 Wilson Harbor Invitational 1st Place

Team Tomahawk


Tournament Gallery and Highlights


Overall Results

Saturday Results

Sunday Results

Dreamweaver Spin Doctor Challenge Results

Salmon Slam Results

1K Results

2021 WHI 1st Place

2021 Wilson Harbor Invitational 1st Place

Team Elsie K


Overall Results

Saturday Results

Sunday Results

Salmon Slam Results

1K Results

2020 WHI 1st Place

2020 Wilson Harbor Invitational 1st Place

Team U-Betcha


Overall Results

Salmon Slam - CANCELLED

1K - CANCELLED

2019 WHI 1st Place

2019 Wilson Harbor Invitational 1st Place

Team Hideout


Overall Results

Salmon Slam Results

1K Results

2023 Sponsors

2021 WHI Salmon Tournament Teaser

2020 WHI Salmon Tournament Teaser

2019 WHI Morning Interviews

2019 WHI Vision Quest Game Day

2019 WHI Weigh-In

2019 WHI Captain Interviews with Pete Alex

2018 WHI Part 1

2018 WHI Part 2

2018 WHI Part 3

Great Lakes Special Events

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