The Canadian Tire Anglers’ Cup returns to Lesser Slave Lake June 19 to 20, bringing an expected $145,000 in cash prizes to Slave Lake, Alberta. The walleye tournament, part of the Western Canadian Walleye Trail and Master Walleye Series, is a major draw for anglers and an economic boost for the region.
The Canadian Tire Anglers’ Cup has a new organizing partner this year: the Slave Lake and District Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber steps in to help run the event after its return in 2025 following a cancellation in 2024 because of low lake levels that made navigation unsafe.
Lesser Slave Lake is Alberta’s largest accessible lake and a top walleye fishing spot. The tournament draws teams from across the region. In a past event, 52 of 68 teams came from out of town, showing its appeal as a tourism driver.
Entry is $1,000 per boat, with registration on the evening of June 18 at the Slave Lake Curling Club. The prize breakdown for a full field of 100 boats reached a top prize of $33,000 in 2023. Beyond the competition, the tournament has a long history of giving back. Over 10 years, it has donated more than $147,000 to the Slave Lake Volunteer Firefighters Society and roughly $40,000 to other community groups. In a recent year, $19,000 went to causes like the curling club, search and rescue, and school breakfast programs.
The event is a highlight on the local calendar, combining high-stakes fishing with community fundraising. Organizers expect strong participation and a boost for hotels, restaurants, and shops as anglers and their families arrive in town.
