GARRISON, N.D. (August 29, 2026) – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive concluded its 2026 season on legendary Lake Sakakawea, crowning four champions during a dramatic Championship Saturday. Isaac Lakich captured the National Walleye Tour Championship, Kristin Meyers made history as the first woman ever to win a National Walleye Tour Championship, Beau Schilling secured the Progressive Angler of the Year title, and Michael George claimed Progressive Co-Angler of the Year honors.
Lakich Finishes the Job
After entering Championship Saturday with a commanding lead, Isaac Lakich left little doubt as he closed out the tournament with a three-day total of 75 pounds, 14 ounces, earning the 2026 National Walleye Tour Championship. Alec Nickel finished second with 60 pounds, 5 ounces, while Jake Caughey rounded out the Top 3 with 59 pounds, 14 ounces.
For Lakich, the victory represented the culmination of years spent chasing one of professional walleye fishing’s most coveted titles.
“It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve been chasing one of these,” Lakich said.“What an unbelievable week here on Sakakawea. Just the kind of thing dreams are made of.”
The Michigan pro relied on patience and precision throughout Championship week. Lakich described his winning pattern as an ultra-finesse approach featuring slow presentations and exact bait placement around fish using Garmin LiveScope.
“It was all about being finesse. Super slow cadence, super slow presentation, not overworking the fish and being really precise in how I was presenting my bait,” Lakich explained.
His primary presentation featured a 3/8-ounce tungsten setup tipped with a small piece of crawler, while also rotating through Jig Raps and other presentations as conditions evolved throughout the week.
Lakich’s Championship victory earns him a Nitro ZV21 powered by a Mercury 250 XL Pro XS plus $20,000, cementing his place among National Walleye Tour champions.
Top 5 Pros
- Isaac Lakich – 75 lbs. 14 oz.
- Alec Nickel – 60 lbs. 5 oz.
- Jake Caughey – 59 lbs. 14 oz.
- Austin Tomasek – 57 lbs. 1 oz.
- Rande Woodland – 56 lbs. 15 oz.
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Kristin Meyers Makes History
One of the biggest storylines entering Championship Saturday became reality as Kristin Meyers completed a historic run to become the first woman ever to win a National Walleye Tour Championship. Meyers finished with 70 pounds, 3 ounces to claim the co-angler title.
Derek Gilbert finished second with 59 pounds, 7 ounces, while Bo Conner claimed third with 58 pounds, 2 ounces.
Meyers arrived at the Championship focused on learning from some of the best anglers in the sport. Along the way, she found herself paired with Championship winner Isaac Lakich for both Day 2 and Day 3, allowing her to witness first-hand how one of the tour’s best anglers approached Lake Sakakawea.
“This is crazy,” Meyers said after hoisting the trophy.“I loved every minute of it.”
Throughout the week, Meyers repeatedly emphasized the educational opportunities provided by the co-angler division and the chance to learn from elite professionals.
“Being paired with Isaac was a great experience,” Meyers said.“I’m just super excited and grateful for the opportunity.”
The Championship victory adds another milestone to an already memorable season for Meyers and secures her place in National Walleye Tour history.
Top 5 Co-Anglers
- Kristin Meyers – 70 lbs. 3 oz.
- Derek Gilbert – 59 lbs. 7 oz.
- Bo Conner – 58 lbs. 2 oz.
- Hayden Mees – 57 lbs. 7 oz.
- Matthew Schwab – 57 lbs. 1 oz.
Beau Schilling Claims AOY
While Championship trophies were awarded on the stage in Garrison, one of the season’s most prestigious accomplishments was also finalized.
After carrying the lead into the Championship, AFTCO and Rapala pro Beau Schilling officially secured the 2026 Progressive Angler of the Year title with 972 points.
At the young age of 19, Beau Schilling becomes the youngest ever to win the National Walleye Tour Progressive Angler of the Year. Beau put together one of the most consistent seasons in recent National Walleye Tour history, recording strong finishes from start to finish and never allowing himself to become comfortable.
“It’s been a beautiful year. Everything fell into place,” Schilling said.
Schilling will take home a 2026 Ranger 620FS powered by a Mercury 250 XL Pro XS, awarded to the Progressive Angler of the Year.
Final AOY Results!
Michael George Earns Co-AOY
Michael George capped off an impressive season by claiming the 2026 Progressive Co-Angler of the Year title with 895 points.
George credited a strong start on his home waters of Lake Erie as the foundation for a season-long title run.
“It feels great. Started off early in the season with a fifth-place finish on my home Lake Erie and that kind of set the tone for the rest of the season,” George said.
George also praised the National Walleye Tour pro anglers, citing the opportunity to learn from some of the best fishermen in the sport throughout the season.
Looking Ahead to 2027
While the 2026 season has come to a close, attention now turns to 2027 and a new qualification structure for the National Walleye Tour.
The 2027 professional field will consist of 100 anglers, with 80 anglers qualifying through the 2026 NWT Angler of the Year standings, 10 anglers qualifying through the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC), the Top 5 finishers in the Progressive Co-Angler of the Year standings earning the opportunity to advance to the pro division, and 5 at-large invitations awarded by the National Walleye Tour to complete the field.
All anglers who accept invitations into the 2027 field will receive guaranteed entry for both the 2027 and 2028 National Walleye Tour seasons.
For co-anglers, priority registration for 2027 will be offered first to anglers who competed in all four NWT events during the 2026 season. Following that priority period, registration for all four 2027 events will open to the public.
Additional information regarding the 2027 schedule, field invitations, and registration dates will be announced soon.
Thank You Garrison!
The National Walleye Tour extends its appreciation to the Garrison Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Garrison, and the entire Lake Sakakawea community for hosting the 2026 Championship. Lake Sakakawea has once again provided a world-class stage for professional walleye fishing as anglers battle for Championship glory.
