2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Schedule Release
The Legacy Continues: “Best Waters at The Best Times – Toughest Anglers on Planet Earth”
Ponca City, Oklahoma – August 10, 2024 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) continues its tradition of fishing the “Best Waters at The Best Times” across the walleye world. As the nation’s longest-running team-format walleye circuit, the MWC features the “Toughest Anglers on Planet Earth” while offering over 100% payback in cash and prizes annually. Competitors will have the chance to fish diverse locations, from the walleye-rich Great Lakes in the East to the Missouri River in the West, home to some of the largest walleyes in the country.
In the 2025 season, teams competing in the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit will have the chance to qualify for the MWC’s World Walleye Championship (WWC) in the Fall of 2026. Teams that participate in three or more events and accumulate enough points will secure a spot in North America’s longest-running walleye circuit championship and vie for the prestigious title of World Walleye Champions.
“2025 looks to be a really exciting year with great host communities and great waters for competition.” Said Jeff Kelm, Tournament Director for the Masters Walleye Circuit. “Anglers will have the opportunity to get on some of the best bites in each location. Timing of all locations should line up excellent!”
The 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit schedule, pending permit approvals from the various state and federal agencies, will proceed as follows:
March 21-22 – Illinois River, Spring Valley, Illinois
April 11-12 – Lake Erie, Port Clinton, Ohio
May 2-3 – Lake Petenwell, Rome, Wisconsin
May 30-31 – Lake Oahe, Mobridge, South Dakota
July 18-19 – Bay De Noc, Gladstone, Michigan
September 12-13 – Cass Lake, Cass Lake, Minnesota
2025 World Walleye Championship (WWC) – October 9-11, Alexandria, MN (Le Homme Dieu Chain) (2024 Season Qualifiers)
2026 World Walleye Championship (WWC) – Devils Lake, North Dakota (2025 Season Qualifiers)
As part of the 2025 MWC season, anglers will vie for a coveted spot in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s World Walleye Championship in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Teams can participate in as many events as they wish, with points earned in at least three qualifiers necessary for an invitation to the World Walleye Championship. Those earning points in at least four qualifiers compete for “Team of the Year” honors, including a $10,000 sponsorship package and thousands more in cash and prizes to the top 10 teams in the “best of 4” final standing each year.
The MWC is open to walleye anglers from all walks of life. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to find a partner, sign up and fish all MWC events, or even just one that is local to you, for a shot at great paybacks. Additionally, the new points structure implemented in the 2024 season, based in part on angler feedback received during previous seasons, better protects those team’s efforts who are fishing 3 or more events each season. MWC Rule #14 details the specifics of how to earn points, based on the number of events attended. For anglers looking to compete for “Team of the Year”, and/or gain entry into the World Walleye Championship, it is recommended to fully understand the necessary steps to ensure they are earning points as intended.
MWC pays back more than 100% in cash and prizes each season and each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered. For the entire 2025 season, the winners of each event are GUARANTEED minimum of $10,000 First Place prize. The top 20% of the field at each qualifying event earns a check providing more inspiration to sign up and join the fun. In addition to a hefty check, the first-place team also earns a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) prize package including: paid entry, a travel stipend, team jerseys, and plaques. Additionally, the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses will add thousands more for distribution among the field.
Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame, has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for the past 41 years. The 2025 schedule includes six qualifiers in six states, plus berths into the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Visit masterswalleyecircuit.com for full details.
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s will be in their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, Lew’s Fishing, Dakota Lithium, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, Church Tackle, FishLab, Okuma, and T-H Marine. For more information, email support@masterswalleyecircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031.
