The Keyhole Reservoir Walleye Tournament draws anglers to northeastern Wyoming each year
The Keyhole Reservoir Walleye Tournament is an annual fishing event held at Keyhole Reservoir near Gillette, Wyoming. The tournament brings together walleye anglers of different skill levels for a day of competition on one of the state's most productive walleye fisheries. If you are thinking about entering, you will need to know the entry requirements, the tournament format, what to expect on the water, and how the catch is handled.
Keyhole Reservoir sits in Crook County, about 50 miles northeast of Gillette, and holds a strong walleye population that makes it a reliable tournament venue. The event typically takes place in spring or early summer, when walleye are most active, though the exact dates shift from year to year. Entry is usually open to anyone with a valid Wyoming fishing license, and boats are typically limited to a certain number of anglers per vessel.
Key Takeaways
- Keyhole Reservoir Walleye Tournament is held annually at Keyhole Reservoir near Gillette and requires a valid Wyoming fishing license to enter.
- The tournament format typically involves a set fishing window during daylight hours, with anglers competing to catch the heaviest walleye or the most fish, depending on the year's rules.
- You will need to weigh your catch at an official weigh-in station before the tournament ends, and fish are usually released after weighing unless the tournament specifies otherwise.
- Entry fees vary by year and typically go toward prizes, tournament operations, and sometimes local conservation efforts.
- Keyhole Reservoir can be windy and the water temperature changes with the season, so preparation and knowledge of current conditions matter for success.
Entry requirements and registration
To enter the Keyhole Reservoir Walleye Tournament, you must hold a valid Wyoming fishing license before the tournament date. The license can be purchased through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website or at authorized vendors throughout the state. Day licenses and annual licenses are both accepted, so you can choose the option that fits your fishing plans.
Registration for the tournament usually opens several weeks before the event and closes a few days prior. You will typically register through the tournament organizer's website or at a designated location near Keyhole Reservoir. Entry fees are charged per boat or per angler, depending on the tournament structure that year. Bring proof of your fishing license to registration, as organizers will verify it before you receive your tournament packet.
Tournament format and fishing rules
Most Keyhole Reservoir Walleye Tournaments run on a catch-and-release or catch-weigh-and-release format, meaning you fish during a set window—often from sunrise to a specific afternoon time—and then bring your catch to an official weigh-in. The tournament may score based on the heaviest single fish, the combined weight of your top five walleye, or the total number of fish caught, depending on that year's rules.
Fishing typically begins at first light and ends at a set time in the afternoon, giving anglers a full day on the water. You are usually required to keep all walleye you catch until weigh-in, and fish must be alive or on ice to count. Check the specific tournament rules for details on minimum size limits, which may differ from Wyoming's standard regulations, and whether catch-and-release or live-well requirements apply.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring a valid Wyoming fishing license, your tournament registration packet, and a live well or cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh. You will also need a boat with a functioning motor, a depth finder if possible, and standard walleye fishing tackle—medium-action rods, 6- to 10-pound test line, and a mix of jigs, crankbaits, and live bait such as shiners or crawlers work well on Keyhole.
Check current water conditions and weather forecasts before the tournament. Keyhole Reservoir can experience strong winds, especially in spring, so a boat rated for the conditions and a personal flotation device are essential. Scout the reservoir a day or two before if you can, or study maps and depth charts to identify structure where walleye hold—rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges are productive areas. Bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and a fully charged phone in case of emergency.
Weigh-in procedures and prizes
At the end of the fishing window, head to the official weigh-in station, which is usually located at a marina or boat launch near Keyhole Reservoir. Your fish will be weighed on a certified scale, and the weight will be recorded. Most tournaments release fish after weighing, so handle them carefully during the process to maximize their survival.
Prizes are typically awarded to the angler or boat with the heaviest fish, the heaviest total catch, or the most fish caught, depending on the tournament's scoring system. Prize money or merchandise is usually distributed at an awards ceremony held the same day or the following day. Check the tournament rules to understand exactly how winners are determined and when and where prizes will be awarded.
Keyhole Reservoir walleye fishing basics
Keyhole Reservoir is known for consistent walleye fishing, with fish ranging from 12 to 24 inches common and larger fish possible. Walleye are most active during low-light conditions—early morning, late evening, and overcast days—so plan your fishing strategy around these windows. During midday, walleye often move to deeper water or structure, so a depth finder is valuable for locating them.
Jigs tipped with live bait are a reliable method on Keyhole, as are small crankbaits and spinners. Work structure slowly and methodically rather than covering water quickly. The reservoir has multiple arms and bays, each with different characteristics, so if one area is not producing, move to another. Talk to local anglers or check recent fishing reports before the tournament to learn which areas are currently holding fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to enter the tournament?
Most tournaments require a boat, but some allow anglers to fish from shore or to share a boat with another registered participant. Check the specific tournament rules to see whether shore fishing is permitted and whether you can register as a non-boating angler.
What happens if I catch walleye that are too small?
Tournament rules usually specify a minimum size for fish to count toward your score. Any undersized walleye should be released immediately. Keep only fish that meet the size requirement, and verify the exact minimum before you start fishing.
Can I use live bait, or are artificial lures only?
Most Keyhole Reservoir Walleye Tournaments allow both live bait and artificial lures. Check your tournament packet for any restrictions on bait type, and bring a variety of options so you can adjust to conditions on the water.
What if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Tournaments may be postponed or cancelled if conditions are unsafe. The tournament organizer will communicate any changes through email or phone, so keep your contact information current during registration. Have a backup date in mind in case the event is rescheduled.
Where can I find the exact tournament dates and registration details?
Contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or search for the tournament through local Gillette fishing clubs and marinas near Keyhole Reservoir. Tournament dates and rules are usually posted several months in advance on the organizer's website or social media pages.