Fishing fundraiser benefits FCC
A unique fundraiser for local non-profits is about to take to the water in a few weeks.
Al Louis heads up Al’s Musky Challenge through the Downtown Rotary Club. He goes out and fishes for the large gamefish. Donations come in for each one he catches.
This is the eighth year Louis went fishing for muskies and the community.
For 2026, he’s raising funds, collected through businesses, Rotarians, and individuals, for four organizations: Scouting America, The Parenting Place, Family and Children’s Center-Stepping Stones, and the Pump House.
Louis said that each year, half the money raised goes directly to the non-profits in the community, with the other half going to an endowment with the La Crosse Community Foundation. He said that the endowment is for the day when he’s not able to fish anymore, there still are funds available to continue to help out non-profits.
“Everybody involved is a volunteer. None of us get paid to fish. None of us get paid for any of our expenses. All the money goes back to the non-profits and the endowment and the community,” he said.
Louis said he’s planning on starting fishing in another week in northern Minnesota on Lake Vermillion. He also wants to try other musky lakes this summer and fall.
For more on Al’s Musky Challenge, check out his Facebook page that features plenty of pictures of his catches.
Article originally appeared on WIZM on May 28, 2026.
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – Al’s Musky Challenge is underway for its eighth season, with Rotarian Al Louis fishing on Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota to raise money for local youth programs.
The fundraiser has raised more than $100,000 for six straight years. Organizers hope to bring in between $120,000 and $150,000 this year to support youth opportunities across the Coulee Region.
“It’s going to be fun getting out there and just, you know, getting involved in the community, doing great stuff, having fun, doing things with the different groups,” Louis said.
This year’s recipients of Al’s Musky Challenge funds include the Parenting Place, Family Children’s Center, Scouting America and The Pumphouse. Money is also put into an endowment fund that already has over $500,000.
The challenge runs through early October. To pledge or donate, visit the Rotary Club of La Crosse’s website.
Story originally aired on WXOW on May 28, 2026.
Story originally aired on WKBT on May 28, 2026.
