Fishing Tournaments

Tournament Collage

If you plan to hold a competitive fishing tournament on department-managed lands or waters, you are required to obtain a special event permit. This includes tournaments launched from department facilities at state parks, state fishing lakes, or other department properties. You may also be required to pay a fee for the permit, depending on the size of the event and the services required. Please contact the area office, applicable to the event, at least 30 days prior to the tournament date(s) to determine what requirements apply.

Special event permit conditions are listed HERE:

Tournaments that launch from Corps of Engineers Parks or Community Lakes may require a permit or reservation. You should contact the appropriate officials prior to the event for more information about these permits or reservations.

Bass Tournament Information

The Department has been summarizing tournament catches of black bass since 1977. These data have been provided by event organizers or club officers primarily on a voluntary basis. Fisheries biologists use the data to understand relative abundances and length frequencies of bass in these impoundments. This information can be used in addition to their standard sampling data to help evaluate management activities.

The Department encourages tournament organizers to voluntarily provide their tournament results. Please download an online copy of the "Kansas Bass Tournament Log" to record your results and submit them to the tournament monitoring coordinator.

To submit your "Kansas Bass Tournament Log," you may do one of the following:

1. Mail it to Attn: Tournament Coordinator, Emporia Survey and Research Office, PO Box 1525, Emporia KS 66801

2. Fax it to (620) 342-6248 or

3. Leave a message on "Contact the tournament monitoring coordinator" to receive an email address to send your results as an email attachment.

Tournament Monitoring Reports

Printable Version Email Page

The tournament black bass pass may be purchased online, or any location where fishing and hunting licenses are sold.

Please note: Each individual wishing to utilize the Tournament Black Bass Pass must purchase this permit, regardless of age or exemption status.

Anglers participating in a weigh-in tournament who hold a tournament black bass pass (TBBP) are given two privileges:

  1. In a weigh-in tournament conducted September 1 - June 15, an angler may keep five fish, to be released after tournament weigh-in, that meet the statewide 15-inch minimum length limit but are under a special length limit for that fishing location.
  2. In a weigh-in tournament conducted September 1 - June 15, an angler is allowed to cull his or her catch after reaching the daily creel limit, by releasing a small fish and replacing it with a larger one.

Printable Version Email Page

Persuant to K.A.R. 115-7-9, all vessels used by participants in a weigh-in bass tournament must have a working livewell that contains an electrolyte solution, and the following procedures must be followed for weigh-in and release:

  • One individual work crew support for each 10 anglers
  • One weigh-in tank filled with an electrolyte-water chemical solution and fitted with recirculation and aeration accessories for every 25 anglers
  • If the water temperature at the tournament location is 75°F or cooler, water in the weigh-in tank shall be maintained at the same temperature
  • If the water temperature at the tournament location is warmer than 75°F, water in the weigh-in tank shall be 5 to 10° cooler but shall not exceed 85°F
  • Not more than 4 anglers shall be in the weigh-in line at any one time
  • Weigh-in bags containing livewell water shall be reinforced, reusable, and capable of holding up to 15 pounds of live fish and 2 gallons of water
  • The weigh-in site shall be located near the vessel mooring site and the release site, vehicle, or vessel and under a portable awning, event tent, or in the shade

Minimum requirements for releasing bass during a weigh-in tournament include:

  • Fish shall not be released directly into the water after being weighed
  • If release tubes, vehicles, or vessels are used, holding tanks shall contain a ½ percent noniodized salt solution
  • If release tubes, vehicles, or vessels are not used, fish must be dipped in a 3 percent noniodized salt solution the same temperature the lake water for 10-15 seconds before being released
  • The release site must have water at least 3 feet deep with good circulation and a hard bottom
  • The release site must be located away from vessel traffic and public-use vessel ramps
  • Each participant’s vessel used in the tournament should be cleaned before and after the tournament in compliance with department guidelines regarding the prevention of aquatic nuisance species (ANS).

Printable Version Email Page

Complete Tournament Schedule

08/04/2019

Kansas Crappie Club

Location: Melvern Lake

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Sunday, August 04, 2019

Contact: Kansas Crappie Club

Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Other Information:

more information at https://www.kansascrappieclub.com/tournament-schedule.html

View Kansas Outdoor Events

08/07/2019

Kansas Crappie Club

Location: Toronto Lake

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Wednesday, August 07, 2019

Contact: Kansas Crappie Club

Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Other Information:

more information at https://www.kansascrappieclub.com/tournament-schedule.html

View Kansas Outdoor Events

08/17/2019

Beatrice Bassmaster Club Tournament

Location: Clinton State Park Boat Ramp #2

Type: Bass Tournament

Date: Saturday, August 17, 2019

Contact: Mike Jordan

Phone No: 402-806-5991

Time: 5:00 am - 3:00 pm

Other Information:

Catch and release Bass Tournament

View Clinton Calendar

09/07/2019

Hays Bass Anglers

Location: Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, September 07, 2019

Contact: Curt Wachs

Phone No: 785-259-8326

Time: 6:00 am - 4:30 pm

Other Information:

Starting time is not official. Contact tournament representative for exact start time.

View Wilson Calendar

American Cancer Society Fishing Tournament

Location: El Dorado Lake

Type: Tournament

Date: Saturday, September 07, 2019

Contact: Bailey Vaughn

Time: 7:00 am - 2:30 am

Other Information:

Annual fundraiser Catfish and Crappie Tournament for the American Cancer Society at El Dorado Lake.  Registration begins at 5:30am at Bluestem Ramp #1, boat launch at 7:00am, weigh-in at 2:30pm.  Boat registration $100, individual registration $50, additional big fish entry $25.  Contact Bailey Vaughn at bailey.vaughn@cancer.org

Visit the facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/events/1141934559328323

View Aquatic Education Calendar

Catfish Chasers

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Dates: 09/07/19 - 09/08/19

Contact: David Studebaker

Phone No: 785 289 0007

Time: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Other Information:

FISHING TOURNAMENT - Event will take place at the Lake View Boat Ramp

Vehicle permits are required for all vehicles no matter the length of stay

David Studebaker stidebakerdavid@yahoo.com    Craig Collings 816-261-9353

View Perry Calendar

09/08/2019

Kansas Crappie Club

Location: Milford Lake

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Sunday, September 08, 2019

Contact: Kansas Crappie Club

Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Other Information:

more information at https://www.kansascrappieclub.com/tournament-schedule.html

View Kansas Outdoor Events

3D Archery Shoot and Free Park Entrance

Location: Lovewell State Park

Type: 3D Archery Tournament; Free park vehicle entrance.

Date: Sunday, September 08, 2019

Contact: Thane Loring

Phone No: (785) 753-4971

Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Other Information:

3D Archery Shoot begins at 9 am - Individuals compete on 14 station 3D archery range. Divisions for Men, Women, Youth. Steel Deer Target Contest at 12 noon. Prizes awarded at 1 pm. Free Park Entrance Day, no vehicle permits required.

View Lovewell Calendar

09/14/2019

East KS BassMasters

Location: Wilson State Park-Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 09/14/19 - 09/15/19

Time: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

View Wilson Calendar

09/20/2019

BNSF Railroad

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Dates: 09/20/19 - 09/22/19

Contact: Craig Eastman

This is an All Day Event

Other Information:

Company Event BBQ and Fishing Tournament - Lake View Campground, Boat Ramp, and Shelter, and Cottonwood Bridge Campground

Contact: craig.eastman@bnsf.com

View Perry Calendar

09/21/2019

Kansas Crappie Club (kayak event)

Location: Dragoon Creek/ Carbolyn State Park ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2019

Contact: Kansas Crappie Club

Time: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Other Information:

more information at https://www.kansascrappieclub.com/tournament-schedule.html

View Kansas Outdoor Events

10/05/2019

Back Lashers of Kansas City

Location: Clinton State Park Boat Ramp #2

Type: Bass tournament

Date: Saturday, October 05, 2019

Contact: Darrin Jones

Phone No: 816-591-7011

Time: 5:00 am - 3:00 pm

Other Information:

Boat Ramp #2

View Clinton Calendar

Sunflower Team Series

Location: Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 10/05/19 - 10/06/19

Contact: Rick Wheeler

Phone No: 316-734-1430

Time: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

View Wilson Calendar

Kansas Crappie Club

Location: El Dorado Lake

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, October 05, 2019

Contact: Kansas Crappie Club

Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Other Information:

2019 Kansas State Championship 

more information at https://www.kansascrappieclub.com/tournament-schedule.html

View Kansas Outdoor Events

11/10/2019

Kansas Crappie Club

Location: Clinton Lake, Ramp #2 (marina ramp)

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Sunday, November 10, 2019

Contact: Kansas Crappie Club

Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Other Information:

*** 3rd Annual Veterans Day KDWPT Fundraiser*** 

more information at https://www.kansascrappieclub.com/tournament-schedule.html

View Kansas Outdoor Events

11/30/2019

Kansas Crappie Club

Location: Clinton Lake

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, November 30, 2019

Contact: Kansas Crappie Club

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Other Information:

Entry Fee-$40.00 per Team plus one Toy per Team Member to Donate to Toys for Tots...
( Toys are the Entry fee for the Big Fish Contest)

More information at https://www.kansascrappieclub.com/tournament-schedule.html 

View Kansas Outdoor Events
Contact the tournament monitoring coordinator

Please submit your tournament-related messages or questions below to the tournament monitoring coordinator. If you would like to submit your "Kansas Bass Tournament Log," leave a message indicating this and the tournament coordinator will respond with the e-mail address to send your attachment.

You may also call the Pratt Operations Office Division of Fish and Wildlife at (620)-672-5911 for tournament-related questions and information.

Fishing Tournament Gallery

Milford Tournament

Milford Tou...