2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Team Championship Scheduled for St. Marys River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, July 23–25
Presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
Ponca City, Okla.—July 15, 2025 — The 2026 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Team Championship (NTC) will return to the renowned St. Marys River, located in the historic and angler-friendly city of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, from July 23–25, 2026.
This event is strategically scheduled to coincide with some of the region’s most productive summer walleye fishing, offering participants opportunities for both abundant catches and trophy-caliber fish. The championship is expected to deliver high-level competition and a celebration of tournament angling, attracting hundreds of two-angler teams from across the United States and Canada who will compete for substantial cash prizes, awards, and national recognition.
Recognized as the premier event in grassroots walleye competition, the NTC features teams that have qualified through local tournaments sanctioned by The Walleye Federation (TWF). Each team’s advancement is a testament to their performance on local waters, establishing this championship as one of the most prestigious stages in team walleye fishing. The 2026 tournament marks the 25th anniversary of this distinguished competition.
Participants can anticipate success by employing various techniques—including trolling, rigging, jigging, and casting—thanks to the dynamic nature of the river system.
Throughout the first two days of competition (July 23–24), each team will weigh their largest walleyes. The top 25 teams will then advance to the final day on Saturday, July 25, where they will compete for the championship title.
Proudly partnering with the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s alongside The Walleye Federation will once again to showcase not only the fishing, but the hospitality of Michigan’s oldest city. 
Creel limits and tournament boundaries will be announced later in collaboration with local and state fisheries management to ensure compliance with sustainability and fairness standards.
For broader engagement, the event will be streamed live on walleyefederation.com and facebook.com/thewalleyefederation with selected coverage broadcast nationally on “FederationAnglerTV” via our primetime block on the Pursuit Channel and multiple streaming platforms such as Pursuit UP and Outdoor Action TV.
The Walleye Federation, headquartered in Ponca City, Oklahoma, oversees all NTC qualifying events and produces the championship in partnership with the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Marketing Sponsorship Team.
Qualifying is going on right now! There is still plenty of time to earn a spot. All club level qualifiers must be 2025 TWF members and qualify through an affiliated 2025 TWF member club to advance to the 2026 event So get your Walleye Club signed up today and start fishing!
For information regarding qualification for the 2026 NTC or to register your walleye club, please visit walleyefederation.com or contact (580) 765-9031.
