GARRISON, N.D. (August 27, 2026) — The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive is underway on Lake Sakakawea, where the top 40 professional anglers and top 40 co-anglers in the nation are competing for Championship titles, Progressive Angler of the Year honors, and some of the biggest prizes in professional walleye fishing. Fans can follow the action LIVE throughout the remainder of the event.
Isaac Lakich put together the biggest bag of Day One, bringing 28 pounds, 8 ounces to the scales to claim the professional division lead.
Alec Nickel sits second with 22 pounds, 13 ounces, while Duane Hjelm and Jayden Wendel are tied for third with 22 pounds, 5 ounces. Hunter Nitti rounds out the Top 5 with 22 pounds, 4 ounces.
With two days remaining and a 2026 Nitro ZV21 powered by a Mercury 250 XL Pro XS plus $20,000 awaiting the champion, the race is far from over.
Live leaderboard
Derek Gilbert Leads Co-Angler Division
Derek Gilbert matched Lakich’s weight with 28 pounds, 8 ounces to take the Day One lead in the co-angler division. Kristin Meyers sits second with 22 pounds, 13 ounces, while Curtis Eichberg and Tim Jahns are tied for third at 22 pounds, 5 ounces. Michael Bakken rounds out the Top 5 with 22 pounds, 4 ounces.
After becoming the first woman to win a National Walleye Tour event earlier this season in Oconto, Kristin Meyers has another opportunity to make history. Meyers sits second after Day One and is within striking distance of becoming the first woman to win the National Walleye Tour Championship.
Beau Schilling Holds The AOY Advantage
While the Championship title remains up for grabs, Beau Schilling remains in control of the 2026 Progressive Angler of the Year race.
Schilling leads the standings with 981 points, followed by Isaac Lakich (961), Duane Hjelm (940), Eric McQuoid (928), and Jayden Wendel (923).
With two days remaining, Schilling has positioned himself to capture the 2026 Progressive Angler of the Year title and a 2026 Ranger 620FS powered by a Mercury 250 XL Pro XS, valued at $101,995.
Follow the Action!
Fans can stay up to date with LIVE coverage, view the latest results and leaderboards, and follow the road to crowning a National Walleye Tour Champion on Lake Sakakawea.
Competition resumes Friday morning from Fort Stevenson State Park Marina as anglers continue their pursuit of National Walleye Tour Championship glory. By Saturday afternoon, one professional angler and one co-angler will be crowned Champions, while the 2026 Progressive Angler of the Year and Progressive Co-Angler of the Year races will 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. Renowned for world-class walleye fishing and breathtaking scenery, Lake Sakakawea provides the perfect setting to crown the season’s champions.
