Cast a line at Walleye Weekend

Sporting a vibrant color palette and needle-like canine teeth, the unique appearance of walleye make them a prized catch — and cultural marker — throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Over 50,000 people shoal each year to Fond du Lac’s Lakeside Park for Walleye Weekend, a three-day celebration of the coveted game fish established in 1978 to coincide with the Mercury Marine National Walleye Tournament.

PBS Wisconsin reeled in Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc. Executive Director Peter Wilke for an inside look at the 47th annual Walleye Weekend, June 12-14, 2026. View Walleye Weekend frequently asked questions, pick out your favorite events and activities on the event schedule and download the event map at fdlfest.com.

After luring in a walleye — whether at Walleye Weekend or your secret angling spot — PBS Wisconsin would love to see your favorite walleye photos. Your images may be used in an upcoming documentary!

(Credit: Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc.)

PBS Wisconsin: How is a feeling of community built around Walleye Weekend?

Peter Wilke: Walleye Weekend was built on the idea that the community comes together to support one another in all forms and facets. It’s all volunteer run so 100% of the proceeds go back to area nonprofits. We work exclusively with nonprofit and service groups to serve all of the food and beverages. It’s a huge fundraiser.

PBS Wisconsin: How long have you been involved with Walleye Weekend?

Wilke: I remember coming to Walleye Weekend as a 5-year-old. There are pictures in my mom’s photo albums of me running in the Walleye Run-Walk, which has been going strong from the very beginning. We called Fond du Lac the “big city” in the small community I lived in, Eden, Wisconsin. It was really exciting to come out to Walleye Weekend and see all the things that were going on. It was a different world for me.

I’m happy to raise my family now in that same small community near Fond du Lac and come to Walleye Weekend every year with my son, Henry.

(Credit: Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc.)

PBS Wisconsin: Why is the walleye celebrated by the Fond du Lac community and surrounding area?

Wilke: Lake Winnebago has an above average walleye population, which can be attributed to all of the conservation efforts of many groups. The Lighthouse Anglers Walleye Club supports Walleye Weekend year after year and maintains the population through many efforts. Also, Walleyes for Tomorrow is very much involved.

I’m not a fisherman myself, but I know a lot of anglers. From my understanding, walleye actually put up quite a fight for their size but are still considered manageable for kids. There’s a challenge involved [with catching one]. It’s difficult to really know if a walleye is biting because it bites your bait lightly. You have to get used to it first to know what you’re feeling.

PBS Wisconsin: What makes Walleye Weekend a perfect setting for a family fishing trip?

Wilke: We’re so proud to have a family and kids fishing tournament alongside the big Mercury National Tournament at each Walleye Weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, we host families and kids of all ages who try to catch walleye all around Lakeside Park. We have a beautiful setting for it because there are so many channels that run through it, a lot of spots you can go and post up and try to catch that walleye.

Families and kids are already in place at least an hour before the tournament begins so they can fish their favorite spot. The kids and the families actually get recognized on the Mercury National Walleye Tournament Stage. It is a really big deal for some of these kids.

(Credit: Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc.)

PBS Wisconsin: After the fishing is complete, what else can families look forward to?

Wilke: We have so many things families can do after fishing scattered over 400 acres of Lakeside Park. It’s a beautiful setting. We have room for a lot of different family-friendly activities [other than fishing] that all different ages can enjoy like face painting, [playing on] inflatables, a sandsculpting competition and a chalk art contest.

(Credit: Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc.)

Live music is something we’re known for. There are three stages with 22 bands performing all weekend long. It’s endless entertainment. It’s really cool because we have the opportunity to have different types of bands throughout the weekend. There is something that appeals to pretty much everyone out there.

Food and beverage is actually one of the highlights as well. There are all sorts of options:

(Credit: Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc.)

• Cheese curds are the most popular item, hands down. Some years there have been over 2,700 pounds of cheese curds served.

(Credit: Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc.)

• There is also a service group that has been serving what they call the “world’s largest fish fry.”

(Credit: Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc.)

• Almost 70,000 individual beverages were sold last year (2025).

PBS Wisconsin: What do you want visitors to come away with after attending Walleye Weekend?

Wilke: We want visitors to keep coming back to Walleye Weekend year after year, which is why we keep it free and family friendly. We keep it memorable by coming up with something new and different each year, while also keeping traditions alive. We want families to make memories together. That’s why Walleye Weekend is so special.

Share your favorite walleye photo at pbswisconsin.org/walleye!