2026 Anglers for Veterans Fishing Tournament at Lake Thompson SD

DE SMET, S.D. — The 2026 Anglers for Veterans Fishing Tournament will return to Lake Thompson on Saturday, June 13, offering competitive walleye fishing while raising funds for local veterans across the region, organizers announced Tuesday.

The annual event, hosted by Community Action for Veterans (CAV), combines sport and community support, with over $12,000 in prize money awarded based on the heaviest walleye catches of the day. Teams of two to four anglers are encouraged to include a veteran member and registration fees vary depending on team composition.

Event Details and Structure

The tournament will take place over two days, June 12 and 13, with fishing hours from 6:30 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. CDT each day. Lake Thompson, located southeast of De Smet, will serve as the competition site, where anglers will vie for prizes determined by the total weight of their catches.

Each boat is permitted to catch up to eight walleyes, with five fish measuring at least 15 inches required for weighing. Only two fish exceeding that length may be included in the final tally. The event also features a Calcutta auction and a “Big Fish Pot” for the largest individual catch, adding additional layers of competition.

Registration fees range from $250 to $320 per team, with discounts available for teams that include a veteran. The highest-priced tier, $320, includes entry into the Big Fish Pot. All proceeds benefit CAV, a South Dakota-based organization supporting veterans in the region.

Community Impact and Participation

Community Action for Veterans has positioned the tournament as both a sporting event and a fundraiser, emphasizing camaraderie among participants while directing financial support toward local veterans’ programs. The event has grown in popularity since its inception, drawing anglers from across the state, and beyond.

“This annual event combines sport, camaraderie, and community impact,” organizers stated on the tournament’s official registration page. The tournament also includes social elements, with participants encouraged to join a dedicated group upon registration.

Lake Thompson, known for its walleye population, has hosted the tournament for several years, providing a scenic and competitive backdrop for the event. The lake’s location in Kingsbury County makes it accessible to anglers from Sioux Falls and other regional hubs.

Registration and Additional Information

Interested teams can register through the official CAV website at sdvets.org. The registration page includes multiple ticket options, including general admission, veteran-inclusive teams, and entries that include the Big Fish Pot.

Updates and specific details about the tournament, including any last-minute changes, will also be posted on the CAV website. Organizers have encouraged early registration to secure spots, as the event has reached capacity in past years.

The 2026 Anglers for Veterans Fishing Tournament continues a tradition of blending competitive fishing with charitable giving, reinforcing South Dakota’s reputation as a destination for both outdoor recreation and community-driven initiatives.