Pictured is John Hoyer of Wayzata, Minn., who won the 2022 National Walleye Tour Championship in Dunkirk on Lake Erie.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour, presented by Progressive, is set to return to the shores of Lake Erie in Dunkirk on Thursday and Friday bringing elite anglers, national attention, and a boost to the local economy.

Hosted at the Dunkirk City Pier, this two-day tournament as stop four will feature elite competition in one of the country’s most productive walleye fisheries. Anglers will launch at 7 each morning from the Chadwick Bay Marina with weigh-ins beginning at 3:15 p.m. The public is invited to bring chairs and tune in for all the action.

The marina boat launch will be closed to public on Thursday and Friday from 5 to 7 a.m. and also from 2 to 4 p.m. to help with tournament traffic. The Dunkirk Pier will also be closed to vehicle traffic on those two days.

The tournament’s local contributors and sponsors include the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development 2025 Occupancy Tax Grant, High As A Hawk Dispensary and Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club.

“All of the 74 anglers and 74 co-anglers are excited to spend a few summer days in Dunkirk,” Tournament Director, Jeff Kelm said.

“Those that had the privilege to be there in 2022 for the Championship have spoken so highly of the community, the scenery and of course the fishing. The Lake Erie walleye migration puts these fish right where we are going to be, it’s going to be a great time. The tournament boundaries include all New York waters of Lake Erie, as well as connected rivers, creeks, and canals. Dunkirk’s strategic location and welcoming community make it an ideal host city.”

The July 10-11 third stop of the NWT in Alpena, Mich., on Lake Huron brought two days of long runs and heavy bags as Isaac Lakich of Richfield, Wis., claimed his first National Walleye Tour Pro Division victory with a dominant total of 60 pounds, 11 ounces. He was followed by Gage Gordon of Belgrade, Mont., in second with 52-09, and Peter Schaefer of Linwood, Mich., in third with 51-14.

Conner Fox of Phelps, took home the Co-Angler title with a two-day total of 52 pounds, 7 ounces, including a massive 31-11 on Day 2.

John Hoyer, 2022 National Walleye Tour Champion, is looking forward to the return to Dunkirk.

“Dunkirk, NY, is my favorite walleye memory of all time. With being confined to NY water only, I will not be able to fish where I won the Championship in 2022, but I am eagerly awaiting to capitalize on new water. I look forward to the sheer numbers of fish that will be suspended near the shorelines and also in open water. The angler that wins this event will crack the code of where the 7 to 8-pounders are living this summer. Dunkirk is an amazing host city and I look forward to some of that hospitality.”

The NWT event is more than just a fishing tournament – it is a celebration of outdoor recreation and community spirit.

“The City of Dunkirk is excited for the opportunity to host this national tournament,” said Mayor Kate Wdowiasz. “Lake Erie is one of the country’s top walleye destinations, and this will be a great event for our local fishing community. The area has great attractions that everyone can enjoy and we welcome the anglers and their guests to come experience a beautiful New York summer.”

Local businesses, restaurants, and hotels are preparing to welcome anglers and fans from across the country, with the event expected to generate significant tourism and economic impact.

“With a great deal of excitement and gratitude, the people of Dunkirk are proud to welcome the pro and co-anglers that are competing in this well-known tournament,” said Vince DeJoy, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Dunkirk.

“What an incredible opportunity we have to deliver a positive experience for the anglers and their families, and to the many people that will visit and discover Dunkirk and will make it a point to come back again.”

On Friday after the weigh-in show, anglers will be available to sign cards or other items brought for the younger children or teens.

The tournament leadership team is also looking for two to three local boaters with drivers available Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to transport their cameramen on the lake to cover the angler event. A stipend and covered fuel costs will be offered.

Volunteers are being sought to help cut fish at the Chadwick Bay Marina fishing cleaning station from 2:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. on both tournament days.Complimentary fish will be available to organizations or general public starting at 3:30 p.m. those days as long as an iced cooler is provided for transport.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, fishing is a popular activity and fish are an important part of a healthy diet. However, some fish contain chemicals at levels that may be harmful to humans. Each year, the Department updates its health advice due to concerns about contaminants in fish like mercury, PCBs, and PFOS. The goal is to help people make healthier choices about which fish to eat and which to avoid. People who become pregnant and eat contaminated fish may be at a higher risk of having children with developmental or learning delays. Children who eat a lot of contaminated fish may also have potential for negative effects on their development and long-term health.

If interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Scott Mekus at 716-366-9848 or smekus@cityofdunkirk.com.

National Walleye Tour (NWT) is part of the Outdoor Team Works family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For more information, visit OutdoorTeamWorks.com or contact the NWT Tournament Hotline at (580) 716-4291. For live updates and information, follow NWT on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.nationalwalleyetour.comto catch up on all the action.