Gage Gordon finishes 2nd and Peter Schaefer rounds out the Top Three!
Alpena, MI (July 11, 2025) – 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,” headded. “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 60-11
2 GAGE GORDON | BELGRADE MT 52-09
3 PETER SCHAEFER | LINWOOD MI 51-14
4 KAL USTISHEN | CHESANING MI 51-09
5 CHRIS ALLRED | GENESEE MI 48-05
6 JASON PRZEKURAT | STEVENS POINT WI 48-03
7 AUSTIN TOMASEK | HEMLOCK MI 47-08
8 DUANE HJELM | PIERRE SD 46-04
9 JASON DOYON | SAULT STE MARIE ON 46-02
10 JASON TRAPP | PINCONNING MI 45-06
CO TOP 10
1 CONNER FOX | PHELPS NY 52-07
2 TANNER MASTELLER | GLENHAM SD 51-12
3 PRESTON YINDRA | MISHICOT WI 51-01
4 KYLE HYDE | WALES MI 50-10
5 TERRY CHILCOTE | MARSHALL MI 47-12
6 SHANE LONEY | BELLEVUE MI 45-13
7 JOHN COCHEMS | VIRGINIA MN 45-07
8 PAUL STOKES | STOCKBRIDGE MI 45-03
9 GREG BALLERING | MILWAUKEE WI 44-15
9 KEVIN WARNE | ESTELLIINE SD 44-15
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.