08/17/2026
Rain Couldn’t Stop the North American Sturgeon Championship in Birchdale
A little rain wasn’t enough to stop a great day from happening in Birchdale as anglers, families and supporters gathered for the annual North American Sturgeon Championship.
The day kicked off with the Youth Sturgeon Championship, where kids of all ages gathered along the Rainy River for the chance to experience the thrill of catching a river monster. Despite the wet weather, the excitement was high and the smiles on the kids’ faces said it all.
Youth Championship Results
• 1st Place: Aaron Limberto — 37.5” sturgeon
• 2nd Place: Cody Johnson — 25.5” sturgeon
• 3rd Place: Crew Mayfield — selected by random draw
Following the youth event, the North American Sturgeon Championship continued as anglers hit the river for their chance at some cold, hard cash.
North American Sturgeon Championship Results
• 1st Place: Jared Wold — 40.75” sturgeon — $1,375
• 2nd Place: Jean Clark - 33.5”
• 3rd Place: Les Morrison - 32.5”
A particularly meaningful part of this year’s event was having the Gustafson family join us to present the Eian Gustafson Honorary Award, given in honor and memory of their late son, Eian Gustafson. Their presence made the day even more special and served as a heartfelt reminder of the people and memories that have become part of this longtime Birchdale tradition. We are incredibly grateful to the Gustafson family for being there and helping us continue to honor Eian’s memory.
Fishing was only part of what made the day a success. The food was amazing, the apparel selection was on point, and the raffle drawings were top-notch. Most importantly, the event brought together families, anglers, volunteers, businesses and community members for another memorable day in Birchdale.
A huge THANK YOU goes out to each and every sponsor who helps make this event possible year after year. Your support helps keep this tradition going and gives kids the opportunity to get outdoors, experience sturgeon fishing and make memories on the Rainy River. The smiles on their faces say it all!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
• Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort
• Border Bank, I. Falls
• Low Drifters
• Bronte Jornod
• MNKOTA
• Packing Corp of America
• Whitetails Unlimited
• VFW Post 2948
• Ranier Rec Club
• Rainy Lake Sport Fishing Club
• TruStar Federal Credit Union
• John & Patty Otto
• Nelson’s Store
• Sportsmen’s Service
• Sportsmen’s Lodge
• Outdoors Again
• Outdoorsmen Pro
• Hasbargen Customs
Thank you to the anglers, families, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who came out and helped make the North American Sturgeon Championship another great Birchdale tradition — rain and all!
SAVE THE DATE for the 36th Annual North American Sturgeon Championship on August 21st, 2027.
