Springfield, MO —The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive is proud to announce continued structural changes set to take effect beginning with the 2027 season, marking a dedicated effort in the evolution of professional walleye fishing.
As previously announced beginning in 2027, the NWT will transition to an invitation-only format. Based on feedback and the growing interest the NWT is making an announcement to expand invitations for the 2027 field to 100 professional anglers and 100 co-anglers. These changes are designed to elevate competition, provide long-term stability for anglers, increase payouts and further establish the NWT as the premier professional walleye circuit.
Updated Qualification Structure
The 2027 professional field will be determined as follows:
Primary Qualification – NWT AOY
- 80 anglers will qualify based on the 2026 NWT Angler of the Year (AOY) standings, establishing AOY as the primary pathway into the Tour.
Secondary Qualification – MWC
- 10 anglers will qualify through the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC), serving as the secondary pathway.
Discretionary Invitations
- 10 at-large invitations will be awarded at the discretion of the National Walleye Tour to complete the 100-angler field with priority given to owners of Ranger, Nitro and Triton boats.
Two-Year Qualification Guarantee
All anglers who accept invitations into the 2027 NWT field will receive:
- Guaranteed entry for both the 2027 and 2028 seasons
Looking Ahead
These updates represent a significant investment in the future of professional walleye fishing—rewarding performance, simplifying qualification pathways, and offering greater long-term opportunity for anglers competing on the National Walleye Tour.
Additional details regarding the 2027 rules, event format, and invitation process will be released following the conclusion of the 2026 season. The details will include expansion of live coverage, additional media outlets airing and streaming the NWT content, payouts, schedule and more.
Updated Team of the Year standings and Lake Oahe payout information is live on our website!
Up Next: Bay De Noc on Lake Michigan
The National Walleye Tour now heads to Gladstone, Michigan, for Stop No. 3 of the 2026 season at Bay De Noc on Lake Michigan, June 18-19.
Tournament takeoff will launch daily from North Shore Boat Launch in Wells, Michigan, with weigh-ins held at Van Cleve Park in Gladstone beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Fans can follow along with expanded live coverage, leaderboard updates, videos and weigh-in action throughout the event on the National Walleye Tour’s social channels and website.
