When and where the Chamberlain Chamber Walleye Tournament happens
The Chamberlain Chamber Walleye Tournament is held on the Missouri River near Chamberlain, South Dakota, typically in early summer. The exact dates shift year to year, so check the Chamberlain Chamber of Commerce website or call them directly at (605) 734-3800 to confirm the current year's schedule before you plan your trip.
The tournament launches from Chamberlain's public boat ramps on the Missouri River. This is a working river with current and barge traffic, so if you are new to the water, scout the launch area and talk to local anglers about conditions before tournament day.
Key Takeaways
- The Chamberlain Chamber Walleye Tournament runs on the Missouri River near Chamberlain and dates change yearly, so contact the chamber directly to confirm when it happens.
- Most walleye tournaments charge an entry fee per boat and may require a separate fee per angler; ask what the total cost is before you register.
- You will need a valid South Dakota fishing license and must follow all state walleye regulations, including size and bag limits, even during the tournament.
- Walleye bite best in low light — early morning and evening — so plan to fish dawn until mid-morning and again in the late afternoon.
- The Missouri River near Chamberlain holds walleye year-round, but summer tournaments target fish in deeper holes and along structure like rock piles and submerged timber.
Entry fees and how to register
Entry fees for the Chamberlain Chamber tournament vary by year and may include separate charges per boat and per angler. Contact the Chamberlain Chamber of Commerce to learn the current fee structure and registration deadline. Registration typically closes a few days before the tournament, so do not wait until the last minute.
Some tournaments require you to register in person at a local business or online through the chamber's website. Ask whether you can register by phone if that is easier for your schedule. Bring your South Dakota fishing license number when you register — you will need it.
What you need to bring and know about regulations
You must have a valid South Dakota fishing license to fish the tournament. Walleye regulations in South Dakota include a daily bag limit and minimum size requirement; these do not change during tournaments, so you must follow them even if you are competing. Check the current regulations on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website before you fish, because limits can shift.
Bring your license, a measuring board, and a cooler with ice. The Missouri River can be rough, so wear a life jacket and check the weather forecast the night before. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks — you will be on the water for hours. If you are fishing from a rental boat, confirm that the rental company allows tournament fishing and that your boat is in good working order before you launch.
Where walleye hide on the Missouri River
Walleye on the Missouri River near Chamberlain hold in deeper water during the day and move to shallower structure to feed at dawn and dusk. Look for rock piles, submerged timber, and the edges of deeper holes. The river has current, so fish the slack water behind large rocks and in the lee of islands where walleye can rest and hunt without fighting the flow.
Summer walleye often suspend in 15 to 25 feet of water during midday. Use a fish finder to locate depth changes and structure. Early morning and late evening, walleye move into 6 to 12 feet of water to hunt. This is when most tournament anglers catch their fish, so be on the water at first light and stay until mid-morning, then return for the evening bite.
Lures and live bait that work on the Missouri
Live minnows — shiners, shad, or small suckers — are the most reliable bait for walleye tournaments on the Missouri River. Fish them on a simple jig head or under a slip bobber in shallow water. Jigs tipped with live minnows work in deeper water; bounce them along the bottom near structure and let the current do some of the work for you.
Crankbaits and soft plastics also catch walleye, especially in low light. Crawdad-colored crankbaits and dark soft plastics mimic natural prey. If the bite is slow on live bait, switch to artificials to cover more water and find active fish. Many tournament anglers carry both and adjust based on what the fish want that day.
Preparing your boat and safety on the river
The Missouri River has current, barge traffic, and changing water levels. Check your boat's engine, battery, and navigation lights before tournament day. Bring a spare battery, extra fuel, and a working radio or cell phone. Tell someone on shore where you are fishing and when you plan to return.
Wear a life jacket at all times — the river is cold and deep, and conditions can change fast. Know where the nearest boat ramp is and how to get back in bad weather. If you are unfamiliar with the river, fish with someone who knows it or hire a local guide for a practice day before the tournament.
What happens after you weigh in
Most walleye tournaments weigh fish at a designated time and location, usually back at the launch area. Bring your catch in a cooler with ice to keep it fresh. Fish are typically weighed and released, though some tournaments keep the catch for a community meal or donation. Ask the tournament organizers what happens to the fish after weighing.
Prize money or merchandise usually goes to the angler or team with the heaviest total weight. Some tournaments also award prizes for the largest single fish. Results are posted shortly after weigh-in, and winners are announced at a gathering afterward — this is a good time to meet other local anglers and learn about future events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?
Most tournaments require you to provide your own boat or fish with someone who does. Some chambers partner with local marinas to offer rental boats at a discount for tournament participants. Call the Chamberlain Chamber to ask whether boat rentals are available and whether they allow tournament fishing.
What if I have never fished the Missouri River before?
Consider hiring a local guide for a practice day or two before the tournament. Guides know the structure, current patterns, and where walleye hold at different times of day. The fee is worth it if it helps you catch fish and stay safe on unfamiliar water.
Can I fish alone or do I need a partner?
Some tournaments require a two-person team; others allow single anglers. Ask the chamber what the rules are for your year. If you do not have a partner, the chamber may be able to connect you with other anglers looking for a team.
What time do I need to be on the water?
Most tournaments have a scheduled launch window — typically early morning, like 6 or 7 a.m. — and a weigh-in time in the afternoon. The chamber will give you the exact times when you register. Plan to arrive at the ramp at least an hour early to launch and get to your fishing spot.
Are there other walleye tournaments in South Dakota I should know about?
Yes. South Dakota hosts walleye tournaments throughout the year on different lakes and rivers. The Game, Fish and Parks website lists sanctioned tournaments. Local chambers and fishing clubs also organize events. Ask at bait shops in Chamberlain for a calendar of upcoming tournaments in the region.