What the Governor's Walleye Cup is and how to fish it
The Governor's Walleye Cup is North Dakota's marquee walleye tournament, held annually on one of the state's major lakes. The event draws hundreds of anglers who compete in a two-day format, fishing from public access points and launching from designated marinas. You fish during set hours each day, weigh your catch at an official weigh station, and compete against other teams for prize money and bragging rights.
The tournament is open to anyone with a valid North Dakota fishing license. Most years the event runs in June or July, though the exact dates and host lake change annually. Entry fees typically run between $300 and $500 per two-person team, and the tournament organization announces the specific year's details — including the lake, dates, and registration deadline — through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website and the Governor's Walleye Cup official page.
What sets this tournament apart is its scale and legitimacy. It is sanctioned by the state, draws serious competitors from across the region, and the prize pool reflects real money. If you have fished walleye tournaments before or want to see how your skills stack up against a competitive field, this is the event that matters in North Dakota.
Key Takeaways
- The Governor's Walleye Cup is a two-day, two-person team tournament held on a different North Dakota lake each year, with entry fees between $300 and $500 per team.
- You must have a valid North Dakota fishing license to enter, and registration typically opens several months before the tournament date.
- The tournament runs during set fishing hours each day, with weigh-ins at an official station where your catch is measured and recorded.
- Prize money is distributed to top-finishing teams, and the exact payout structure and total purse are announced when the year's tournament details are released.
- The North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the official Governor's Walleye Cup website are your sources for current-year dates, location, and registration information.
Registration and entry requirements
To register for the Governor's Walleye Cup, you need a valid North Dakota fishing license and a partner to form your two-person team. Registration opens several months before the tournament — typically in the winter or early spring for a summer event — and closes on a date set by the tournament organizers. You register through the official Governor's Walleye Cup website or through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, depending on how that year's tournament is being run.
When you register, you will provide your team name, both anglers' names and license numbers, and your contact information. The entry fee is due at registration, and most tournaments require payment before your team is officially entered. Some years the tournament fills to capacity, so registering early is wise if you know you want to fish.
You do not need to have fished a tournament before. First-time competitors are common, and the field includes everyone from casual anglers to semi-professional tournament fishers. Your fishing license must be current on the day the tournament begins.
Tournament format and fishing rules
The Governor's Walleye Cup runs over two consecutive days, with fishing hours set by the organizers — typically a morning start and an afternoon cutoff, with a break in between. Both days follow the same schedule. You and your partner fish from your own boat, launching from a designated marina or public access point on the tournament lake.
Walleye is the only species that counts toward your score. The tournament uses a catch-and-release format for most fish, meaning you handle and measure your catch but return it to the water. Only the largest walleye you catch each day — or the combined weight of your top fish across both days, depending on that year's format — counts toward your final score. The exact scoring method is detailed in the tournament rules, which are published when registration opens.
All fish must be weighed at the official weigh station during the designated weigh-in window. You cannot weigh fish outside that window, and fish must be alive and in good condition when you bring them to the scale. Tournament officials measure and record each fish, then return it to the water. Violations of tournament rules — including fishing outside designated hours, using prohibited methods, or bringing fish to the scale outside the weigh-in window — result in penalties or disqualification.
The host lake and what to expect
The Governor's Walleye Cup rotates between North Dakota's major walleye fisheries, including lakes like Devils Lake, Sakakawea, and Garrison. The host lake changes year to year, which keeps the tournament fresh and gives different regions of the state a chance to host. The specific lake for the upcoming tournament is announced when registration opens, usually with several months' notice.
Each lake has its own character. Devils Lake is known for consistent walleye populations and relatively shallow structure. Sakakawea, formed by the Garrison Dam, offers deeper water and larger fish. Garrison itself is smaller and more intimate. Before the tournament, spend time on the lake if you can — a practice day or two will teach you where walleye are holding and what presentations work. Many anglers fish the lake in the weeks before the tournament to scout.
The tournament provides a list of approved launch sites and marinas where you can put in your boat. All launches are public access points, so you are not paying extra to use them. Parking is typically available, though on tournament days it fills up early. Arrive well before your assigned launch time to avoid delays.
Prize money and awards
Prize money is distributed to the top-finishing teams based on their total score across both days. The exact payout structure — how many places pay out, what each place wins, and the total purse — varies by year and is announced when the tournament details are released. In recent years, first place has paid several thousand dollars, with payouts extending to the top 10 or 20 teams depending on the number of entries.
Beyond prize money, the tournament awards bragging rights and a place in North Dakota fishing history. Winning the Governor's Walleye Cup is a credential that matters in the state's fishing community. Many anglers fish this tournament year after year, building a record of finishes and competing against the same familiar faces.
If you do not finish in the money, you still get the experience of fishing a well-run, competitive event. The tournament is also a chance to meet other serious walleye anglers, learn new techniques by watching how others fish, and test your skills on a level playing field.
Preparing your boat and gear
Before the tournament, make sure your boat is in solid working order. Your motor should start reliably, your electronics should function, and your fuel system should be clean. Tournament days are not the time to discover a problem. Check your battery, bilge pump, and navigation lights. If you are borrowing a boat or fishing with a new partner, take it out on the water at least once before tournament day.
Bring rods, reels, and tackle suited to walleye fishing on your host lake. Jigging, live bait rigging, and crankbaiting are all effective depending on the lake and season. Pack more tackle than you think you will need — a broken rod or lost lure during the tournament is frustrating, and having backups keeps you fishing. Bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and a cooler with ice. Tournament days are long, and staying comfortable and hydrated matters.
Your boat must have a working kill switch, a properly fitted life jacket for each angler, and a net or lipping device for handling fish safely. These are not just safety rules — they are tournament requirements. Bring a measuring board or ruler so you can verify your fish length before heading to the weigh station. Some anglers bring a scale to double-check weight, though the official scale is the one that counts.
Finding practice time and local knowledge
If you are new to the tournament lake, fishing it before the event is one of the best investments you can make. Many anglers take a day or two in the weeks before the tournament to learn where walleye are holding, what depths they prefer, and what presentations work. Local tackle shops near the lake often have current information about where fish are biting and what techniques are producing.
Talking to other anglers who have fished the lake is invaluable. Online fishing forums, local fishing clubs, and even casual conversations at the marina can point you toward productive areas. Some lakes have seasonal patterns — walleye shallow in spring, deeper in summer — and knowing what to expect saves you time on tournament day.
If you cannot get to the lake before the tournament, arrive a day early if possible. Even a few hours of scouting can help you identify structure, test your electronics, and get a feel for the water. Many tournament anglers fish the evening before or the morning of the first day to dial in their approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tournament experience to enter the Governor's Walleye Cup?
No. The tournament is open to anyone with a valid North Dakota fishing license. First-time tournament anglers fish alongside experienced competitors every year. You do not need prior tournament wins or credentials to register.
Can I fish alone, or do I have to have a partner?
The Governor's Walleye Cup is a two-person team event, so you need a partner. If you do not have one, some anglers post on fishing forums or ask at local tackle shops to find a teammate.
What if I catch walleye that are too small to count?
Walleye must meet the state's minimum size limit to be weighed. Any fish below that size must be released immediately. The tournament follows North Dakota Game and Fish regulations, so check the current size limit for the host lake before you fish.
How do I find out the dates and location for next year's tournament?
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announces the upcoming year's tournament details — including the lake, dates, and registration information — on their website and through the official Governor's Walleye Cup page. Sign up for email updates if available, or check the site in late winter for summer tournament information.
What happens if my boat breaks down during the tournament?
If your boat becomes disabled during fishing hours, contact the tournament officials immediately. Most tournaments have a protocol for this situation, which may include towing assistance or an extension of your fishing time. Do not attempt to fish from another boat without permission from the tournament director.