What the Bartlett Lake Jackpot Catfish Tournament is

The Bartlett Lake Jackpot Catfish Tournament is a competitive fishing event held on Bartlett Lake, a reservoir northeast of Phoenix managed by the Salt River Project. Anglers fish for channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish, with prizes awarded to the heaviest fish in each category. The tournament runs as a one-day event, typically held in spring or early summer when catfish are most active in the lake's deeper channels and around structure.

Entry is open to anyone with a valid Arizona fishing license. You pay an entry fee to compete, and a portion of that fee goes into the prize pool — the larger the field, the larger the jackpot. The tournament operates on a catch-and-release or catch-and-weigh basis depending on the year's rules, so confirm the current format before you register.

Bartlett Lake itself is a 2,800-acre reservoir with good catfish populations year-round. The lake sits at roughly 1,800 feet elevation and has rocky shorelines, deep channels, and submerged structure that hold catfish. Water temperature and seasonal patterns affect where fish congregate, so knowing the lake's layout and recent conditions gives you an edge.

Key Takeaways

  • Entry requires a current Arizona fishing license and an entry fee paid at registration, which typically happens the morning of the tournament.
  • Catfish are most active during low-light hours — early morning and evening — so plan your fishing around dawn and dusk.
  • Bartlett Lake has channel, flathead, and blue catfish; flatheads and blues grow larger but channel catfish are more predictable for tournament fishing.
  • Bring live or cut bait (shad, herring, chicken liver, or stink baits work well), heavy rods rated for catfish, and a cooler to keep your catch fresh if weigh-in is delayed.
  • Check the current tournament rules and date through the Arizona Game and Fish Department or local tackle shops, as the event schedule and format change year to year.

Where to Fish on Bartlett Lake

Catfish on Bartlett Lake concentrate in deeper water during the day and move to shallower structure to feed at night. The main channel that runs through the lake's center holds catfish year-round, especially where the channel drops off sharply or where underwater ledges create depth changes. Fish the deeper holes and channel bends rather than shallow flats.

Rocky points and submerged boulders along the shoreline are productive, especially if they drop into deeper water. The lake's northern arm tends to be quieter and less pressured than the main body, so if you can reach it, spend time there. Coves with fallen trees or brush piles hold catfish, but be prepared to lose tackle — catfish will wrap your line around structure and break free.

During tournament hours, focus on areas away from the boat launch and main access points. Other anglers will be fishing the obvious spots, so moving to secondary structure and quieter water often pays off. Bring a map or use a fish finder if you have one; knowing the lake's bottom contours before the tournament starts is a real advantage.

Bait, Tackle, and Technique

Catfish respond to strong scents and flavors, so your bait choice matters more than finesse. Live shad or herring work well and appeal to all three catfish species. Cut bait — chunks of shad, mackerel, or herring — is easier to cast and hold in place, and it releases scent into the water. Chicken liver is traditional and effective for channel catfish. Stink baits and dip baits work for channel catfish but are less reliable for larger flatheads and blues.

Use heavy rods rated for catfish — 6 to 7 feet long with a medium-heavy to heavy power rating. Pair them with reels that hold at least 200 yards of 20- to 30-pound monofilament or braided line. Catfish have rough mouths and fight hard, so heavier gear prevents break-offs. Circle hooks in sizes 2/0 to 8/0 work well; they hook catfish in the corner of the mouth and reduce gut-hooking.

Fish on or near the bottom where catfish feed. Use a three-way rig with a sinker on a drop line so the weight stays on bottom while your bait hangs above it, or use a simple slip sinker rig. Cast out, set your rod in a holder, and watch for the rod to bend or the line to move. Catfish often take the bait hard, but sometimes they mouth it first — wait for a solid pull before setting the hook.

Tournament Rules and Registration

The Bartlett Lake Jackpot Catfish Tournament's specific rules — weigh-in procedures, time limits, which species count, size minimums — change from year to year. Before you register, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department or call a local tackle shop near Bartlett Lake to confirm the current tournament date, entry fee, and format.

Registration typically happens on the morning of the tournament at the boat launch or a designated check-in location. Bring your Arizona fishing license and payment in cash or card, depending on what the tournament accepts. You will receive a tournament number or tag to display on your boat or cooler so officials can identify your catch at weigh-in.

Weigh-in usually occurs at a set time in the afternoon — often 3 or 4 p.m. — so plan your fishing to have your fish on ice and ready to present. Late arrivals at weigh-in may forfeit your catch, so know the exact time and location before the tournament starts. Ask whether the tournament is catch-and-release (fish are returned to the lake after weighing) or catch-and-keep (you take your fish home).

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Pack a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh from the moment you land it. Catfish deteriorate quickly in warm weather, and a fresh fish weighs more and looks better at weigh-in. Bring extra ice — you will use more than you think. A wet towel or burlap sack helps keep fish cool and reduces stress on the fish if the tournament is catch-and-release.

Bring more bait than you think you will need. A tournament day is long, and catfish fishing can be slow; running out of bait halfway through is frustrating. Pack extra hooks, sinkers, and line in case you break off or lose tackle. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you fish into low-light hours, and sunscreen and a hat protect you during long hours on the water.

Scout the lake a day or two before the tournament if you can. Fish a few hours, note where you find catfish, and mark those spots on a map or GPS. Knowing the lake's layout and where catfish are holding gives you confidence and saves time on tournament day. If you cannot scout, arrive early enough to fish for an hour before the official start time.

Seasonal Timing and Water Conditions

Catfish are most active in spring and early summer when water temperatures rise into the 70s and 80s. Bartlett Lake's water warms gradually from March through June, and catfish feeding increases as the water gets warmer. Tournaments held in April, May, or June typically see better action than those in cooler months.

Water clarity on Bartlett Lake varies with runoff and recent storms. Catfish rely on smell and taste more than sight, so slightly murky water does not hurt your chances — in fact, it can improve them because catfish are less wary. Clear water is fine too; just fish deeper structure and use stronger-scented baits.

Check the weather forecast before the tournament. Wind can make the lake rough and uncomfortable, but it also stirs up the water and can trigger feeding. Rain the night before or morning of the tournament often improves catfish activity. Extreme heat can slow fishing in the afternoon, so focus your effort on early morning and evening hours.

Local Resources and Getting There

Bartlett Lake is located about 45 minutes northeast of Phoenix, off Arizona State Route 87. The lake has two main boat launches: Bartlett Dam Recreation Area on the south end and Horseshoe Dam Recreation Area to the north. Both have parking, restrooms, and amenities. Arrive early on tournament day to secure a parking spot and launch without delay.

Local tackle shops near the lake — in towns like Carefree or Fountain Hills — stock catfish bait, tackle, and current information about the tournament. Call ahead to confirm they have the bait you want in stock. These shops often know recent fishing reports and can point you toward productive areas if you are unfamiliar with the lake.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department website lists fishing regulations, license requirements, and information about Bartlett Lake. Their regional office can answer questions about the tournament or direct you to the organization running it. If the tournament is run by a local club or private group, ask your tackle shop for contact details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Bartlett Lake Jackpot Catfish Tournament?

Most tournaments require a boat because the lake is large and catfish are spread across deep water and structure. Shore fishing is possible but limits your access to productive areas. If you do not own a boat, ask local anglers or tackle shops whether anyone rents boats or whether you can join someone's boat as a partner.

What is the difference between channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish?

Channel catfish are smaller (usually under 10 pounds), have a forked tail, and are bottom feeders that respond to cut bait and stink baits. Flathead catfish are larger (often 20+ pounds), have a flat head and straight tail, and hunt live fish at night. Blue catfish are the largest species (30+ pounds), have a humped back, and are aggressive feeders. Tournament prizes often separate the species because they fish differently and grow to different sizes.

Can I keep the catfish I catch during the tournament?

That depends on the tournament's rules for that year. Some tournaments are catch-and-release, meaning fish are weighed and returned to the lake. Others allow you to keep your catch. Confirm the format when you register so you know whether to bring a cooler for storage or plan to release your fish.

What time of day should I fish for catfish?

Catfish are most active during low-light hours — from an hour before sunrise until mid-morning, and again from late afternoon through dark. If the tournament runs all day, fish hard during these windows and slow down during midday when catfish are less active. Night fishing is often most productive, but confirm whether the tournament allows it.

How much does it cost to enter the tournament?

Entry fees vary by year and are set by the tournament organizers. Fees typically range from $25 to $75 per angler, with a portion going to the prize pool and the rest covering tournament costs. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department or a local tackle shop for the current year's entry fee and payment details.