Gage Gordon finishes 2nd and Peter Schaefer rounds out the Top Three!

The third stop of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s 2025 National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive brought two days of long runs and heavy bags as Isaac Lakich of Richfield, WI, 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, MT, in second with 52-09, and Peter Schaefer of Linwood, MI, in third with 51-14.

“We made a monster run,” Lakich said. “It was risky, but the quality was there. Garmin LiveScope helped us pick out the right fish, and I stuck with baits I trust. Mostly jigs and glide baits. I only lost one fish all week.”

“When I caught my third fish early on Day 2, I knew I had time to make something happen,” headed. “The fish were there, so I focused in on that zone and continued to capitalize. Then it was like—five-pounder, six, and then seven. At that point, I knew it was ours to lose. We left 45 minutes early just to make sure we got back in time…it was gnarly out there.”

“This win means the world,” Lakich said. “I’ve taken second three times—behind Korey Sprengel, Max Wilson, and John Hoyer. They’re all friends, but I’ve had to watch them win while I played second fiddle. It feels amazing to finally flip that script.”

The long run paid off – Lakich took home not only the trophy and bragging rights, but $15,000 cash and new Nitro Z20 powered by Mercury.

Co-Angler Champion: Conner Fox

Conner Fox of Phelps, NY, took home the Co-Angler title and a $10,000 payday with a two-day total of 52 pounds, 7 ounces, including a massive 31-11 on Day 2.

“It’s surreal. To win on a fishery like this and take home ten grand – it’s a dream come true.”

PRO TOP 10

1 ISAAC LAKICH | RICHFIELD WI

2 GAGE GORDON | BELGRADE MT

3 PETER SCHAEFER | LINWOOD MI

4 KAL USTISHEN | CHESANING MI

5 CHRIS ALLRED | GENESEE MI

6 JASON PRZEKURAT | STEVENS POINT WI

7 AUSTIN TOMASEK | HEMLOCK MI

8 DUANE HJELM | PIERRE SD

9 JASON DOYON | SAULT STE MARIE ON

10 JASON TRAPP | PINCONNING MI

CO TOP 10

1 CONNER FOX | PHELPS NY

2 TANNER MASTELLER | GLENHAM SD

3 PRESTON YINDRA | MISHICOT WI

4 KYLE HYDE | WALES MI

5 TERRY CHILCOTE | MARSHALL MI

6 SHANE LONEY | BELLEVUE MI

7 JOHN COCHEMS | VIRGINIA MN

8 PAUL STOKES | STOCKBRIDGE MI

9 GREG BALLERING | MILWAUKEE WI

9 KEVIN WARNE | ESTELLIINE SD

A complete breakdown of the winning baits, techniques, and gear used by the top anglers will be available early next week. Be sure to follow the NWT website, Facebook and Instagram for updates and full angler interviews.

The NWT now heads to Lake Erie for Stop #4. Registration is still open for both Pro Anglers and Co-Anglers. Don’t miss your chance to compete on the biggest stage in walleye fishing.

About National Walleye Tour
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 live updates and information, follow NWT on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.nationalwalleyetour.com to catch up on all the action.

2025 Proud Sponsors

Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Progressive, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Aftco, Garmin, Power-Pole, TH Marine, Sunline, Gamakatsu, Walleye Nation Creations, Panther Marine, Gemini G2, Rapala Crush City