Masters Walleye Circuit 2026 Season kicks off on the Illinois River in Spring Valley, IL

  • Filed under MWC News

  • February 10, 2026

Masters Walleye Circuit 2026 Season kicks off on the Illinois River in Spring Valley, IL

Presented by: Mercury

Ponca City, Oklahoma – February 10th, 2026 – The Masters Walleye Circuit is prepped for its return for the 43rd season as spring is on the horizon. As spring fights to return, anglers are looking forward to the weather forecast in March, when competition begins in Spring Valley, IL on the Illinois River. Spring Valley is the annual “rite of passage” in the walleye tournament world to kick off the season each year and catch up with old friends. It may still be winter, it may be spring’s first appearance, but certainly there will be saugers and walleyes crossing the Masters Walleye Circuit stage on March 20-21.

The Masters Walleye Circuit and its anglers will once again be assisting the LaSalle Fish Hatchery with their sauger stocking program that takes a large part in keeping this incredible fishery sustainable with the quality saugers for all anglers on the river. As always, teams will be searching for walleye in the mix. Historically, this river does grow them big enough to add some serious weight to the scales and change the tides of the event.

Tournament days will start each day with a 7:30 am (CST) take-off each day, given safe light conditions, and live weigh-ins, both of which will be held at the Spring Valley Boat Club at 3:30 pm (CST) on March 20-21, 2026. Spectators are welcomed to join in person as the weigh-in is free and open to the public, or follow the action live online at masterswalleyecircuit.com or on the official Facebook page, facebook.com/MastersWalleyeCircuit.

Registration for this tournament on the Illinois River out of Spring Valley, Illinois closes on Monday, March 16, 2026. Teams that are interested in signing up should visit:

www.masterswalleyecircuit.com/registration

or call

Federation National Office at (580) 765-9031.

As part of the 2026 MWC season, anglers can compete for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Walleye Championship held in Devil’s Lake North Dakota. The 2026 WWC will be a one-time Dual Event with qualifying teams from 2025 and 2026, with a combined pot and, new to 2026 – a Brand-New Nitro ZV20 Powered By Mercury as the top prize. Teams can participate in as many events as they wish, with points earned in at least three qualifiers necessary for an invitation to the World Walleye Championship. MWC’s “Living the Dream” team, using points from four qualifiers throughout the regular season, will earn a sponsorship package valued up to $10,000 which includes a spot to compete in the National Team Championship and up to four, paid-in-full, MWC events.

Each MWC event has a lucrative payout which is based on the number of teams entered into that event. Overall payout is awarded to 20% of the field, providing more inspiration to sign up and join the fun. In addition to a hefty check, the first-place team also earns a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) prize package including: paid entry, a travel stipend, team jerseys, and plaques. Additionally, the big-fish pot, option-pot and sponsor bonuses will add thousands more for distribution among the field.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame. MWC has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for 42 years. The 2026 schedule includes six qualifiers in five states, plus berths into the 2026 MWC World Walleye Championship presented by Nitro boats in Devils Lake, North Dakota.  Stay tuned for more 2026 announcements at:

www.MastersWalleyeCircuit.com.

Masters Walleye Circuit Official Level Sponsors: Mercury Marine, Lowrance Electronics, and Nitro Boats. Associate Sponsors: TH Marine, Airsafe Hitch Products, National Professional Anglers Association, and The Walleye Federation.

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.

Masters Walleye Circuit 2026 Registration Open Date

Masters Walleye Circuit 2026 Registration Open Date

Ponca City, Oklahoma – January 29, 2026 – In the midst of an arctic blast of air settling in across the ice belt, most are eagerly anticipating the open water days to chase walleyes. The Masters Walleye Circuit is proud to announce that registration for 2026, it’s 43rd season, will open on February 2nd, 2026, at 10AM CST. Teams of 2 anglers will be looking to place well in single events, but also to compete for Team of the Year status and a chance to gain entry into the 2026 World Walleye Championship at the destination location of Devils Lake in North Dakota.

Teams looking to sign up early may do so on February 2 at 10AM CST at www.masterswalleyecircuit.com/registration, or call the national office at (580)765-9031.

Looking forward to the fast-approaching 2026 season, Tournament Director Jeff Kelm said: “This year is going to be a lot of fun! The best walleye teams from across North America will fish great walleye waters, with exceptional site hosts to welcome them to their city. Always more than 100% payback in cash and prizes each season and all of it culminating in Devils Lake, ND for a brand-new Nitro ZV20 at the World Walleye Championship! I cannot wait to get started.”

The Masters Walleye Circuit always strives to fish “the best waters at the best times,” and that holds true to this year as much as ever. With changes to the World Walleye Championship in 2026, and the addition of a Nitro ZV20 powered by Mercury, anglers are continuing to be put first to ensure every season is the best it can be. As a reminder, the 2026 MWC schedule is as follows;

March 20-21 – Illinois River, Spring Valley, Illinois

May 8-9 – Mississippi River, Red Wing, Minnesota

June 5-6 – Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

July 23-24 (Thursday-Friday) – St. Mary’s River, Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

August 21-22 – Bitter Lake, Webster, South Dakota

September 18-19 – Cass Lake, Cass Lake, MN

October 1-3 – 2026 World Walleye Championship (WWC) – Devil’s Lake, North Dakota

Now is the time to find yourself a partner and get signed up for the 2026 Masters Walleye Circuit, YOU could win a new Nitro boat AND the most coveted title in walleye fishing, World Walleye Champions! The MWC is loads of fun with great camaraderie, great fishing, and great payouts.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame. MWC has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for 42 years. The 2026 schedule includes six qualifiers in five states, plus berths into the 2026 MWC World Walleye Championship presented by Nitro boats in Devils Lake, North Dakota.  Stay tuned for more 2026 announcements at:

www.MastersWalleyeCircuit.com.

Masters Walleye Circuit official level sponsors include: Mercury Marine, Lowrance Electronics, and Nitro Boats.  Associate sponsors include: TH Marine, Airsafe Hitch Products, National Professional Anglers Association, and The Walleye Federation.

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.

Masters Walleye Circuit, Elevating The Game In 2026

  • Filed under MWC News

  • December 19, 2025

Masters Walleye Circuit, Elevating The Game In 2026

Exciting Changes Coming To World Walleye Championship!

Ponca City, Oklahoma – Dec 19, 2026 – As the Masters Walleye Circuit prepares to enter its 42nd year and winter settles in across the walleye world, anglers are looking forward to the seasonal mark of spring, a Masters Walleye Circuit event season opener on the Illinois River at Spring Valley, IL. in March. The diverse qualifying season for 2026 will include six stops on three (3) major rivers: The Illinois River, Mississippi, Red Wing, MN and the St. Mary’s River, Sault Ste Marie, MI and three (3) well-known walleye lakes including Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh, WI, Bitter Lake, Webster, SD and angler favorite Cass Lake, MN. The 2026 World Walleye Championship is set for Devils Lake, ND. Full details, new 2026 rules, and registration open dates with exciting news for all events will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Outlined in the 2025 rules as “advance notice” that changes were possible, MWC has made the strategic decision to bring the World Walleye Championship into the same qualifying year based on angler feedback. This should make it easier for teams to plan appropriately when competing all year long to earn a chance to compete for the most coveted title in walleye fishing, the title of World Walleye Champions.  Historically MWC anglers have had to qualify for the WWC and then wait a year to actually fish it. This move should better support walleye anglers everywhere. The 2026 World Walleye Championship will be a transition year and will include qualifiers from both the 2025 and 2026 season at Devils Lake. MWC is not stopping there however, we are also significantly upping the payout to include a prize boat!

Masters Walleye Circuit partner Nitro Boats will award a fully rigged Nitro ZV20 prize boat powered by Mercury, and rigged out with Lowrance electronics, to the winners of the 2026 World Walleye Championship on top of all the other cash, prizes, and sponsor bonuses Significantly raising the payout of this event.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame. MWC has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for 42 years. The 2026 schedule includes six qualifiers in five states, plus berths into the 2026 MWC World Walleye Championship presented by Nitro boats on Devils Lake, North Dakota.  Stay tuned for more 2026 announcements at MastersWalleyeCircuit.com

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.

Dobias and Hime Earn Their Crown as World Walleye Champions

Dobias and Hime Earn Their Crown as World Walleye Champions

Presented By: Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Alexandria, Minnesota – October 13, 2025 – The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit have crowned its new World Walleye Champion team at the World Walleye Championship in Alexandria, MN. Chaz Dobias (Nevis, MN), with his partner Corbin Hime (Bemidji, MN), battled for first place with very consistent weights over three days of fishing. All teams battled changing winds that came with the final settling in of the fall cold front. With the top 5 finishing teams all weighing over 50lbs, it was clear that the Le Homme Dieu Chain of Lakes is a fantastic fishery for those able to crack the code.

Day 1 was led by the reigning World Walleye Championship team of 2024, Wayne Butz and Joseph Sommers with the biggest bag of day 1 at 21-06, with a giant walleye weighing 7-15 to anchor it. Dobias and Hime were right on their tail from the beginning, trailing by only just over a pound at 20-05 at the end of the first day’s weigh-in.

Day 2 saw some slight reshuffling of the standings, with the gap increasing to jump to the top of the leaderboard. Dobias and Hime weighed 17-08 for a 2-day total of 37-13 putting them in the first-place spot going into day 3. They were followed by Steven and Sean Kincaid who also weighed 37-13, with the tie breaker going to Dobias and Hime for the big bag on day 1.

Rounding out day 3, Frank John Weeda and Dean Kaminski weighed the heaviest bag of the event at 21-08 to secure them a second-place finish, only behind their good friends and teammates, Dobias and Hime who weighed a total of 56 pound and 6 ounces to secure their first championship win.

Chaz Dobias and Corbin Hime fishing in their first World Walleye Championship, found it hard to explain the overwhelming nature of securing the most revered title in the team walleye fishing world. They worked hard in their prefishing, checking every lake in the chain and catching walleyes in most. Targeting weed edges in 12’-18’ of water with jigs and nightcrawlers was the key for their “unders,” while the bigger fish were suspended in 28’-30’ and cruising by themselves. This time of the year set up great for their strengths of covering ground and isolating fish.

Winning the 2025 World Walleye Championship, Dobias and Hime have etched their name in the walleye fishing world. They received the first place prize of $19,000 in cash and perhaps the most coveted, Custom World Walleye Champion rings and trophies, for a total of $20,229 in cash and prizes.

The top five finishers fought to the end and earned their respective prizes as well:

2nd: Frank John Weeda & Dean A Kaminski, 54-13, $8,000 cash and a

Lowrance Recon Trolling Motor ($3,599)

3rd: Wayne Butz & Joseph Sommers, 54-10, $5,000 cash

4th: Colton Marx & Joe Marx, 51-04, $3,000 cash

5th: Andrew Soderholm & Ben Hittle, 50-06, $2,500 cash

Overall, 32 two-man teams hailing from 11 different states caught 278 fish for a total of 865lbs. Thanks to Salmo Java for their prize package of an AeroPress, Hat, and two bags of their signature coffees, along with big fish money of $810 was awarded to Wayne Butz and Joseph Sommers for their big fish of the event at 7lbs and 15oz on day 1. Day 2 big fish money of $810 went to Chaz Dobias and Corbin Hime for their 7lb and 4oz walleye that helped them secure their Championship Win.

Lowrance being a main sponsor, they provided a Lowrance Recon trolling motor to the 2nd place team of Weeda and Kaminski. Their other bonuses, one at $750 for running exclusively Lowrance Electronics and another at $500 for running a Lowrance Recon or Ghost trolling motor, was awarded to the 11th place team of Harold Daniels and Neal Jordan.

As part of the 2025 MWC season, anglers vied for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Walleye Championship in Devil’s Lake North Dakota. Teams can participate in as many events as they wish, with points earned in at least three qualifiers necessary for an invitation to the World Walleye Championship. MWC’s “Living the Dream” team, using points from four qualifiers throughout the regular season, will earn a sponsorship package valued up to $15,000 which includes a spot to compete in the National Team Championship and up to four paid MWC events.

Under the umbrella of The Walleye Federation (TWF), the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit is North America’s longest running and undisputed leader in team walleye tournaments since 1984 and as an inductee into the freshwater fishing hall of fame, has set the standard for competitive walleye fishing for the past 40+ years. The 2026 schedule includes six qualifiers in five states, plus berths into the 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s MWC World Walleye Championship on Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s are thankful to round out their 24th season as title sponsor of the Masters Walleye Circuit. Official sponsors include: Lowrance Electronics, Mercury Marine, and Ranger Boats. Associate sponsors include: The Walleye Federation, T-H Marine, SeaKeeper and Salmo Java Coffee.

For more information, contact support@masterswalleyecircuit.com or call (580) 765-9031.