The idea of organizing a major fishing tournament in the James Bay territory was launched by Mr. Richard Laplante in 1999. A Chapais businessman, Mr. Laplante is the founding chairman of the James Bay Walleye Festival.
Chapais is a small municipality of about two thousand inhabitants. It is located to the southeast of the James Bay territory. It hosts the event. The main site where most activities are located is 10 kilometers from Chapais, near the banks of Opemisca Lake.
The James Bay Walleye Festival is a non-profit organization legally incorporated. The organization has received support from many partners since its creation. Hydro-Quebec supports the organization as a main partner. The major sponsors of the Festival's 13th edition are: Ville de Chapais, James Bay Municipality, Princecraft, Mercury, Molson Coors Light, Opinaca Mines Ltd., Quebec Pêche, Action Chasse et Pêche, Oujé-Bougoumou Tourism, Creeco, Conférence Régionale des élus de la Baie-James and the Grand Council of the Crees / Cree Regional Authority.
Each year, nearly a thousand people participate in this mega provincial fishing tournament. Since its beginning, the awards and scholarships have increased from $50 000 to $135 000. The success of the festival takes root in a promotional strategy targeting anglers and outdoors enthusiasts. The event is broadcasted by several major mass media as le Réseau des sports (RDS), the magazine Sentier Chasse-Pêche, the popular Quebec Pêche website and via the event's spokesperson Norman Byrns a renowed Quebec professional fisherman.
Over the years, the James Bay Walleye Festival unquestionably became a significant appeal to the James Bay region while being Quebec's largest fishing tournament. In addition, the festival has developed a professional tourism expertise thanks to the involvement of over 150 volunteers, all eager to contribute to the economic and tourism boom in their region. The organization's mission is to prepare a major tourism event in order to participate in the development and promotion of the James Bay region. We can therefore say that the festival is an overall success.
The 13th annual James Bay Walleye Festival will be held from June 21st to June 30th, 2012. More than 135,000 dollars in cash and prizes will be distributed among the tournament winners in the amateur category and professional category. It is chaired by Mr. Patrice Devin, who in cooperation with the festival team, employees and volunteers, will ensure the coordination and implementation of the 13th annual James Bay Walleye Festival. Everyone is welcomed at the festival to tease the James Bay Walleye!