Fort Peck Lake hosts a major walleye tournament each spring

The Fort Peck Lake Walleye Tournament is an annual spring event held on Fort Peck Lake in northeastern Montana, drawing anglers from across the region to compete for walleye. The tournament typically takes place in May, though the exact dates shift year to year. It is organized by local fishing clubs and the Fort Peck Tribal Fish and Wildlife Department, and it operates under Montana fishing regulations plus any special rules set for the event itself.

Fort Peck Lake is one of Montana's largest reservoirs, spanning over 245,000 acres when full. The lake sits on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and is known for its walleye population, which makes it a natural draw for tournament fishing. The event brings together recreational anglers, guides, and fishing enthusiasts who want to test their skills and compete on a lake with real depth and size.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fort Peck Lake Walleye Tournament runs each spring, typically in May, with dates that vary by year—check with the Fort Peck Tribal Fish and Wildlife Department or local fishing clubs for the current year's schedule.
  • You must hold a valid Montana fishing license and follow all state regulations, plus any tournament-specific rules provided at registration.
  • Fort Peck Lake requires a tribal permit in addition to your state license because the lake sits on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
  • Most tournaments charge an entry fee per boat or per angler, and payouts go to top finishers based on the number of competitors and total prize pool.
  • Walleye on Fort Peck respond to live bait, jigs, and crankbaits, and spring fishing often means working deeper water and structure as the lake warms.

Licenses and permits you need before the tournament

To fish the Fort Peck Lake Walleye Tournament, you must carry a Montana fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website, at sporting goods stores, or at tackle shops near the lake. Licenses are available as daily, annual, or multi-year options. A non-resident annual license covers all species and all waters in Montana.

Because Fort Peck Lake sits on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, you also need a tribal permit. The Fort Peck Tribal Fish and Wildlife Department issues these permits separately from the state license. You can obtain one through their office in Wolf Point, Montana, or through authorized vendors in the area. The permit cost and duration vary, so contact the tribal office directly for current pricing and options.

Check the tournament rules when you register—some events require proof of both licenses at check-in, and some have additional restrictions on gear, boat size, or fishing methods. Read the full rules before you commit to entering.

How the tournament structure and scoring work

Fort Peck walleye tournaments typically run as one-day or two-day events, with anglers fishing from sunrise to a set weigh-in time in the afternoon. Most tournaments are team events (usually two anglers per boat) or individual competitions, depending on how the organizers structure that year's event. You will know the format when you register.

Scoring is almost always based on total weight of fish caught during the tournament window. Anglers keep their catch in a livewell and bring all fish to the official weigh-in at the end of the day. The heaviest total weight wins first place, second place goes to the next heaviest, and so on. Some tournaments use a "big fish" bonus—an extra payout for the single largest walleye caught that day.

Entry fees typically range from $50 to $150 per boat or per angler, depending on the tournament. Prize money comes from entry fees and sometimes from local sponsors. Payouts go to the top three to ten finishers, depending on the number of teams entered. The more competitors, the larger the total prize pool.

Where walleye hold on Fort Peck in spring

Fort Peck Lake is deep and structurally complex, which means walleye location changes with water temperature and season. In spring, when the tournament typically runs, walleye are moving from winter depths toward shallower feeding zones. They concentrate around structure—rocky points, submerged timber, channel ledges, and the mouths of creek arms where current and baitfish movement attract them.

The main lake basin holds walleye in 20 to 40 feet of water during spring, especially near drop-offs and hard bottom. The upper lake arms, particularly the Milk River arm and the Missouri River arm, warm faster than the main basin and hold walleye earlier in the season. Shallow flats with 8 to 15 feet of water can produce in early morning and late evening, but most daytime fishing happens deeper.

Live bait—shiners, chubs, or minnows—fished on jigs or simple slip-sinker rigs works well. Crankbaits that reach 15 to 25 feet are effective, especially in the transition zones between shallow and deep water. Slow presentations work better than fast ones; walleye in spring are not aggressive, and patience pays off.

Practical details for tournament day

Arrive early for check-in, which usually happens the morning of the tournament. You will receive your boat number, official rules, and any last-minute updates. Bring your licenses and permits—the tournament committee will verify them. If you are fishing as a team, both anglers must be present at check-in.

Bring a functioning livewell with adequate aeration to keep walleye alive during the day. Fort Peck is large, and you may spend hours away from the launch, so make sure your boat is fueled, your gear is organized, and your electronics are working. A GPS unit or map of the lake helps you navigate to productive areas quickly. Walleye tournaments often reward anglers who know the lake or fish it regularly, so if you are new to Fort Peck, consider a guided trip beforehand or fish with someone familiar with the water.

Weather on Fort Peck can change quickly. Bring rain gear, a hat, and sunscreen. The lake is exposed and can get rough, so check the forecast and be prepared to adjust your fishing plan if conditions deteriorate. Safety is the priority—if the lake gets too rough, head back to the launch.

Finding the tournament and registering

The Fort Peck Lake Walleye Tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the Fort Peck Tribal Fish and Wildlife Department. To find the current year's tournament date and registration details, contact the Fort Peck Tribal Fish and Wildlife Department in Wolf Point or check with local tackle shops and marinas around Fort Peck Lake. The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and the Malta Chamber of Commerce also have information about fishing events in the area.

Registration typically opens a few weeks before the tournament and closes a few days before the event. Some tournaments fill up, so register early if you plan to enter. You can usually register online, by phone, or in person at a designated location near the lake. Ask about team registration if you plan to fish with a partner—some tournaments require both team members to register together.

What to expect after weigh-in

After the official weigh-in, fish are typically released back into the lake if the tournament rules allow live release. Some events keep fish for a brief period to verify weights and check for rule violations, then release them. Ask the tournament organizers about their release protocol when you register.

Awards are usually announced the same day, either at the weigh-in site or at a nearby venue. Top finishers receive their prize money or awards on the spot or within a few days. The tournament is also a social event—many anglers stick around to talk about the day, share fishing stories, and plan for next year. It is a good way to meet other people who fish Fort Peck and to learn about the lake from experienced locals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish the Fort Peck walleye tournament?

No, you do not need a guide, but one can help if you are unfamiliar with Fort Peck. Guides know where walleye hold at different times of year and can save you hours of searching. Many guides in the Glasgow and Malta area offer tournament prep trips in the weeks before the event.

What is the minimum size for walleye on Fort Peck?

Montana's statewide minimum for walleye is 15 inches. Fort Peck may have additional tribal regulations, so check with the Fort Peck Tribal Fish and Wildlife Department before the tournament. Tournament rules may also set their own size limits, so read the full rules at registration.

Can I fish alone, or do I have to have a partner?

Most Fort Peck walleye tournaments are team events requiring two anglers per boat, but some years offer individual or solo divisions. Check the tournament rules when you register to see what formats are offered that year.

What if the weather is bad on tournament day?

If conditions become unsafe, the tournament may be postponed or cancelled. The organizers will make that call the morning of the event and notify all registered participants. Check your email or phone the night before for any updates.

How far is Fort Peck Lake from the nearest town?

Fort Peck Lake is in northeastern Montana, roughly 40 miles northeast of Glasgow and 50 miles south of Malta. Both towns have motels, restaurants, and tackle shops. The lake has several public access points and boat launches, with the main facilities at Fort Peck Marina and the Fort Peck Dam area.