GARRISON, N.D. (August 28, 2026) — The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive is headed for a dramatic Championship Saturday on Lake Sakakawea, where one professional angler and one co-angler remain just one day away from claiming National Walleye Tour Championship titles. Fans can relive today’s action through LIVE On The Water Coverage and the Day 2 Weigh-In.
Isaac Lakich Maintains Control
Isaac Lakich enters the final day atop the professional standings with 48 pounds, 12 ounces. Lakich expanded his lead on Day 2 and now holds a 4-pound, 13-ounce advantage over second-place Duane Hjelm.
The margin could have been even larger.
During Friday’s LIVE On The Water coverage, Lakich released what would have been his fifth keeper of the day, a fish estimated in the 3 to 4-pound range.
See Clip Here!
While the decision left weight on the table, Lakich still returns to the water Saturday in the driver’s seat as he pursues the National Walleye Tour Championship and a 2026 Nitro ZV21 powered by a Mercury 250 XL Pro XS plus $20,000.
Duane Hjelm sits second with 43 pounds, 15 ounces, followed by Jake Caughey in third with 41 pounds, 8 ounces. Austin Tomasek is fourth with 41 pounds, 3 ounces, while Day 1 runner-up Alec Nickel rounds out the Top 5 with 39 pounds, 15 ounces.
Kristin Meyers Chasing History
The co-angler division features one of the most compelling storylines of the Championship.
After becoming the first woman to win a National Walleye Tour event earlier this season in Oconto, Kristin Meyers now leads the Championship standings with 43 pounds, 1 ounce. With one day remaining, Meyers is in position to become the first woman to win a National Walleye Tour Championship.
Tim Jahns sits second with 41 pounds, 14 ounces, just 1 pound, 3 ounces off the lead. Day 1 leader Derek Gilbert remains within striking distance in third with 41 pounds, 1 ounce. Curtis Eichberg is fourth with 38 pounds, 15 ounces, while Matthew Schwab rounds out the Top 5 with 36 pounds, 11 ounces.
With Championship trophies, cash payouts, and history on the line, Saturday’s final weigh-in promises to be one of the most exciting finishes of the season.
Both Leaders, One Boat
With one day remaining, Championship Saturday will feature one of the most compelling pairings of the season.
Professional leader Isaac Lakich and co-angler leader Kristin Meyers will compete from the same boat as both anglers attempt to hold on to their respective leads.
Lakich enters the final day with a 4-pound, 13-ounce advantage in the pro division, while Meyers leads the co-angler field by 1 pound, 3 ounces. Fans will be able to follow both championship leaders throughout the day as they are scheduled to be featured during LIVE On The Water coverage.
Live leaderboard!
Beau Schilling Remains In Control Of AOY Race
While Championship titles remain up for grabs, the race for Progressive Angler of the Year is nearing its conclusion.
Beau Schilling continues to lead the standings with 973 points heading into the final day. Isaac Lakich has strengthened his position in second with 961 points, while Duane Hjelm remains third with 941 points. Eric McQuoid sits fourth at 928 points, and Dylan Nussbaum rounds out the Top 5 with 924 points.
One day remains before the 2026 Progressive Angler of the Year is crowned and awarded a 2026 Ranger 620FS powered by a Mercury 250 XL Pro XS, valued at $101,995.
Follow the Action!
The final day of the 2026 Championship begins Saturday morning from Fort Stevenson State Park Marina as the nation’s top professional anglers and co-anglers make one last push for National Walleye Tour glory.
Fans can follow the action through LIVE Coverage, watch the On The Water Replay, catch the Day 2 Weigh-In Replay, and monitor the latest results and leaderboards throughout Championship Saturday.
By Saturday afternoon, one professional angler and one co-angler will be crowned National Walleye Tour Champions, while the 2026 Progressive Angler of the Year and Progressive Co-Angler of the Year races will officially be decided.
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.
