Hi-Line Living: 33rd Annual Fresno Chapter Walleyes Banquet

Fresno Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited held its 33rd annual Walleye Banquet to raise money for the group's work.

All of kinds of prizes that were donated by local merchants and individuals were auctioned and raffled off, including jewelry, guns, trips, a large-screen TV and more.

Just about everybody went home with something from the annual banquet at the Havre Ice Dome Saturday.

The event annually attracts 500 people. In fact, it would attract more, but only 500 tickets are sold.

It is one of the social events of the year in Havre, and attracts people from around the area and farther field - even some who are not fishermen but love the fun that takes place at the annual event.

Even after 33 years, the Walleyes Unlimited dinner seems to grow in popularity with each year.

The money raised is used for a variety of fishing programs throughout the area. Some are designed to help young people get interested in fishing. Others help improve facilities at Fresno Reservoir.

For instance, Walleyes got the a videocam installed at Fresno so people can get online to see what weather conditions are the reservoir 24 hours a day.

Want to see what things look like at Fresno now? Visit http://www.fresnowalleyes.com.

Walleyes Unlimited sponsors a Youth Fishing Day where fifth- and sixth-graders take part in fishing activities at the reservoir.

Last year, more than 300 rods and reels were given away to youngsters at Fishing Day activities.