It was an exciting week in the area as Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s National Walleye Tour was held on Lake Francis Case in Pickstown on Thursday and Friday. Taking the win with a final weight of 27.10” was Duane Hjelm, a South Dakota Pro Angler, to take home a total of $95,055 in cash and prizes including a 2023 Ranger 621FS. Hjelm shared that he took a gamble and threw back a big fish and worried if that choice would cost him the win, but he landed a few other key fish to give him the weight to take the win by one pound. A big win on a big day, as it was also his anniversary. Jeff Cortez of Forest Lake, Minnesota won the co-angler title with a total of 26.13 pounds to take home $8,970 including the Ranger Cup bonus.

The National Walleye Tour expressed their appreciation during the closing remarks for the great hospitality received by both the staff and the anglers during their time pre-fishing and during the 2-day tournament.

This was truly something amazing to experience right here in our area as area residents and angler families and friends gathered on Thursday and Friday afternoons for the weigh ins. I heard several anglers commenting they were impressed with the attendance as they don’t normally see that kind of attendance. Many young anglers came out for the opportunity to get a photo and visit with the Pro Anglers. This group of anglers wechouere so amazing to watch as they waited for their turn on the stage. They stopped to take time for the kids, so heart warming to witness so thank you Anglers, for making a lot of kids day as they walked away with big smiles, photos and autographs. On Friday afternoon kids were also invited to the free NPAA “Future Angler” Fishing Clinic at Prairie Dog Bay Ramp. The first 200 kids received a fishing rod and reel and a t-shirt.

Following weigh-ins, members of the Ravinia Fire Department and Wagner Knights of Columbus cleaned the tubs of fish which were donated to their organizations for upcoming fish fry fundraisers.

A big thank you goes out to the Wagner Chamber members (Wagner area businesses), Lake Andes Chamber, Pickstown, Game Fish & Parks and everyone who volunteered. It takes a team to host a tour like this and you all did a great job! Thanks to the National Walleye Tour team who were fantastic!!! AND thanks to the fisherman who came. We loved having you in our area!

To view the final Pro-Angler results go to: https://outdoorteamworks.com/wp-content/ uploads/2023/06/2023-NWTLake- Francis-Case-FINAL-RESULTS_ pro.pdf and for the final co-angler results go to: https://outdoorteamworks.com/wp-content/ uploads/ 2023/ 06/ 2023NWT-Lake-Francis-Case-FINALRESULTS_ co.pdf