Get registered for this year’s event
This year’s event will be held on Saturday July 11, 2026 at two separate time slots. Please register for one or two time slots, sessions have limited capacity so prompt registration is recommended. Past participants will get priority, and then your registration request is received on a first-come, first-served basis.
Event details
When: The event takes place on Saturday of the 2nd full weekend in July, each year.
Where: We dock at Governor Nelson State Park. To download a PDF of the park map click here: FHNB map [PDF].
RSVP: Pre-Registration is required. Sign up to fish | Sign up to volunteer
Reminders for the day-of the event
Please remember to:
- Drink plenty of fluids the day before the event and during the event.
- Bring clothing appropriate for the weather, including rain gear if necessary.
- Sun protection and light-colored clothing. A commemorative FHNB tshirt will be provided to volunteers and participants when you arrive!
- Medications, if any.
- Boat owners:
- U.S. Coast Guard / DNR approved Life Jacket
- Cell phone
Alcoholic beverages and unlawful chemical substances are NOT permitted at any time during this event.
Inclement weather policy
As we all know, the weather forecast in Madison changes from one minute to the next. Often, there may be rumor of rain leading up to the event. That never scares us away! In all our 30+ years, we have only had to delay the event once due to weather, and only canceled once due to flooding.
- If we have rain, we will delay the event by one hour and continue the day’s festivities.
- If there is thunder and lightening, the event will be canceled.
- If the air quality index is over 100*, the event will be canceled.
*You can call this number to get an update on the event status: 1-608-417-3474.
Thank you for your understanding.
Event program 2026
Volunteer Check-In
7:00 AM Volunteer Registration Table opens, volunteers can begin check-in
– Obtain boat numbers, shirts, & radios.
– Coffee and donuts will be served.
7:30 AM Boat owners and fishing assistance orientation in the main tent.
First fishing session 8:00 AM -1:00 PM
Lunch will be served at 12:00 PM after fishing
8:00 AM participant registration begins
8:30 AM boat loading begins
12:00 PM all participants must be on shore
12:00 PM lunch is served
Second fishing session 11:00 AM-4:30 PM
Lunch will begin serving at 11:30 AM before the second group goes out fishing.
11:00 AM participant registration begins
11:30 AM lunch is served
12:30 PM boat loading begins
4:30 PM all participants must be on shore
Awards for largest fish in class will be sent to the winners by mail.