Submitted Photo Bobb McKeehen of Bismarck, left, and Zach Jackson of Garrison, right, hold up their prizes from the 2025 North Dakota Governor’s Walleye Cup.

GARRISON — The 50th annual North Dakota Governor’s Walleye Cup reeled in big results this past weekend as anglers from across the region gathered on the waters of Lake Sakakawea.

Held July 18-19 at Fort Stevenson State Park, south of Garrison, the two-day fishing tournament marked a milestone year for one of North Dakota’s outdoor traditions. The Governor’s Cup takes place each third weekend of July and regularly draws hundreds of competitors and spectators to Garrison.

This year’s champions, Zach Jackson and Bobb McKeehen, secured first place with a record-breaking 10-fish weight of 51.77 pounds. Their finish earned them the tournament’s $15,000 grand prize.

Backed by a strong community network, the tournament was made possible by support from dozens of local sponsors.

The event, organized by the Garrison Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, featured early morning launches, a live weigh-in stage and a weekend full of sportsmanship and local pride. Along with the competition, the tournament shines a light on conserving North Dakota’s wildlife and environment for future generations.