The tournament format is a big walleye tournament versus a traditional two or three person team format. The angler that weighs in the largest walleye during the two-day event will win $10,000. In addition, there are bi-hourly weigh in each day that pay up to eight places for each session. Anglers can weigh-in fish for multiple bi-hourly periods up to South Dakota state limits.  Full details of the event are available here, https://www.aftco.com/pages/2025-aftco-walleye-throwdown

During each two-hour period of competition on Saturday and Sunday anglers can weigh in fish to be eligible for one of the eight prizes in that period. A live leaderboard can be monitored to see the size of fish leading during each period to determine if you should bring a fish in for that period

There are four periods each day. At the end of each period the scoreboard resets to start over for the next period.

7am-9am, 9am-11am, 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm

Eight places paid during each period for the largest walleye during that period:$700, $600, $475, $400, $325, $300, $275, $250

Anglers return to Swan Creek at any time during the two-hour period and weigh their fish. Anglers are not required to weigh in a fish for any period and they can weigh in fish during multiple periods each day.  Any fish weighed in during a bi-hourly weigh in that is the heaviest fish weighed to that point is automatically eligible for the grand prize if a larger fish is not weighed in during the event. Once you have weighed in you can return to fishing for that period or the following period for the balance of the day. 

Anglers are only eligible to weigh one over the slot walleye each day, but may weigh-in unders during multiple periods each day per South Dakota legal limit regulations.

Yes, you can fish with a group of anglers of any size subject to the boat’s maximum capacity. Each angler competing must register individually to be eligible to weigh fish for any prizes. You are also only able to weigh in fish that you catch during the event. It is up to each angler in a group to determine if they are sharing winning with their angler group or if it is individual.  Anglers can also fish alone if they so choose.

The cost is $200 per angler plus card processing fee of approximately $16.  Each entry received by June 30^th will receive a clothing and gear package at registration worth $200. Just for entering by the June 30 deadline you will receive a package worth $200.  Clothing/gear packs will be given out at the tournament registration on Friday July 25 between 1pm-7pm at the Akaska Community Center in Akaska, South Dakota.  Any entries received after June 30^th, will not be eligible for the free clothing/gear package.

Yes, the registration is on Friday July 25 between 1pm-7pm at the Akaska Community Center in Akaska, South Dakota. You can show up anytime during that period to check in and receive your clothing/gear package if you register by June 30^th.

Sign-ups by June 30^th are eligible for the $200 clothing/gear pack for each entered angler.  During registration you add your sizes to get the proper clothing sizes. Registrations will be accepted until July 24, but entries after June 30 are not eligible for the clothing/gear pack at the registration on July 25.

Yes, there will be displays and free giveaways from multiple fishing brands for registered anglers of the event. An optional Calcutta is planned following the close of registration.

Swan Creek Recreation Area is the closest boat ramp and is where anglers can weigh in.  Anglers are allowed to launch at these other ramps(Dodge Draw, Whitlocks Bay and Walth Bay), but fish can only be weighed in at Swan Creek. All anglers must come to the weigh-in by watering. No trailering of fish is allowed to the weigh in.  Anglers are allowed to launch prior to the official start time, but can not begin fishing until the official start time each day of competition.

Lake Oahe from the Hwy 212 bridge (under but not beyond) to the Railroad Bridge(under buy not beyond) at Mobridge, SD.  This includes the Moreau River and Grand River portions of Lake Oahe.

Pre-fishing is allowed. No participants are allowed to fish from 5pm Friday, July 25^th until the official start time of 7am on July 26^th.