Tournaments
Register to compete in the National Walleye Tour (NWT), one of North America’s premier professional walleye tournament circuits. Secure your spot in the upcoming qualifying event, review official rules and payout details, and join elite pro and co-anglers battling on top walleye fisheries for points, prize money, and a chance to advance to the NWT Championship.
2026 Schedule
04/09/2026
–
04/10/2026
Lake Erie
Monroe
,
MI
05/20/2026
–
05/21/2026
Lake Oahe
Mobridge
,
SD
06/18/2026
–
05/19/2026
Bay De Noc
Gladstone
,
MI
07/30/2026
–
07/31/2026
Bay of Green Bay
Oconto
,
WI
08/27/2026
–
08/29/2026
Lake Sakakawea
Garrison
,
ND
Rules
See RulesFrequently Asked Questions
What is Pro Angler entry fee?
$2,000 per event.
What is the Co Angler entry fee?
$650 per event.
Is there a membership fee, what is included with the fee and when do I pay it?
There is a $30 membership fee per year which allows you to participate in all NWT events. Membership can be added to your cart during registration. All Membership fees are final and cannot be refunded.
what are my payment options?
Registration online requires a credit or debit card. If you wish to pay via check, all payments must be received by tournament staff prior to the registration deadlines
There are no refunds once you are confirmed into an event.
Checks can be mailed to:
National Walleye Tour
5998 N Pleasant View Rd
Ponca City, OK. 74601
How do I enter a National Walleye Tour Event?
All Pro anglers and all Co-anglers must register separately as individuals by clicking on Registration on the National Walleye Tour website. Entry forms are also available by printing & mailing/faxing into the NWT office. All mail in registrations and payments must be received prior to each events registration deadline.
All anglers (Pro’s and Co’s) get into the event based on the date/time stamp both registration and entry fee is received.
Priority PRO-Angler entry allows anglers to pay for all 4 events in advance and be prioritized at the top of the confirmation list ahead of single event entries. The deadline for Priority Pro entry is March 23, 2026 at 5pm CST.
Priority CO-Angler entry allows Co-anglers to pay for all 4 events in advance and be prioritized at the top of the confirmation list ahead of single event entries. The deadline for Priority Co entry is February 25, 2026 at 4pm.
Deadline to register for any single event will be the Friday two (2) weeks before the tournament. At this time the field will be evened based on the date/time stamp you registered. Priority Pro and Co entries will be first, then all other single event entries will be assigned according to date and time of paid entry.
BOTH Pro and Co anglers need to make arrangements that can be changed/cancelled if we cannot pair you. NWT is not responsible for any additional or outside costs accrued by the angler in the event you cannot be paired. There are no refunds once angler is confirmed to fish.
How do I ask a question about tournament rules or registration?
Questions can be asked directly on the National Walleye Tour website by using the CHAT feature found on the registration page or by emailing [email protected]. For rules questions you can also contact the tournament director Jeff Kelm at [email protected] or 580-716-4291
How do I know if I made it in to the event as an Angler?
After registering online, anglers will receive an email with their payment receipt and another email with their registration information.
Angler fields will be based on date/time stamp of registration and NWT staff will send a separate confirmation that Pro’s and CO’s have been matched and CONFIRMED TO FISH as soon the field is fully paired. For all Anglers – Please be mindful that this is all dependent on how early Pro’s and Co’s register for the event and if they register for only 1 or all 4.
More information with specifics about the event will be emailed to each participate on the event signup deadline.
How do I qualify for the Championship?
Qualification for the year-end Championship is the top 40 pros and top 40 co-anglers from the AOY point standings after the fourth regular season event. NWT Pro or Co anglers who win a qualifying event during the season may be added to the championship field of 40 if they are not already qualified and if that angler fished all days of all four regular season events. If the pro-angler and co-angler field is not even, we will continue down the points list until there is a full field of 40 pros and cos.
Top 40 pro anglers will NOT have an entry fee to pay to participate in the Championship. Top 40 co-angler’s entry fee will be $500 to participate in the Championship.
What is the National Walleye Tour Angler’s Advantage Program?
The National Walleye Tour Anglers Advantage Program allows each angler, for an additional $250 (pro) or additional $100 (co-angler) to compete in a higher payout bracket. Both Pros and Co-Anglers may get into the optional Anglers Advantage pots before the registration deadlines, if they choose.
The OPTIONAL angler’s advantage fee will be in addition to the standard tournament entry and must be paid when the angler registers or before registration closes for each event.
The Anglers Advantage entry fee will be paid out at 97% registered participating anglers and based on the number of entries into the Program. Anglers Advantage CANNOT be paid on-site.
Please do not sign up or enter the Angler Advantage program unless you feel that you completely understand the Program and payout.
Are there qualifications I must meet to fish a National Walleye Tour event?
Participation in National Walleye Tour events is open only to members ($30 annual membership fee) who are 16 years of age or older (under 18 must have a guardian sign for them).
Any angler entering a tournament under the age of majority must also have the signature of their parent or legal guardian. A completed entry form and full entry fee must be received no later than the published deadline for each tournament.
You will also be required to have a liability release form on file prior to fishing an event.
Where can I find the rules for National Walleye Tour events?
Rules can be found HERE
Will the events be capped?
There is not a boat limit for the NWT in 2026. However, we do plan a limited field event in 2027 as outlined in the 2026 rules and some venues may require a cap on number of boats/participants.
The payout posted is based on 125 boats participating.
How many events?
In 2026, FOUR (4) regular season events and ONE (1) Championship event.
What is the regular-season tournament format?
Two-day events, full field fishes both days.
What is PRO ANGLER payout?
What is CO-ANGLER payout?
First place is $10,000. VIEW PAYOUT
What contingency bonuses are available?
Ranger, Triton, Nitro, Power-Pole, Garmin, TH Marine.
What are contingency guidelines?
The NWT is eligible for multiple contingency programs at each event. All anglers must be registered and eligible for each program to participate. Individual contingency programs vary on prize and eligibility.
All anglers must register for each contingency program separately, and it is the responsibility of the angler to submit any contingency claims to that organization. Contingency checks are NOT paid onsite and will be paid directly through the individual organization.
Eligible Contingency programs can be found HERE
What is championship format?
The full field of 40 Pro’s and 40 Co’s will fish for 3 days. In the event of a blow day, that day will be lost.
What happens if there is a tie for AOY?
Ties for AOY will be broken by total weight for all 4 regular season tournaments combined, then number of fish for the year, number of live fish for the year, heaviest single days catch, second heaviest single days catch and means selected by tournament director.
Can I guarantee my entry into events?
All anglers (Pro’s and Co’s) get in to the event based on the date/time stamp you pay for the entry fee so register EARLY. In order to enter an event you must pay the entry fee. If we are unable to pair you to an even field for the event you sign up for we will refund your entry fee only.
A PRO-angler can pay for all 4 events ($8,000 total) and be prioritized at the top of the list ahead of everyone paying for events one at a time.
A CO-angler can pay for all 4 events ($2,600 total) and be prioritized at the top of the list ahead of everyone paying for events one at a time.
How is PRO winner determined?
Pro winner determined by heaviest cumulative two day weight.
How is CO winner determined?
Co-angler winner is determined by heaviest cumulative two day weight.
How are anglers paired?
Random draw.
How do CO-ANGLERS accumulate their weight?
How do CO-ANGLERS accumulate their weight?
Are there logo restrictions?
No logo restrictions.
Who will cameramen follow?
Anglers in competition for the win will have a cameraman in the boat with them. It will not matter what boat brand, engine, sponsor, etc.
Failure to coordinate with and accommodate the NWT production crew needs will result in disqualification of that event.
How can I stay posted on National Walleye Tour news and announcements?
Stay up to date on all National Walleye Tour news and events by signing up for our free e-newsletter. Click Here to access event form.
Still have more questions?
Contact Usnational walleye tour payouts
Explore the official National Walleye Tour payouts, including detailed prize money breakdowns for pro and co-angler divisions. See how NWT tournament winnings, championship bonuses, and contingency awards make it one of the most competitive professional walleye fishing circuits in North America.
See Payouts