The Belle Fourche Walleye Tournament runs each summer on the reservoir near Newell, South Dakota

The Belle Fourche Reservoir Walleye Tournament is an annual summer event held on Belle Fourche Reservoir, located in Butte County near Newell in northwestern South Dakota. The tournament typically takes place in July, though the exact dates shift year to year — you'll find the current year's schedule through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website or by contacting the Newell area chamber of commerce directly.

The tournament draws walleye anglers from across the region and is open to both experienced competitors and people fishing their first tournament. Boats launch from the Belle Fourche Reservoir access points, and the event runs as a catch-and-release competition where fish are weighed at the end of the day. Prize money and awards go to the heaviest walleye and the largest catch of the day, depending on the tournament's structure that year.

Key Takeaways

  • The Belle Fourche Walleye Tournament happens each July on Belle Fourche Reservoir near Newell, with exact dates posted on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.
  • The tournament is open to anglers of all skill levels and runs as a catch-and-release event with weigh-ins at day's end.
  • You'll need a valid South Dakota fishing license and a boat to enter, and most tournaments charge an entry fee that covers boat and angler registration.
  • Belle Fourche Reservoir holds walleye, northern pike, and perch, and summer walleye fishing there focuses on deeper water and low-light hours.
  • Registration typically opens a few weeks before the tournament and fills up, so contact the organizers early to confirm your spot.

What you need to fish the tournament

To enter the Belle Fourche Walleye Tournament, you'll need a current South Dakota fishing license — available online through the Game, Fish and Parks website or at any licensed vendor in the state. The license covers both you and your boat for the day of the event. Most tournaments also require that you register your boat and pay an entry fee per angler; this fee typically ranges depending on the year and organizer, so contact the event coordinator to confirm the current cost.

You'll fish from your own boat, so you need access to a vessel suitable for the reservoir — anything from a small aluminum boat to a larger fishing rig works, as long as it's in safe operating condition and meets South Dakota boating regulations. Bring your own tackle, cooler, and safety gear. Life jackets are required by state law for anyone on the water, and the tournament will check compliance before boats launch.

How walleye fishing works on Belle Fourche in summer

Belle Fourche Reservoir holds walleye, northern pike, and perch. In July, when the tournament runs, walleye are typically in deeper water during the day — look for them along drop-offs, channel ledges, and the deeper basins of the reservoir. Water temperature drives their behavior; summer heat pushes them away from shallow, warm water into cooler depths of 20 to 40 feet.

Early morning and evening are the most productive times to fish. Walleye feed actively at dawn and dusk when light levels are low, and many tournament anglers focus their effort in the first two hours after launch and again in the last hour before weigh-in. Live bait — shiners, minnows, or crawlers — fished on a jig or live-bait rig works well. Some anglers use crankbaits or spinners to cover water and locate fish, then switch to live bait once they find a concentration.

The reservoir's structure matters: the old Belle Fourche River channel runs through the middle of the lake and holds fish throughout the day. Spend time learning the map before tournament day if you can — a depth finder and a good topographic map of the reservoir will show you where the channel runs and where the deepest holes are.

Registration and entry details

Registration for the Belle Fourche Walleye Tournament usually opens four to six weeks before the event and closes a week or two before the tournament date. You can register through the event organizer — often a local fishing club, the Newell chamber of commerce, or a regional tournament organization. Contact information is posted on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website under tournament listings.

Entry fees cover your boat and one or two anglers, depending on the tournament format. Some years the event runs as a two-angler team competition; other years it's open to single anglers. Confirm the format and fee structure when you register, as these details change. Most tournaments require payment at registration, either by check or online through the organizer's website.

Rules and catch-and-release procedures

The Belle Fourche Walleye Tournament is a catch-and-release event, meaning all fish must be returned to the water alive after weighing. This protects the fishery and keeps the tournament sustainable year after year. You'll keep your fish in a livewell during the day — a tank with circulating water that keeps them healthy until weigh-in.

Tournament rules typically prohibit fishing before an official start time (usually sunrise or a set time in early morning) and require all fishing to stop at a designated end time. Fish caught outside the official tournament window don't count. Anglers must stay within designated boundaries on the reservoir, and all state fishing regulations apply — minimum size limits, daily bag limits, and licensing requirements are in effect during the tournament just as they are on any other day.

At weigh-in, your fish are measured and weighed by tournament officials, then released back into the reservoir. Prizes go to the angler or team with the heaviest single fish and sometimes to the heaviest total catch, depending on the tournament's scoring system.

Getting to Belle Fourche Reservoir and where to launch

Belle Fourche Reservoir is in Butte County, about 15 miles south of Newell, South Dakota. From Newell, take Highway 212 south toward the town of Bison, then follow county roads to the reservoir access areas. The main public boat launch is at Belle Fourche Reservoir State Recreation Area, which has a paved ramp, parking for trailers, and facilities including restrooms and picnic areas.

The drive from Rapid City is roughly 90 minutes; from Pierre, it's about two and a half hours. Plan to arrive the evening before the tournament or very early on tournament morning to secure a parking spot and get your boat ready. The access area can fill up on tournament day, especially if the weather is good, so arriving early gives you a better chance of a convenient spot.

Preparing your boat and tackle before tournament day

Check your boat's engine, battery, and fuel system at least a week before the tournament. Make sure your livewell pump works and that the tank holds water without leaking. Test your depth finder and GPS to confirm they're working — these tools are essential for finding walleye in summer. Charge all batteries the night before.

Stock your tackle box with jigs in sizes 1/8 to 1/4 ounce in white, chartreuse, and natural colors. Bring live bait — shiners or minnows — from a bait shop the morning of the tournament, or order ahead if you're coming from out of state. Pack extra line, hooks, and a few spare rods in case you break one. Bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Check the weather forecast the night before and dress in layers; early morning on the water is cool even in July.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have fished a tournament before to enter?

No. The Belle Fourche Walleye Tournament welcomes anglers of all experience levels. If you've never competed before, arrive early to talk with the tournament director about the rules and procedures. Many experienced anglers are happy to answer questions at the launch area.

What if I don't own a boat?

Some tournaments allow you to fish as a co-angler with another registered boat, or you can rent a boat from a local marina or fishing guide service in the Newell area. Contact the tournament organizer to ask whether co-angler spots are available that year.

Can I fish the reservoir the day before the tournament to scout?

Yes. Pre-fishing is allowed on most tournament days, and many anglers spend the day before learning the water and locating fish. This gives you a real advantage on tournament day, so if you can arrive early, it's worth the time.

What happens if the weather is bad on tournament day?

Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous — high winds or lightning that make boating unsafe. Check with the tournament director the morning of the event if weather looks questionable. Some tournaments have a rain date or will reschedule if conditions are severe.

How do I find out about next year's tournament dates?

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website posts tournament schedules each spring. You can also contact the Newell area chamber of commerce or local fishing clubs in Butte County, which often organize or co-sponsor the event.