It’s o-fish-al. The 45th Annual Big Stone Walleye Classic hauled in 268 fish for a total of 584.35 pounds on Saturday June 20. The morning started at 7 a.m. with gorgeous weather and 74 teams. The top two teams caught 18.75 pounds a piece.
Because two teams tied for first place, the tie-breaker was who, of the top-two, caught the biggest fish. Tanner Burkman of Baltic and Dylan Pauly of Sioux Falls reeled in one at 6.95 pounds, just a bit heavier than the one brought in by Dalton Koch and Doug Devries at 6.65 pounds. Burkman and Pauly landed in first place to collect the $4500 prize.
Koch and Devries earned second place and a $3000 prize.
Brandon Trapp and Shawn Wellnitz weighed in with a total of 17.75 pounds. They captured third place and netted $2,000. The top 10 places all won money.
The team of Dylan Christensen and Devon Wenck pulled in an 8.0-pound beauty to claim the Big Fish Award. They took home the $750 prize donated by Milbank Ford.
The total from the biggest fish caught by each team came to 192.10 pounds.
Nicolle Berkner, President of the Big Stone Walleye Classic, said, “We had concessions available and there was a huge crowd cheering on all the fishermen.The weather was in our favor, and we appreciate everyone that joined us for this milestone event.”
Berkner announced, “The 46th annual tournament will be held June 19, 2027, pending state approval of the application.” Stay tuned. She’ll let minnow.
The 2026 Big Stone Walleye Classic Results:
Staff
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