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The Bowfin (dogfish) is considered a “rough fish”, and has no possession limit or closed season.  However, MBC  promotes a catch & release philosophy.  The tournament rules state that all Bowfin must be returned to the water alive and unharmed in order to preserve this resource.

In the past, competition for the title of “Grand Champion” has been limited to our members only.   There was an increasing demand by non-members to have their Bowfin recognized through this competition.  In response, the MBC opened it’s annual competition to the general public in 2003.   Now, any individuals wishing to register a Bowfin can abide by the tournament rules which specify LIVE RELEASE after a measurement, and the prohibition of live bait.

Chuck Steinbauer, of Baxter, captured this year’s Grand Championship of the Minnesota Bowfin Club (MBC).  Steinbauer, an accomplished Bass tournament angler, caught and released a 26.5 inch bowfin on Whitefish Lake to earn the title. The MBC is dedicated promoting the catch and release of the Bowfin (dogfish).  Steinbauer is one of the original members of the MBC which was founded in 1999, and has a competition each spring.  Tom Swanson, the 2002 Co-Grand Champion, finished 2^nd with a 24 inch fish that he released back into Cross Lake.  Chuck Fields, also a previous Grand Champion, took home 3^rd place with a released fish of 23.5 inches from the Leech Lake chain. 

Dave Maas wins 2006 Bowfin Championship

Dave Maas won his second Grand Championship in the Minnesota Bowfin Club (MBC).  The Hillman, MN angler also won the Championship in 2004.  Maas took the lead early, registering a 30 inch fish in April this spring, and was never seriously challenged for the title.  His nearest competition was a 25 inch fish recorded by Chuck Fields, of Brainerd, for a distant second place.

Maas caught the winning bowfin (sometimes called dogfish) on April 26, 2006, on Mille Lacs Lake.  He was sight fishing, and used a ½ oz white jig & pork rind.  Mass is the first person to win two Grand Championships since the club began competition in 1999

The MBC tournament occurs each spring to see who can catch and release the largest Bowfin.   The Bowfin is considered a “rough fish,” by some.  However, this fish puts up a great battle when taken on traditional bass fishing equipment.  The MBC promotes fishing for these fish using artificial lures, and releasing them unharmed.  Bowfins play a valuable role in the eco-system of any lake.

The MBC tournament season is held from ice out until June 15^th each spring.   For a complete listing of tournament rules and registration procedures, please visit the MBC website at     

Owatonna angler wins 2005 Bowfin Championship

Alan R. Stienbauer is the Grand Champion of the Minnesota Bowfin Club (MBC) for 2005.  Stienbauer, of Owatonna, MN, was visiting relatives in the Brainerd area when he caught and released a 28.5 bowfin on Lower Mission Lake.  The winning fish was taken on May 30, 2005, using a white jig/craw artificial lure in the bulrushes.  Mr. Stienbauer credits his brother, local angler Chuck Stienbauer, for putting him on this pattern for bowfin.  Many of the best bowfin fishermen are also accomplished bass anglers.  The patterns and techniques used in bass fishing are easily adapted to catching bowfin early in the spring.

Finishing close behind Stienbauer this year were Dennis Lothspeich and Todd Berghuis, both of Brainerd, with fish measuring 28 and 27.5 inches respectively.  Last years Grand Champion, Dave Maas, finished a distant fourth place with a fish of 25.5 inches. 

This is the eight year that the MBC has held it’s annual competition which is open to the public. The MBC tournament occurs each spring to see who can catch and release the largest Bowfin (dogfish).   The Bowfin is considered a “rough fish,” and is not traditionally sought after by sports anglers using artificial lures. The MBC promotes fishing for these fish using artificial lures, and releasing them unharmed.  Bowfin play a valuable role in the eco-system of any lake.

The MBC tournament season is held from ice out until June 15^th  each spring, and results are reported on an honor system.  The individual reporting the largest fish each spring is the Grand Champion for that year.   For a complete listing of tournament rules and registration procedures, please visit the MBC website at     

Past MBC Grand Champions are:

1999    Ken Fields

2000    Chuck Fields

2001    Guy Henkensiefken

2002    Dean Sauer, and Tom Swanson,

2003    Dan Quinn

2004    Dave Maas