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

03/15/2020

East Kansas Bassmasters

Location: La Cygne Reservoir

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, March 15, 2020

Time: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm

Other Information:

Bass tournament at marina ramp. https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Southeast-Region/La-Cygne-Reservoir

For more tournament info, go to: http://www.eastksbassmasters.com/home.html

View Complete Tournament Schedule

03/28/2020

Kansas Bass Nation

Location: Wilson State Park -Otoe Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament-College

Dates: 03/28/20 - 03/29/20

Contact: Travis Burch

Phone No: 913-562-4660

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

View Wilson Calendar

04/04/2020

CATFISH CHASERS

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Saturday, April 04, 2020

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 or Craig Colling 816-261-9353

View Perry Calendar

Kansas Bass Nation

Location: Wilson State Park-Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament Jr High & High School

Dates: 04/04/20 - 04/05/20

Contact: Travis Burch

Phone No: 913-562-4660

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

View Wilson Calendar

04/05/2020

East Kansas Bassmasters

Location: Melvern Reservoir

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, April 05, 2020

Time: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm

Other Information:

Bass tournament at Eisenhower State Park East ramp. https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Southeast-Region/Melvern-Reservoir

For more tournament info, go to: http://www.eastksbassmasters.com/home.html

View Complete Tournament Schedule

04/18/2020

Kansas Bass Nation

Location: Milford State Park

Type: Bass Fishing Tournament -Junior High

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2020

Contact: Travis Burch

Phone No: 913-562-4660

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

View Milford Calendar

04/19/2020

Kansas Bass Nation

Location: Milford State Park

Type: Bass Fishing Tournament -High School

Date: Sunday, April 19, 2020

Contact: Travis Burch

Phone No: 913-562-4660

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

View Milford Calendar

04/25/2020

Hays Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park-Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2020

Contact: Curt Wachs

Phone No: 785-259-8326

Time: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm

Other Information:

Start time is at daylight

View Wilson Calendar

05/02/2020

Western NE Bass

Location: Wilson State Park-Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 05/02/20 - 05/03/20

Contact: Matt Vollmar

Phone No: 402-659-2358

Time: 5:00 am - 3:00 pm

View Wilson Calendar

KS BASS Nation

Location: Bone Creek Lake

Type: Tournament

Dates: 05/02/20 - 05/03/20

Contact: Travis Burch

Phone No: 913-562-4660

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Other Information:

This is the Kansas State High School and Junior Championship KS BASS Nation Tournament.

For more information: www.ksbassnation.net

View Complete Tournament Schedule

05/16/2020

Hays Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park-Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020

Contact: Curt Wachs

Phone No: 785-259-8326

Time: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm

Other Information:

Start time is daylight.

View Wilson Calendar

EAST KANSAS BASSMASTERS

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020

Contact: Brian Keeney

Phone No: 913-424-8285

Time: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Other Information:

Bass Fishing Tournament Location: Lake View Boat Ramp

Vehicle Permits are required for all Vehicles at a State Park no matter the length of stay

View Perry Calendar

05/31/2020

East Kansas Bassmasters

Location: Bone Creek Reservoir

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2020

Time: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm

Other Information:

Bass tournament at main ramp. https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Southeast-Region/Bone-Creek-Reservoir

For more tournament info, go to: http://www.eastksbassmasters.com/home.html

View Complete Tournament Schedule

06/06/2020

Annual Youth Fishing Tournament

Location: Glen Elder State Park

Type: Youth Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, June 06, 2020

Contact: Scott Waters

Phone No: 785-545-3345

Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Other Information:

Youth Fishing Tournament! Along with OK Kids - prizes for every participant!!

View Glen Elder Calendar

06/07/2020

Kansas Walleye Assoc

Location: Wilson State Park - Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Sunday, June 07, 2020

Contact: Ted Webster

Phone No: 620-728-9228

Time: 5:00 am - 4:30 pm

View Wilson Calendar

06/13/2020

MUDDY WATERS HUNTING AND FISHING ADVENTURES

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Tournament

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020

Contact: Dennis Ruble

Phone No: 913-683-0147

Time: 6:00 am - 8:30 pm

Other Information:

Crappie Fishing Tournament - Lake View Boat Ramp

Vehicle Permits are REQUIRED for all STATE Parks no matter the length of stay.

View Perry Calendar

06/14/2020

East Kansas Bassmasters

Location: La Cygne Reservoir

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, June 14, 2020

Time: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm

Other Information:

Bass tournament at marina ramp. https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Southeast-Region/La-Cygne-Reservoir

For more tournament info, go to: http://www.eastksbassmasters.com/home.html

View Complete Tournament Schedule

06/27/2020

Kansas Walleye Association Tournament

Location: Glen Elder State Park

Type: Fishing Tournament

Dates: 06/27/20 - 06/28/20

Time: 5:00 am - 5:00 pm

Other Information:

Annual KS Walleye Assoc Tournament at Waconda Lake

View Glen Elder Calendar

08/16/2020

East Kansas Bassmasters

Location: Pomona Reservoir

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2020

Time: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm

Other Information:

Bass tournament at Lighthouse Marina ramp. https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Southeast-Region/Pomona-Reservoir

For more tournament info, go to: http://www.eastksbassmasters.com/home.html

View Complete Tournament Schedule

09/12/2020

Hays Bass Anglers

Location: Wilson State Park-Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2020

Contact: Curt Wachs

Phone No: 785-259-8326

Time: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm

Other Information:

Start Time is Daylight

View Wilson Calendar

09/13/2020

3D Archery Shoot and Free Park Entrance

Location: Lovewell State Park

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

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2020

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

09/19/2020

Kansas Bass Nation

Location: Wilson State Park- Hell Creek Boat Ramp

Type: Fishing Tournament

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

Contact: Danny Barrett

Phone No: 620-200-8723

Time: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

View Wilson Calendar

09/25/2020

BNSF Railroad

Location: Perry State Park

Type: Fishing Tournament and BBQ Tournament

Dates: 09/25/20 - 09/28/20

Contact: Craig Eastman

This is an All Day Event

Other Information:

Company Event BBQ and Fishing Tournament - Perry State Park

More Details to follow

View Perry Calendar

10/18/2020

East Kansas Bassmasters

Location: Melvern Reservoir

Type: Tournament

Date: Sunday, October 18, 2020

Time: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm

Other Information:

Bass tournament at Eisenhower State Park East ramp. https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Southeast-Region/Melvern-Reservoir

For more tournament info, go to: http://www.eastksbassmasters.com/home.html

View Complete Tournament Schedule
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...