What the Cabela's National Walleye Tour is and how it works
The Cabela's National Walleye Tour (also called the NWT) is a competitive walleye fishing circuit that runs tournaments across multiple states throughout the year. Anglers fish in teams of two, competing for prize money and points that accumulate toward an annual championship. The tour operates on a points-based system where finishes at each tournament determine your standing for the season.
Tournaments typically take place on major walleye fisheries — lakes and rivers known for healthy walleye populations. Each event follows a standard format: teams launch at a set time, fish for a set number of hours (usually eight), and return to weigh in their catch. The team with the heaviest total weight of walleye wins the tournament. Points are awarded based on placement, and the angler or team with the most points at season's end competes in the championship event.
Pennsylvania has hosted NWT events on lakes like Pymatuning and Erie, though the specific venues and schedule change from year to year. The tour is open to anyone who meets the entry requirements and pays the tournament fee, which varies by event but typically ranges from several hundred dollars per team.
Key Takeaways
- The Cabela's National Walleye Tour is a competitive circuit where two-person teams fish walleye tournaments across multiple states and accumulate points toward a season championship.
- Pennsylvania hosts NWT events on major walleye waters, though specific lakes and dates change annually and should be confirmed on the tour's official schedule.
- Entry fees, boat requirements, and tournament rules are set by the tour and published before each season, so you need to review the current year's guidelines before registering.
- Teams fish under catch-and-release or live-release rules depending on the event, and walleye must meet minimum size requirements to count toward your weight.
- The tour is sanctioned and operated by a specific organization, so all rules, payouts, and championship qualification are determined by that body, not by individual venues or states.
How to find the current Pennsylvania schedule
The NWT publishes its annual schedule on its official website, which lists all tournament dates, host lakes, registration deadlines, and entry fees. Because Pennsylvania events change location and timing year to year, you cannot rely on past schedules — you need to check the current season's calendar directly.
The tour's website also lists contact information for the tournament director or regional coordinator who oversees Pennsylvania events. That person can answer questions about local logistics, boat launch details, and any state-specific rules that apply to the event.
Many tackle shops and fishing clubs in Pennsylvania that focus on walleye also track the NWT schedule and may post updates or host information sessions before tournaments. Local fishing forums and social media groups dedicated to Pennsylvania walleye fishing are another place where anglers share tournament details and coordinate teams.
Entry requirements and what you need to bring
To enter an NWT tournament, you must register your team before the published deadline, which is usually several weeks before the event. You will need to provide the names and contact information for both team members, and at least one team member typically must hold a valid fishing license for the state where the tournament takes place.
On tournament day, you will need a boat that meets the tour's specifications — usually a minimum length and horsepower rating — and a working livewell or cooler system to keep walleye alive or fresh during the competition. You must also have a valid boat registration and liability insurance, though specific requirements vary by event.
Each team member should bring a Pennsylvania fishing license, personal flotation devices, and any tackle and equipment you plan to use. The tournament will provide a detailed rules packet and safety briefing before launch, which covers everything from equipment checks to what happens if you break a rule during the event.
How walleye are weighed and ranked
At the end of the fishing period, all teams return to the designated weigh-in location. Your catch is placed on a certified scale, and the total weight is recorded. Only walleye that meet the tournament's minimum size requirement (typically 15 inches, though this varies) count toward your team's weight.
Teams are ranked by total weight, with the heaviest bag earning first place and the most points. If two teams have identical weights, tiebreaker rules determine the placement — these are published in the tournament rules and might involve the weight of your largest fish or the time you checked in.
Points are awarded to all teams that compete, not just the top finishers. A team that places 50th still earns points toward the season standings, which is why anglers can accumulate a competitive total even if they do not win every event. The cumulative points across all tournaments determine who qualifies for the championship.
Prize money and what winners receive
Prize payouts come from entry fees and sponsorship, with the total purse varying by tournament size and location. Larger events or those on more popular walleye lakes typically offer bigger payouts. The tour publishes the payout structure before each tournament, so you can see how much money goes to first place, second place, and so on.
In addition to cash prizes at individual tournaments, the angler or team with the highest season points total competes in the championship event, which usually offers a larger purse. Some tournaments also award prizes for the heaviest single walleye caught during the event, which is separate from the team weight competition.
Sponsorships from Cabela's and other fishing retailers sometimes add bonus prizes or contingency awards — for example, a prize for the best finish by an angler using a specific brand of tackle. These are announced in the tournament materials and vary from year to year.
Rules you need to know before you fish
Walleye must be caught by rod and reel — no nets, traps, or other methods are permitted. You can use live bait, artificial lures, or both. The minimum size limit is set by the tour (not by Pennsylvania state law, though state law also applies), and any walleye below that size must be released immediately.
All walleye must remain in your livewell or cooler until weigh-in. You cannot cull fish — that is, you cannot release a smaller walleye to make room for a larger one — once the tournament has started. If you are caught culling, you will be disqualified.
Safety rules are strict: you must wear a personal flotation device at all times while the boat is running, and you must follow all boating laws for Pennsylvania. If you are involved in a boating accident or violation during the tournament, you may be disqualified. The tournament rules packet will detail all penalties and infractions, so read it carefully before you launch.
How to prepare if you want to compete
If you are new to tournament walleye fishing, spend time on the lake where the tournament will be held before the event. Learn where walleye hold during the season, what depths they prefer, and what baits or lures are producing. Many anglers fish practice days in the weeks before the tournament to dial in their approach.
Make sure your boat and equipment are in good working order — a broken livewell or a malfunctioning GPS can cost you the tournament. Check your rod guides, reel drag, and line for wear. Have backup tackle and extra line on hand in case something breaks during the day.
Connect with other walleye anglers who have fished NWT events before. They can share insights about the specific lake, the competition level, and what to expect on tournament day. Local walleye clubs and online fishing communities are good places to find this kind of peer knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish the NWT if I have never competed in a tournament before?
Yes. The tour is open to all anglers who meet the entry requirements and pay the fee. Many first-time competitors fish the NWT each year. You do not need prior tournament experience, though fishing the lake beforehand and understanding the rules will improve your chances of a competitive finish.
What if I want to fish but do not have a partner?
The NWT requires two-person teams, so you will need to find a partner before you register. Many anglers post on fishing forums or contact local clubs to find teammates. Some tournaments may have a partner-matching service or list of anglers looking for teams — check the tournament details or contact the director.
Do I have to use a specific brand of boat or equipment?
No. The tour sets minimum standards for boat size and livewell capacity, but you can use any boat or tackle that meets those standards. Cabela's is the title sponsor, but you are not required to buy or use Cabela's products to compete.
What happens if the weather is bad on tournament day?
The tournament director decides whether to postpone or cancel based on safety conditions. If the event is postponed, a new date is set and announced to all registered teams. If it is cancelled, entry fees are typically refunded or credited toward a future tournament.
How do I find out about the championship event?
The top-ranked angler or team from the season's points standings automatically qualifies for the championship. The tour announces the championship date, location, and format in advance, and qualifiers are notified directly. Championship events are usually held in the fall and offer the largest purse of the season.