SPRINGFIELD, MO (Oct. 29, 2026) – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour, presented by Progressive, has announced its 2027 schedule, unveiling an exciting new chapter for the Tour. The season will kick off with a highly anticipated trip south to Arkansas, as the NWT heads to Bull Shoals Lake for the first time since 2005, a return over two decades in the making!
New for 2027, the NWT is excited to announce that the Professional division will feature an invitation-only field designed to elevate competition and create a premiere level of professional walleye fishing. Meanwhile, the Co-Angler division will remain open to the public, giving anglers of all experience levels the opportunity to compete against and learn from the nation’s top walleye pros.
“Our goal is to make the National Walleye Tour the ultimate competitive experience in professional walleye fishing. Every decision we’ve made for 2027 is focused on raising the standard. We want to build a Tour that challenges the best anglers in the sport, showcases their talent on a bigger stage, and is something that competitors are proud to be a part of, year after year. This is about more than a new format and schedule. It’s about investing in the future of the sport and continuing to elevate what professional walleye fishing can be.” – Eric Naig, Tournament Director, National Walleye Tour
2027 National Walleye Tour Schedule
From a historic return to Arkansas to some of the country’s most renowned walleye fisheries, the 2027 schedule sets the stage for an exciting season of professional walleye fishing. With a diverse lineup of destinations, the Tour will put the nation’s top anglers to the test as they pursue Championship and Progressive Angler of the Year honors.
The season features four regular-season events followed by the Championship, with stops across Arkansas, Minnesota, and Michigan. The NWT welcomes the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, and Seven Clans Casino – Warroad as host partners for the upcoming season. Adding another element to the competition, the new split bait format will encourage new strategies and give anglers opportunities to showcase different approaches to walleye fishing.
- March 11-12, 2027 – Bull Shoals, AR (Live Bait)
- May 13-14, 2027 – Mississippi River, MN (No Live Bait)
- June 10-11, 2027 – Saginaw Bay, MI (No Live Bait)
- August 20-21, 2027 – Leech Lake, MN (Live Bait)
- September 9-11, 2027 – Championship – Lake of the Woods, MN (TBD – Coin Flip)
“We wanted to build a 2027 schedule that brings something different to the table at every stop. Bringing the Tour back to Arkansas gives us an opportunity to compete in an area of the country that we don’t visit often, while our stops in Minnesota and Michigan offer anglers a variety of challenges throughout the season. Pairing that lineup with the new split bait format creates an exciting opportunity to test anglers’ versatility and bring a fresh dynamic to the NWT.” – Eric Naig, Tournament Director, National Walleye Tour
View the 2027 rules here. Event fact sheets and off-limits windows are coming soon.
Invitation-Only Professional Field Introduced for 2027
Beginning in 2027, the NWT Professional division will feature an invitation-only field of 100 anglers. The new format establishes defined qualification pathways that reward competitive performance while creating greater consistency across the Tour.
The Professional field will consist of:
- 80 anglers qualifying through the 2026 NWT Progressive Angler of the Year standings.
- 10 anglers qualifying through the Masters Walleye Circuit.
- Five co-anglers advancing from the 2026 NWT Progressive Co-Angler of the Year standings.
- Five at-large invitations.
Professional invitations will be issued directly to qualifying anglers beginning the week of November 2, 2026. Anglers who accept an invitation will receive guaranteed entry for both the 2027 and 2028 seasons, providing greater stability for competitors and continuity for sponsors and fans.
The updated format represents a strategic investment in the competitive structure of the Tour, with an emphasis on rewarding performance, elevating the level of competition, and creating a stronger platform for professional walleye fishing.
When asked about the impact of the invitation-only Professional field, 2026 NWT Pro Champion Isaac Lakich said: “I think it definitely adds to the level of intensity throughout the season. Everyone that you see at the first event are going to be the same guys you see at the fourth…I think you’re going to see some rivalries emerge from that, more than they already are.”
Co-Angler Division Remains Open to the Public
While the Professional division transitions to an invitation-only format, the Co-Angler division will remain open to public participation, preserving an important pathway for anglers to compete and learn alongside the NWT Professional field.
Registration will be managed through Fishing Chaos, with the following dates established for the 2027 season:
- December 2, 2026: Priority all-in registration opens for eligible Co-Anglers registering for all four regular-season events. Priority will be given first to Co-Anglers who competed in all four 2026 NWT events, followed by qualifying WRMG boat owners.
- December 16, 2026: Single-event Co-Angler registration opens to the general public for remaining spots.
For additional details on the upcoming season, visit NationalWalleyeTour.com.