Hjelm and Keller Assert Dominance on Oahe to Earn Champions Trophies

Hjelm and Keller Assert Dominance on Oahe to Earn Champions Trophies

Presented By: Ranger

Mobridge, South Dakota – June 2, 2025 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit ran its fourth qualifier of the season on Lake Oahe out of Mobridge, SD. Lake Oahe is the fourth largest reservoir in the country, capable of sustaining expansive populations of walleyes. It lends itself to being fished with many different techniques in many different depths. This being the 4th event of the year, the points race has become more defined with teams constantly evaluating their goals and striving for those top spots on the leaderboard. Max Wilson and Marc Wilson currently hold a healthy lead in the Team of the Year race after Lake Oahe being their 4th event fished.

The weather in South Dakota was shaping up great for 2 days of competitive fishing, with the sun staying out and the wind laying down. Teams were confident, and many had a great showing on day 1. Mitch and Robin Huber have begun to create a pattern with their day 1 leads this season, weighing a whopping 25-13 of 5 walleyes. With many close weights to follow, pressure was high going into day 2.

Day 2 started with some rain before sunrise, and sustained winds just enough to change things up for some teams. For Duane Hjelm and Tyson Keller, their program was solid enough to put them in 5th place day 1, and it held true on day 2. They took off south for a short run, roughly 15 miles south to fish near Swan Creek. With ground to make up on day 2, Hjelm said before take-off they needed to pull off a “rally bag.” Fishing a school of walleyes only they were targeting, they made risky decisions in the morning to swing for the fences. They threw back 5 overs before committing to two of them that cleared 9.5lbs. Using their Lowrance electronics, they were chasing down big fish and casting Mooch Minnows at them in 20’-50’ of water. The program for their “unders” – fish between 15” and 20” – was to search for them shallow, forcing them to utilize their time wisely.

When weigh-in time rolled around on day 2, Hjelm and Keller put the heaviest bag of the event on the scales at 27lbs and 5oz, achieving a two-day total of 50lbs and 13oz, and winning the event with a clear lead of over 4lbs. Hjelm and Keller have been fishing Oahe and cashing checks together for years, neither plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Earning a champions trophy in this Lake Oahe Masters Walleye Circuit Qualifier comes with a paid berth into the 2026 National Team Championship. Duane Hjelm and Tyson Keller took home $10,100 in Cash, $3,822 in Option Pot Cash, $8000 Ranger Cup Bonus, $750 Cash for the Lowrance Exclusive Bonus, and the NTC prize package valued at $1000 consisting of custom NTC jerseys, custom NTC plaques, and a cash travel stipend for a total of $23,672 in cash and prizes!

Lake Oahe gave up big weights and kept competition high to reach a Top 5 Finish:

2nd: Justin Cole & Melissa Daughtrey, 46-10, $5,050 Cash, $2,750 Option Pot Cash

3rd: Larry Kammerer & Ali Shakoor, 45-01, $3,400 Cash

4th: Josh Olson & Monte Olson, 44-15, $2,450 Cash

5th: Max Wilson & Marc Wilson, 44-11, $2,000 Cash, $1,750 3rd Place Option Pot Cash

Honorably, the 11th place team of Cody Stoner and Sam Domke weighed 41lbs and 12oz and took home the Lowrance Trolling Motor bonus of $500 for running a Lowrance Ghost or Recon trolling motor, alongside their 11th place check for $1,050, and 7th place option pot cash of $750. Stoner and Domke also won Big Fish on day 2 with an 11lb 12oz walleye.

Overall, 128 anglers competed in this event representing 9 different states and the country of Ireland, catching 488 fish for a total of 1,667 pounds of healthy Lake Oahe walleye.

Lake Oahe restricts each angler to one fish over 20” per day, allowing the walleye there to grow to truly special size classes. On day 1 Larry Kammerer and Ali Shakoor showcased a 13lb 5oz giant Lake Oahe walleye that was the heaviest fish of the event and earned them the Salmo Java sponsored prize package consisting of an Aero-Press, hat, and a bag of their signature brand of coffee.

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 Devil’s 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. MWC’s “Living the Dream” team, using points from four qualifiers throughout the regular season, will earn a sponsorship package valued up to $15,000 which includes a spot to compete in the National Team Championship and up to four paid MWC events.

Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event. Overall payout is awarded to 20% of the field, 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. Ranger Cup adds $8,000, alongside the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses which 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 40+ 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 on Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are looking forward to their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, T-H Marine and Salmo Java Coffee.

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.

Bay de Noc Takes Spotlight for Next Masters Walleye Circuit Qualifier in Gladstone, MI

Bay de Noc Takes Spotlight for Next Masters Walleye Circuit Qualifier in Gladstone, MI

Presented by: Lowrance

Ponca City, Oklahoma – May 30, 2025 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) fifth qualifying event of the 2025 season will be held in Gladstone, Michigan, on the world-class waters of Bay de Noc. The event is scheduled for July 18–19, 2025 and promises intense competition and exciting action as top walleye anglers from across the country converge on this storied fishery.

Located along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, Bay de Noc is widely recognized as one of the Midwest’s premier walleye destinations. Known for its expansive structure, diverse water depths, and consistent production of trophy-sized fish, the bay offers a challenging and rewarding venue for tournament anglers.

Each team will be allowed to weigh five walleyes per day, with a limit of one fish per angler over 23 inches. While Bay de Noc holds plenty of big fish, success in this event will also hinge on targeting “unders” – walleyes measuring just under the 23-inch mark – to build the most competitive weights across both days of fishing.

“The organizations of the Delta County Commerce Center, the City of Gladstone, and the Island Resort and Casino are proud to sponsor the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit tournament and welcome anglers from across the nation to experience our world-class fishery,” said Vickie Micheau, Executive Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce. “Events like this not only highlight the incredible natural resources we have here in our waterfront community, but also provide a strong economic boost to our local businesses—from hotels and restaurants to bait shops and gas stations. It’s a win for our community on every level.”

“We’ve had the privilege of working with the professional organizers of MWC events for decades, and we deeply value the strong partnership we’ve built over the years. Collaborating with them on this tournament has been both significant and gratifying.”

On tournament days take-offs will begin at 7:00 a.m. (EST) each morning from the North Shore Boat Launch with live weigh-ins to follow each afternoon beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Van Cleve Park. Spectators are encouraged to attend the free, family-friendly event to watch the action unfold in person.

For those unable to attend, live coverage will be available online at www.masterswalleyecircuit.com and through the official MWC Facebook page at facebook.com/MastersWalleyeCircuit.

Registration for this tournament on Bay de Noc out of Gladstone, Michigan closes on Monday, July 7, 2025. Teams that are interested in signing up should visit:

www.masterswalleyecircuit.com/registration

or call

Federation National Office at (580) 765-9031.

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 Devil’s 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. MWC’s “Living the Dream” team, using points from four qualifiers throughout the regular season, will earn a sponsorship package valued up to $15,000 which includes a spot to compete in the National Team Championship and up to four paid MWC events.

Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event. Overall payout is awarded to 20% of the field, 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, Ranger Cup, Lowrance Recon Trolling Motor valued at $3599, the big-fish pot, option-pot and other 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 40+ 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 on Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are looking forward to their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, T-H Marine, Seakeeper and Salmo Java Coffee.

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.

MWC Live Coverage

2025 Masters Walleye Circuit  – Lake Oahe, Mobridge, SD

LIVE coverage of 2025 Masters Walleye Circuit at Lake Oahe- Presented by Ranger Boats, May 30-31, 2025 at 3:15pm CT.

LIVE Leaderboard will begin updating once the weigh-in begins at each event click the BLUE link below!

LIVE Leaderboard

LIVE video will be done where a suitable internet connection can be secured lakeside and will be shown below. Live streaming video will go live a couple of minutes before the published weigh-in time for that event if we have a connection.
Check out our Live Facebook feed coverage. CLICK HERE

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit “On The Hunt” for Big Walleyes on Lake Oahe

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit “On The Hunt” for Big Walleyes on Lake Oahe

Presented by: Ranger

Ponca City, Oklahoma – May 5, 2025 – The anglers of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit are eagerly preparing for the 4th qualifying event in Mobridge, South Dakota on Lake Oahe. Lake Oahe is just one section of the longest river in the United States, the Missouri River which stretches all the way from Montana down to the Mississippi River where it meets in St. Louis, MO. The walleye-packed Missouri River is a favored fishery among walleye anglers across the Midwest, not only for the quantity of fish but also impressive quality.

Teams will be allowed to weigh 5 fish each day, with one fish per angler over 20”. Lake Oahe is known to have very large walleyes, but anglers will have to find the right size “unders” as close to 20” as possible to earn a top finish in this event. With this added challenge, anglers will be looking to gain as much expertise as possible with the vast amount of techniques at their disposal to fish this diverse body of water.

Mobridge Tourism Committee Co-Chair Jesse Konold said “…the community is excited to have this opportunity to host and show off the world class fishery that is Lake Oahe. It should be prime time for some giant walleyes to hit the scale.”

Event specifics for May 30-31, 2025 include a 7:00 am (CST) take-off each day at the Indian Creek Recreation Area, with live weigh-ins beginning at 3:15 pm at Wrigley Square in Mobridge, SD. Spectators are welcomed to join in person as the weigh-in is free and open to the public, or follow the action live online at masterswalleyecircuit.com or on the official Facebook page, facebook.com/MastersWalleyeCircuit.

Registration for this tournament on Lake Oahe out of Mobridge, South Dakota closes on Monday, May 26, 2025. Teams that are interested in signing up should visit:

www.masterswalleyecircuit.com/registration

or call

Federation National Office at (580) 765-9031.

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 Devil’s 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. MWC’s “Living the Dream” team, using points from four qualifiers throughout the regular season, will earn a sponsorship package valued up to $15,000 which includes a spot to compete in the National Team Championship and up to four paid MWC events.

Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event. Overall payout is awarded to 20% of the field, 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, Ranger Cup, the big-fish pot, option-pot and other 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 40+ 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 on Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are looking forward to their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, T-H Marine and Salmo Java Coffee.

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.