Each spring, anglers from across the Midwest head to Clear Lake, Iowa for one of the region’s premier early-season fishing events. The Heartland Muskies Chapter 10 will host the Stan Harrison Memorial Spring Tune-Up Muskie Tournament on April 25 from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., bringing competitive anglers and passionate conservationists together on Clear Lake.
The annual tournament is a tradition for muskie anglers and an important fundraiser for youth fishing programs and fisheries efforts supported by Muskies Inc. Heartland Chapter 10. Whether you’re competing in the tournament or simply following the action from shore, the event celebrates Clear Lake’s strong fishing culture and the thrill of chasing one of freshwater’s most elusive fish.
A Tradition for Muskie Anglers
The Stan Harrison Memorial Spring Tune-Up has become a staple early-season muskie tournament. The event is organized by Muskies Inc., Heartland Chapter 10, a group dedicated to promoting muskie fishing, fisheries research, and youth fishing programs. The tournament serves as a fundraiser for programs that introduce young anglers to fishing, including youth muskie events, Scout fishing days, and partnerships with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on fisheries projects. The tournament isn’t just about catching fish and having fun on the water, it helps support the future of fishing in Iowa.
2026 Tournament Details
Anglers compete in two-person teams and fish throughout the day on Clear Lake. The tournament is open to the public and limited to the first 100 teams.
Schedule:
Friday, April 24
Check-in: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Ventura Community Center
Complimentary food, beverages, and door prizes for entrants.
Saturday, April 25
Tournament fishing: 6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Awards ceremony and raffle: 4:30–10:00 p.m.
Competition on the Water
Teams fish for muskies throughout the day using artificial bait and catch-and-release methods. Points are awarded based on the length of the fish, with muskies measuring 30 inches or longer qualifying for scoring. Anglers compete for more than bragging rights. The tournament features over $2,800 in prize money, including:
- 1st Place – $1,000
- 2nd Place – $750
- 3rd Place – $500
- 4th Place – $300
- 5th Place – $150
- Longest Muskie – $100
- Longest Non-Muskie – $25
There’s even a prize for the smallest muskie, proving that every catch has a story.
Honoring Stan Harrison
The tournament is named in memory of Stan Harrison (June 23, 1934 – August 22, 2012), an avid outdoorsman whose love of fishing and community left a lasting impact on fellow anglers. Stan spent his career working with heavy equipment and trucks. He owned and served as a salesman for Trans Iowa Equipment for 30 years, and later helped form Harrison Truck Centers. While his professional life kept him busy, family was always at the center of everything he did. Stan was known as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched many people. He was also deeply passionate about the outdoors. Stan loved hunting and fishing and competed in fishing tournaments across the country. In 2005, he placed 4th in a nationwide muskie tournament, a testament to both his skill and dedication to the sport. Today, the Stan Harrison Memorial Spring Tune-Up continues his legacy by bringing anglers together each spring on Clear Lake to share the same passion for fishing, camaraderie, and conservation that Stan enjoyed throughout his life.
Scenes from Last Year’s Spring Tune-Up
Last year’s 25th Annual Stan Harrison Memorial Spring Tune-Up gave anglers a classic early-season day on Clear Lake, Iowa. On April 26, 39 teams launched at 6:00 a.m. under fair skies with 34° air temperatures, north winds around 5 mph with gusts up to 21 mph, and 53° water temperatures.
Anglers fished throughout the day in the Muskies Inc., Heartland Chapter 10 tournament fundraiser, sponsored by Harrison Ford of Mankato, Minnesota. The event supports a variety of youth and conservation initiatives including Scout Fishing Days, Kids Fish Camps, youth fishing tournaments, Family Ice Fishing Days, youth muskie events, and fisheries research and development projects with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The tournament weekend began Friday evening with a check-in at the Ventura Community Center, where anglers from Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin gathered to review tournament rules, reconnect with fellow muskie hunters, and check out raffle prizes ranging from fishing gear and clothing to guided trips. Entrants also received welcome gifts thanks to a donation from Savage Gear.
When lines came out of the water at 4:00 p.m., 13 muskies had been boated, with nine meeting the 30-inch minimum required for tournament scoring.
Take a look at scenes from last year’s tournament in the gallery below.
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Colby Dickes, 36" muskie
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Kyle Peterson, 31" muskie
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Tim Connoy, 39" muskie
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Curtis Sager, 42" muskie
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Nicole Templeton, 38" silver pike
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Matt Olson, 39" muskie
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1st Place team of Curtis Sager & Scott Bringle, 1 fish, 42”, 16 pts
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Pete Nettleton, 34" muskie
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Mike Rouse, 33" muskie
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Matt Heuer, 28" muskie
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Awards Banquet at Ventura Community Center
Why Clear Lake?
Clear Lake has long been a favorite destination for muskie anglers thanks to its healthy fishery and passionate fishing community. Each spring, the tournament transforms the lake into a friendly but focused competition as boats spread out across the water searching for that next big strike. Past tournaments have brought anglers from across Iowa and neighboring states, all sharing stories, techniques, and the thrill of chasing muskies.
A Proven Muskie Fishery
Clear Lake has also earned national attention in the muskie fishing world. In September 2025, the lake hosted the Professional Musky Tournament Trail (PMTT) Recon Boats World Championship, welcoming the top 50 PMTT anglers in the country, including six members from our local Heartland Muskies Chapter 10! The event delivered an incredible weekend of fishing. Over three days, anglers caught and released 126 muskies, setting both a Championship record and an All-Time PMTT event record. The 1st Place prize package, including a brand-new Recon 2085T powered by a Mercury motor valued at $60,000, went to the team of Ty Sennet and Ethan Smith, who landed nine muskies measuring 39.5, 39.5, 38.5, 37, 36.75, 36.75, 34.75, 33.75, and 31 inches. Events like the PMTT World Championship help reinforce what local anglers already know: Clear Lake, Iowa is one of the Midwest’s premier destinations for muskie fishing.
Get Involved
Whether you’re an experienced muskie angler or simply curious about the sport, the Stan Harrison Memorial Spring Tune-Up is a great way to kick off fishing season here in Clear Lake. Registration is open through April 19, and teams can sign up online through the Heartland Muskies Chapter 10 website.For anglers, it’s a day on the water chasing one of freshwater’s most challenging fish. For the community, it’s another reminder that Clear Lake continues to be a the place for outdoor adventure. Events like the Stan Harrison Memorial Spring Tune-Up highlight the passion and dedication of the anglers who help keep Clear Lake’s fishing traditions strong. Through tournaments, youth programs, and conservation efforts, Heartland Muskies Chapter 10 continues to support the sport and the fishery that make Clear Lake a favorite destination for anglers across the Midwest. As boats head out onto the water each spring, the tournament serves as another reminder that Clear Lake isn’t just a great place to visit—it’s a great place to fish.
Learn more about fishing on Clear Lake.