ABOUT
From September 26-28, 2025, Musky anglers from around the country will come to Rhinelander to compete in one of the most historic Musky tournaments in the nation.
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The catch-and-release tournament will be headquartered at the Rhinelander Ice Arena and fishing will take place on area lakes. This tournament is a "self judge" format with many safeguards in place to provide for accurate measurements and results. Cash prizes to the top ten teams as well as prizes for the the largest musky, the largest northern pike, and more. If you’re a musky fisherman or just someone interested in the sport, don’t miss the Hodag Musky Challenge!
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Group 1: Boom Lake / WI River
Group 2: Moen Chain
Group 3: Pelican Lake
Group 4: Lake George
Group 5: Crescent Lake
Group 6: Bearskin Lake
Group 7: Lake Julia
Group 8: Sugar Camp Chain (Sand, Dam, Stone, Echo, Chain)
PRIZES
The 2025 HMC Prize Payout schedule shown is based upon 100 teams participating. Payouts through 10th place will be adjusted based upon the actual number of teams participating. Note: These payouts WILL change based on the number of teams entered. 1st place is GUARANTEED $10,000
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Place Prize Money
1st $10,000
2nd $2,625
3rd $1,575
4th $1,365
5th $1,155
6th $1,050
7th $840
8th $630
9th $420
10th $315
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Largest Musky: The largest Musky caught and successfully released during the weekend of the tournament will win a cash price of $1,000 (in addition to any other eligible price money)
11th Place Drawing: Each team that catches and successfully releases a qualifying (34"+) Musky but does not finish in the top 10 will be entered into a drawing on Sunday to win $300
Largest Northern: The largest Northern caught during the Tournament will win $300
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Lake Winner: The teams that catch the largest musky on each lake will be entered into a drawing. At the awards ceremony one winner will be randomly selected to win $500.
Determination of HMC Tournament Cash Prizes & Placements Cash prizes will be awarded on a point system: Thirty (30) points for each thirty-four (34) inch or larger Musky, plus one point for each one-quarter (1/4) inch over thirty-four (34) inches. For example a 44 inch musky would be worth 70 points. Fish not successfully released will be assessed a 20 point penalty. Prizes will be based on total points accumulated during the two days of fishing.