 After 39 years in Walker, Eelpout Festival organizers are considering a move to Bemidji. Eelpout officials have submitted an application to Beltrami County for approval of a permit to hold the event on Lake Bemidji in 2018. The Eelpout Festival was first held on Leech Lake in Walker in February of 1979 and has continued there since. According to the Eelpout Festival website, the event draws more than 10,000 people to Walker each winner for a fishing tournament in pursuit of the Eelpout fish. Beltrami County ordinance 43 requires an event as large as the Eelpout Festival to be granted a permit. The Beltrami County Planning Commission will present the application to the County Board on Tuesday, October 17th. The Planning Commission will then meet to discuss the application with all parties involved. It would then decide on whether or not to approve the application. Now, Eelpout Festival organizers are not commenting on the record at this point about the possible move. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.