Fishing Tournaments

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:

Tournament Collage

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

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.

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).
Complete Tournament Schedule

04/01/2023

Salina Bassmasters

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 04/01/23 - 04/02/23

Contact: Tim Merkh

Phone No: 785-376-1875

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm



04/08/2023

Ft. Leavenworth Rod and Gun

Location: Unknown Ramp

Type: Bass Tournament

Date: Saturday, April 08, 2023

This is an All Day Event



CATFISH CHASERS TOURNAMENT SERIES

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Saturday, April 08, 2023

Contact: David Studebaker

Phone No: 785-289-0007

Time: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm


Other Information:

FISHING TOURNAMENT- Catfish

Location: Lake View Boat Ramp

Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all vehicles to enter the State Park - no matter the length of stay.

David Studebaker studebakerdavid@yahoo.com 785-289-0007 or Craig Colling 816-261-9353

Follow any current Covid 19 regulations.


04/15/2023

K-State Bass Fishing Team

Location: Eisenhower State Park ramp

Type: Tournament

Date: Saturday, April 15, 2023

This is an All Day Event



Hays Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, April 15, 2023

Contact: Curt Wachs

Phone No: 785-259-8326

Time: 5:30 am - 4:00 pm



The Fallen Outdoors -Team Kansas

Location: Milford Lake - Rush Creek Ramp

Type: fishing tournament

Date: Saturday, April 15, 2023

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm



04/22/2023

The Bass Federation

Location: East Ramp

Type: Youth Bass Tournament

Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023

This is an All Day Event



The Bass Federation of KS

Location: Melvern Reservoir

Type: Tournament

Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

High School Championship will be held at Melvern Reservoir on April 22nd. Participants will be using the Eisenhower State Park EAST RAMP.


Kansas Bass Nation

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 04/22/23 - 04/23/23

Contact: Tim Merkh

Phone No: 785-376-1875

This is an All Day Event



MIDWEST CRAPPIE CHASERS

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023

Contact: Jeremy Conway

Phone No: midwestcrappiechasers@yahoo.com

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm


Other Information:

FISHING TOURNAMENT- Catfish

Location: Lake View Boat Ramp

Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all vehicles to enter the State Park - no matter the length of stay.

Follow any current Covid 19 regulations.


04/23/2023

Silted Water Tournament Trail

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Sunday, April 23, 2023

Contact: Charles Sheid

Phone No: 402-705-2987

Time: 5:00 am - 5:00 pm



KANSAS BUDDY BASS

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, April 23, 2023

Contact: Andrew Barnabei

Phone No: 605-880-0119

Time: 6:00 am - 4:00 am


Other Information:

FISHING TOURNAMENT- Bass

Location: Lake View Boat Ramp

Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all vehicles to enter the State Park - no matter the length of stay.

https://www.ksbuddybass.com


04/29/2023

KANSAS YOUTH BASS Nation

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Dates: 04/29/23 - 04/30/23

Contact: Travis Burch

Phone No: 913-562-4660

Time: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm


Other Information:

Fishing Tournament- 2 Day Bass Youth

Kansas Bass Nation Youth Fishing is part of B.A.S.S. 

Location: Lake View Boat Ramp

Vehicle permits required for all vehicles to enter the State Park - not matter the length of stay.

Email: KANSASYOUTHBASS@GMAIL.COM


04/30/2023

CANCELLED EAST KANSAS BASSMASTERS

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, April 30, 2023

Contact: Brian Keeney

Phone No: 913-424-8285

Time: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm


Other Information:

THIS TOURNAMENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED 

FISHING TOURNAMENT- Bass

Location: Lake View Boat Ramp

Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all vehicles to enter the State Park - no matter the length of stay.


05/13/2023

Hays Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023

Contact: Curt Wachs

Phone No: 785-259-8326

Time: 5:30 am - 4:00 pm



05/20/2023

Southern Colorado Bassmasters

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek or Otoe Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 05/20/23 - 05/21/23

Contact: Brian Hickey

Phone No: 270-881-7014

Time: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm



Kansas Buddy Bass

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek or Otoe Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 05/20/23 - 05/21/23

Contact: Andrew Barnabei

Phone No: 605-880-0119

Time: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm



05/21/2023

South East Kansas Kayak Anglers/USA Bassin

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, May 21, 2023

Contact: Lauren Ward

Phone No: 620-515-1995

Time: 5:00 am - 5:00 pm


Other Information:

Kayak Fishing tournament
Location: North Boat Ramp and Shelter #7
Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all vehicles to enter the State Park - no matter the length of stay.


Kansas Walleye

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Sunday, May 21, 2023

Contact: Ted Webster

Phone No: 620-728-9228

Time: 5:00 am - 4:30 pm



06/03/2023

NBAA Southern Colorado Team Trail

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 06/03/23 - 06/04/23

Contact: Frank Bianchi

Phone No: 719-491-2074

Time: 5:00 am - 4:00 pm



Colorado The Bass Federation (CBTF)

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 06/03/23 - 06/04/23

Contact: Marty Martinez

Phone No: 925-858-4467

Time: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm



Annual Youth Fishing Tournament

Location: Glen Elder State Park

Type: Youth Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, June 03, 2023

Contact: Paul Stockabrand

Phone No: 785-545-3345

Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm


Other Information:

Youth Fishing Tournament! AND Free park entrance day


06/04/2023

South East Kansas Kayak Anglers/USA Bassin

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, June 04, 2023

Contact: Lauren Ward

Phone No: 620-515-1995

Time: 5:00 am - 5:00 pm


Other Information:

Kayak Fishing tournament
Location: North Boat Ramp and Shelter #7
Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all vehicles to enter the State Park - no matter the length of stay.


06/10/2023

Central States Kayak Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Public Launch

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023

Contact: James Leggett

Phone No: 402-305-6578

Time: 5:00 am - 3:30 pm



NBAA Southern Colorado Team Trail

Location: Wilson State Park Otoe Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 06/10/23 - 06/11/23

Contact: Frank Bianchi

Phone No: 719-491-2074

Time: 5:00 am - 4:00 pm



The Bass Federation of Kansas

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 06/10/23 - 06/11/23

Contact: Larry Stoafer

Phone No: 913-240-5254

Time: 5:30 am - 2:00 pm



Kansas Kayak Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Public Launch

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023

Contact: Jon Morse

Phone No: 316-351-2270

Time: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm



06/17/2023

I 70 Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Contact: Kelly Ross

Phone No: 785-200-5446

Time: 5:00 am - 3:00 pm



06/18/2023

I 70 Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Sunday, June 18, 2023

Contact: Kelly Ross

Phone No: 785-200-5446

Time: 5:00 am - 3:00 pm



06/24/2023

Kansas Bass Nation

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 06/24/23 - 06/25/23

Contact: Tim Merkh

Phone No: 785-376-1875

Time: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm



07/08/2023

I 70 Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, July 08, 2023

Contact: Kelly Ross

Phone No: 785-200-5446

Time: 5:00 am - 3:00 pm



07/09/2023

I 70 Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Sunday, July 09, 2023

Contact: Kelly Ross

Phone No: 785-200-5446

Time: 5:00 am - 3:00 pm



07/15/2023

Pikes Peak Bassmasters

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 07/15/23 - 07/16/23

Contact: Joe Conway

Phone No: 719-419-2272

Time: 5:00 am - 2:00 pm



07/16/2023

South East Kansas Kayak Anglers/USA Bassin

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, July 16, 2023

Contact: Lauren Ward

Phone No: 620-515-1995

Time: 5:00 am - 5:00 pm


Other Information:

Kayak Fishing tournament
Location: North Boat Ramp and Shelter #7
Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all vehicles to enter the State Park - no matter the length of stay.


07/29/2023

CATFISH CHASERS TOURNAMENT SERIES Overnight

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Dates: 07/29/23 - 07/30/23

Contact: David Studebaker

Phone No: 785 289 0007

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 am


Other Information:

FISHING TOURNAMENT- Catfish OVERNIGHT 7PM TO 8AM

Location: Lake View Boat Ramp

Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all vehicles to enter the State Park - no matter the length of stay.

David Studebaker studebakerdavid@yahoo.com 785-289-0007 or Craig Colling 816-261-9353

Follow any current Covid 19 regulations.


08/06/2023

South East Kansas Kayak Anglers/USA Bassin

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, August 06, 2023

Contact: Lauren Ward

Phone No: 620-515-1995

Time: 5:00 am - 6:00 pm


Other Information:

Kayak Fishing tournament
Location: North Boat Ramp and Shelter #7
Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all vehicles to enter the State Park - no matter the length of stay.


08/19/2023

Colorado The Bass Federation (CBTF)

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 08/19/23 - 08/20/23

Contact: Marty Martinez

Phone No: 925-858-4467

Time: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm



08/23/2023

BNSF Railroad Tentative

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Fishing Tournament and BBQ

Dates: 08/23/23 - 08/28/23

Contact: Craig Eastman

This is an All Day Event


Other Information:

This is a tentative event more information to follow:

Company Event -Lake View Campground Cottonwood Bridge Campground Cougar Pass Lake View Shelter and Boat Ramp

Contact: craig.eastman@bnsf.com


09/09/2023

Hays Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, September 09, 2023

Contact: Curt Wachs

Phone No: 785-259-8326

Time: 5:30 am - 4:00 pm



East Kansas Bassmasters

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 09/09/23 - 09/10/23

Contact: Brian Keeney

Phone No: 913-424-8285

Time: 6:00 am - 2:00 pm



09/10/2023

3D Archery Shoot and Free Park Entrance

Location: Lovewell State Park

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

Date: Sunday, September 10, 2023

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.


09/15/2023

Kansas Bass nation

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 09/15/23 - 09/17/23

Contact: Tim Merkh

Phone No: 785-376-1875

Time: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm



09/23/2023

River City Bass Club

Location: East Ramp

Type: Bass Tournament

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

This is an All Day Event



American Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 09/23/23 - 09/24/23

Contact: Brent Barker

Phone No: 316-652-5939

Time: 4:00 am - 4:00 pm



09/30/2023

The Bass Federation of Kansas

Location: Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 09/30/23 - 10/01/23

Contact: Larry Stoafer

Phone No: 913-240-5254

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm



10/08/2023

East KS Bassmasters

Location: East Ramp

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, October 08, 2023

This is an All Day Event



10/15/2023

Kansas Buddy Bass

Location: East Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023

This is an All Day Event



10/21/2023

Denver Bassmasters

Location: Wilson State park Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 10/21/23 - 10/22/23

Contact: Howard Binkley

Phone No: 720-375-4870

Time: 5:00 am - 4:00 pm



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