What the Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament Is
The Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament is South Dakota's marquee walleye fishing competition, held annually on one of the state's major walleye waters. The tournament draws anglers from across the region who compete for cash prizes, bragging rights, and the chance to catch walleye in some of the best habitat the state offers. It is a one-day event that typically runs from early morning to late afternoon, with weigh-in at a central location.
The tournament operates under a catch-and-release format for most fish, with only the final catch weighed at the end of the day. This means you fish throughout the day, keep your best fish in a livewell, and bring them to the official weigh station before the deadline. The angler or team with the heaviest total weight wins the top prize, with additional payouts for second, third, and sometimes fourth place, depending on the year's structure.
Key Takeaways
- The Governor's Cup is a one-day walleye tournament held annually in South Dakota, with the specific lake and date varying year to year.
- You fish during set hours, keep your catch alive in a livewell, and weigh your fish at an official weigh station before the tournament closes.
- Entry fees typically range from $100 to $300 per boat, with cash prizes distributed to top finishers based on total weight.
- Registration usually opens several weeks before the event and fills up, so checking the official announcement early is important if you plan to enter.
- The tournament is open to both experienced competitors and recreational anglers, though you will need a valid South Dakota fishing license and a boat.
Where and When the Tournament Takes Place
The Governor's Cup location rotates among South Dakota's premier walleye fisheries, which means the lake changes from year to year. Past tournaments have been held on lakes such as Oahe, Sharpe, and other major reservoirs known for healthy walleye populations. The specific lake and dates are announced by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks department, typically in the months before the event.
The tournament is usually scheduled for a single day in late spring or early summer, when walleye are actively feeding and the weather is generally favorable for fishing. Exact dates vary, so you will need to check the official South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website or contact the department directly to confirm the current year's location and schedule. Registration deadlines typically fall two to four weeks before the event.
Entry Requirements and Fees
To enter the Governor's Cup, you will need a valid South Dakota fishing license, a boat, and a partner or the ability to fish solo, depending on the tournament format that year. Most tournaments allow either individual anglers or two-person teams, with the entry fee covering one boat. Entry fees have historically ranged from $100 to $300 per boat, though the exact amount depends on the year and the specific tournament structure.
You will also need a livewell or aeration system to keep your fish alive throughout the day, as dead fish are typically not weighed or are penalized. A working depth finder and basic walleye fishing tackle are practical necessities, though the tournament does not require any specific equipment beyond what is needed to fish safely and legally in South Dakota.
How Scoring and Prizes Work
The Governor's Cup uses a weight-based scoring system: the angler or team with the heaviest total weight of walleye at the end of the day wins first place. Most tournaments allow you to weigh a set number of fish—commonly five—so your strategy involves keeping the largest walleye you catch and culling smaller ones throughout the day. If you catch a larger fish later in the day, you can replace a smaller one in your livewell before weigh-in.
Prize money is distributed to the top finishers, with first place receiving the largest payout and subsequent places receiving smaller amounts. The total prize pool and payout structure vary by year, but the tournament is designed so that entry fees fund the prizes. Some years include side pots or optional big-fish contests that offer additional payouts for the single largest walleye caught during the tournament.
Fishing Strategies for Walleye in South Dakota Waters
Walleye in South Dakota reservoirs respond well to live bait presentations, particularly live minnows fished on jigs or slip sinker rigs. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most productive times, as walleye are more active in lower light. If you are fishing during midday, deeper structure—drop-offs, rock piles, and channel breaks—holds more walleye than shallow water.
Trolling with crankbaits or live bait is also effective on larger reservoirs, allowing you to cover water and locate active fish quickly. Pay attention to depth changes and structure shown on your depth finder, and adjust your presentation based on water clarity and light conditions. Many successful tournament anglers use a combination of jigging and trolling, switching between methods as conditions change throughout the day.
Registration and How to Enter
Registration for the Governor's Cup opens through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks department, typically several weeks before the tournament date. You can register online through the department's website or by contacting them directly by phone. Registration spots fill up, especially for tournaments held on popular lakes, so registering early increases your chances of securing a spot.
When you register, you will provide your name, contact information, boat details, and fishing license number. If you are fishing as a team, both anglers' information is required. You will also receive details about the weigh-in location, start time, and any specific rules for that year's tournament. Keep your confirmation and any materials the department sends, as you will need them on tournament day.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Bring your fishing license, boat registration, and tournament confirmation to the event. Pack a working livewell with fresh water or ice to keep fish alive, a depth finder, basic walleye tackle (jigs, live bait, crankbaits), and a net for landing fish safely. Bring sunscreen, water, and food for a full day on the water, as the tournament runs from early morning through afternoon weigh-in.
Check your boat's fuel level the day before and arrive at the launch area with time to spare before the official start. Familiarize yourself with the lake if you have not fished it recently, or plan to spend the first hour of the tournament exploring structure and finding active fish. Many anglers scout the lake the day before if possible, though this is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a partner to fish the Governor's Cup, or can I fish alone?
The tournament format varies by year. Some years allow solo anglers; other years require two-person teams. Check the official tournament announcement for that year's rules. If you do not have a partner and the tournament requires one, you can often find a fishing partner through local fishing clubs or by contacting the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks department.
What happens if my fish die before weigh-in?
Dead fish are typically not weighed or are heavily penalized, depending on the tournament rules. A functioning livewell with aeration is essential. If your livewell fails during the tournament, contact an official immediately—some tournaments have provisions for equipment failure, though this varies year to year.
Can I fish anywhere on the lake, or are there restricted areas?
The tournament rules specify which areas of the lake are open to fishing. Typically, the entire lake is open, but some tournaments may restrict fishing near dams or in certain zones. The official tournament rules, sent when you register, will detail any boundaries or off-limit areas.
How do I find out the date and location for next year's tournament?
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks department announces the Governor's Cup details on their official website and through their social media channels. You can also call the department directly or sign up for email updates if they offer them. Announcements typically come out several months before the event.
What if I have never fished walleye competitively before?
The Governor's Cup welcomes anglers of all experience levels. If you are new to walleye fishing, spend time on the lake before the tournament if possible, talk to local bait shops about current conditions, and focus on basic techniques like jigging and live bait fishing. Many recreational anglers compete successfully without tournament experience.