Illinois River’s Return as the First Stop of the 2025 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit Season
Presented by: Lowrance
Ponca City, Oklahoma – February 3rd, 2025 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is prepped for take-off of its 42nd season with its annual return to the Illinois River in Spring Valley, presented by Lowrance. Anglers from across the country look to this event as a mark of spring finally arriving, although it comes with its own set of challenges when mother nature decides winter isn’t over.
The Masters Walleye Circuit and its anglers will once again be assisting the Illinois DNR with their phenomenal stocking program that keeps this river system loaded with the quality saugers that will be coming across the stage for weigh-in. Although the saugers in the Illinois River are very healthy, this event has a history of needing to find the golden ticket of a 6+ pound pre-spawn walleye in order to secure a top spot.
When asked about looking forward to the first event of the season, Masters Walleye Circuit Tournament Director and On Stage Announcer, Jeff Kelm gave his outlook, “Each year I look forward to seeing old and new faces, this is year is no different. I often hear that it must be fun to visit so many great places, and it is, but its all the anglers and the people involved in making these events happen that make it so exciting to attend.”
Event specifics include a 7:30 am (CDT) take-off each day, given safe light conditions, and live weigh-ins both at the Spring Valley Boat Club at 3:30 pm (CDT) on March 21-22, 2025. 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 the Illinois River out of Spring Valley, Illinois closes on Monday, March 17, 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, 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 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, Lew’s Fishing, Dakota Lithium, 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.
