Whether it’s seeking a relaxing day on the water, a couple quick casts after work, or a full fishing vacation there are numerous ways to enjoy the sport of fishing. Indeed, fishing can be enjoyed by anyone, anyway they wish, and for anglers looking to take their fishing to the next level one of these ways is by competing in tournaments.
Fishing is tradition in South Dakota, and right along with that tradition is walleye fishing tournaments. Whether it’s the South Dakota Governor’s Cup, the longest running known event in the country, or a local event there are tournaments that take place across the state for anglers to enjoy.
The schedule for 2025 is going to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with visits by the National Walleye Tour (NWT), Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC), National Team Championship (NTC), and numerous other events as well. South Dakota has some of the best walleye fisheries in the country, and will be receiving that nationwide attention all season long!
To follow along this season, we’ve put together this tracker of all of the major events taking place across the state this year!
National Team Championship Comes to Pickstown
The most prestigious event in walleye fishing, the National Team Championship, will take place on Lake Francis Case this season. The event will launch out of Pickstown, fishing on the lower end of the reservoir in mid-June. This event is an invitational only, featuring anglers from across the country that have qualified through their respective The Walleye Federation events.
National Walleye Tour Comes to Pierre
Due to a scheduling issue with North Dakota, the National Walleye Tour will be starting their season on Lake Sharpe in Pierre. This event will take place at the end of April, launching out of Downs Marina and fishing the 80 mile long river system.
Masters Walleye Circuit Comes to Mobridge
Following some incredible tournaments in recent memory, and a record-breaking fall of 2023, the Masters Walleye Circuit will be returning for an early summer tournament on Lake Oahe in Mobridge. Lake Oahe is one of the best trophy walleye fisheries in the country, and the timing sets up for yet another strong tournament similar to what was seen in 2021 and 2022.
South Dakota Governor’s Cup Set for July 19-20
Following the 50th annual event in 2024, the South Dakota Governor’s Cup tradition will continue July 19-20, 2025. The longest known running walleye tournament launches out of Spring Creek Recreation Area north of Pierre onto Lake Oahe and frequently features numerous trophy caliber walleye coming across the scales.
Sharpe Showdown Set for April 26-27
The third annual Sharpe Showdown will take place April 26-27, which is the Saturday and Sunday immediately following the National Walleye Tour event. This event is hosted by the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce and put on by The Fishing Crew. This tournament launches out of Downs Marina and fishes on Lake Sharpe in Pierre.
Cedar Shore Resort Walleye Tournament Set for April 12-13
A staple of early season tournaments on Lake Francis Case in Chamberlain, the Cedar Shore Resort Walleye Tournament will take place April 12-13. This tournament was pushed back a week for 2025 to increase the probability of better weather after Day One of the 2024 tournament was cancelled due to extreme winds.
Platte Area Chamber of Commerce Tournament Set for May 3
The 29th Annual Platte Area Chamber of Commerce Fishing Tournament will take place Saturday, May 3. This tournament launches out of Platte Creek Recreation Area and fishes on Lake Francis Case in Platte.
The Midwest Walleye Challenge-South Dakota
New for 2025, South Dakota will be joining The Midwest Walleye Challenge. This is an online, citizen science event that takes place in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Michigan. The event will take place April 1-June 29.
New South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Event System
This past November, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) launched a new event system for individuals to register for all classes, programs, and events within the state. This is also where all fishing tournaments are posted, to view these simply select the “Fishing Tournament” option in the filtering menu.
We have a look at several major tournaments that have already received their permits and been posted. Be sure to check back to this system frequently as more event applications are submitted, approved, and posted.
Additional South Dakota Fishing Tournaments Scheduled
- April 19: 26th Annual Lake Francis Case Walleye Tournament (Cedar Shore Marina)
- April 26: Casting Vets Cup (Angostura State Recreation Area)
- May 3: Trail One and Two-Big Stone (Hartford Beach)
- June 7: Bass Team Open at North Point (North Point Recreation Area)
- August 23: Trail Three and Four-Lake Sharpe (North Shore Boat Ramp)
Whether you’re a seasoned tournament angler or looking to fish your first event, there are numerous ways to test your skills against your fellow anglers out on the water. Stay up to date with all tournament happenings by following our Fishing Tournament News section.
