IOWA GREAT LAKES, IA (Northwestiowanow) — The 44th Annual Walleye Weekend kicks off Saturday and Sunday, May 2–3.

Hosted by the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Walleye Weekend has long been a tradition for anglers and visitors, drawing crowds of all ages to area lakes in pursuit of tagged walleye.

Events and Marketing Coordinator Michaela Arneson says this milestone year comes with a major incentive.

Registration for the event remains open through Friday, May 1, with anglers competing to catch one of 10 specially tagged walleye released by the Iowa DNR.

The weekend ends with an awards ceremony and luncheon Sunday at the Dickinson County Expo Center. Lunch will be served from noon to 1 p.m. and is free to the first 500 registered participants, followed by prize drawings and additional awards at 1.

Arneson says weather rarely impacts turnout.