The Arkansas River Catfish Tournament draws anglers to compete for prizes on one of the state's most productive catfish waters

The Arkansas River Catfish Tournament is an annual fishing competition held on the Arkansas River, typically in spring or early summer depending on the year and organizer. The tournament brings together recreational and competitive anglers to fish for channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish in designated sections of the river. Participants fish from boats, bank access points, or wade fishing depending on the tournament rules, and weigh their catch at a central location to determine winners in various categories.

The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs, chambers of commerce, or state fishing organizations that vary by year and location along the Arkansas River. Before you register, you need to know which specific tournament you are entering — there are multiple events held at different river sections and times throughout the year. Each has its own entry fee, rules about tackle and bait, weigh-in procedures, and prize structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas River catfish tournaments are organized by different local groups each year, so confirm the specific event date, location, and entry fee with the organizer before you commit.
  • Most tournaments allow live bait and prepared stink baits, but some restrict tackle type or require catch-and-release for certain species — read the rules packet carefully.
  • You will need a valid Arkansas fishing license and any required state permits, separate from tournament registration.
  • Weigh-in times are strict and usually happen at a single location; arriving late means disqualification, so plan your fishing day around the deadline.
  • Catfish tournaments often have divisions for different boat types and experience levels, so you can fish competitively even if you do not own a large bass boat.

Finding the Tournament and Registering

The Arkansas River Catfish Tournament is not a single annual event with one organizer — instead, multiple tournaments happen throughout the year at different river sections. Some are hosted by the Catfish Anglers of Arkansas, others by local chambers of commerce in river towns like Russellville, Conway, or Pine Bluff, and some by independent fishing clubs. Start by searching for "Arkansas River catfish tournament" plus the current year and the river section closest to you.

Once you find a specific tournament, contact the organizer directly by phone or email to confirm the exact date, entry fee, and registration deadline. Most tournaments require pre-registration rather than day-of sign-ups, and spots fill quickly. The organizer will send you a rules packet that covers everything from allowed baits to boat requirements to weigh-in procedures — read it completely before you fish, because rule violations can result in disqualification or prize forfeiture.

What You Need Before You Fish

A valid Arkansas fishing license is required for all participants, separate from tournament registration. You can purchase a one-day or annual license through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website or at any authorized vendor. If you plan to fish multiple tournaments or fish recreationally between events, an annual license is usually cheaper than buying daily licenses each time.

Bring your license and any required permits with you to the tournament weigh-in — organizers check them before accepting your catch. If you are fishing from a boat, you will also need a current boat registration and any required safety equipment like life jackets. Some tournaments require proof of liability insurance if you are running a guide service or taking paying clients, so ask the organizer if this applies to you.

Tackle, Bait, and Fishing Methods

Most Arkansas River catfish tournaments allow live bait such as bluegill, shad, or live crawfish, as well as prepared stink baits and dip baits. However, some tournaments restrict certain baits or prohibit live baitfish entirely — check your rules packet. Rod and reel are standard; trotlines and juglines are typically not allowed in tournament competition.

Tackle restrictions vary by tournament. Some allow any rod, reel, and line combination; others specify minimum line weight or maximum rod length. A few tournaments require circle hooks to reduce deep hooking and improve catch survival. If you are unsure whether your setup meets the rules, contact the organizer before the tournament day — it is easier to change your tackle now than to be disqualified at weigh-in.

Bank fishing is usually allowed, though some tournaments require participants to fish from boats. If you do not own a boat, ask the organizer whether you can fish from public access points or whether you need to arrange a boat partner. Many tournaments have a "boatless angler" category or allow you to fish with another registered participant.

Weigh-In Procedures and Prize Categories

Weigh-in is the most time-sensitive part of the tournament. You must arrive at the designated weigh-in location by the announced time — usually a two-hour window in the late afternoon — with your fish still alive or on ice. Late arrivals are not weighed, and your entry fee is forfeited. Plan to finish fishing at least 30 minutes before the weigh-in deadline to account for travel time and traffic.

Bring your fish in a live well, cooler with ice, or wet bag depending on the tournament rules. The organizer will weigh each fish individually and record the total weight for your entry. Most tournaments award prizes for the heaviest single catfish, the heaviest total catch, and sometimes categories by species (channel catfish, flathead, or blue catfish). Some also have divisions by boat type, experience level, or age group.

What Happens After Weigh-In

After your fish are weighed and recorded, they are usually released back into the river or donated to a local food bank or school program. Ask the organizer what happens to the catch — some tournaments practice catch-and-release for conservation, while others allow participants to keep their fish. If you want to keep your catfish for eating, confirm this is permitted before you register.

Prize payouts happen the same day or within a week, depending on the tournament. Winnings are typically distributed in cash or store credit at a local tackle shop. The organizer will announce results at a gathering after weigh-in or post them online within 24 hours.

Preparing Your Catfish for the Table

If the tournament allows you to keep your catch, you have excellent eating fish. Catfish are best handled quickly after landing — keep them on ice or in a live well until you are ready to clean them. A sharp fillet knife and a cutting board are all you need. Catfish skin is tough and should be removed entirely; most anglers use a skinning pliers to pull the skin away from the flesh rather than trying to cut it off.

Channel catfish and blue catfish have firm, mild white meat that holds up well to pan-frying, baking, or stewing. Flathead catfish are larger and meatier, with a slightly stronger flavor. Both are excellent when breaded and fried, or when poached in a simple broth with onions and herbs. The meat stays moist because catfish have high fat content — avoid overcooking, which makes them dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to enter?

No. Many tournaments allow bank fishing or have a boatless angler category. Contact the organizer to confirm whether your tournament allows shore access and whether you can fish from public areas or need to arrange a boat partner.

What is the entry fee?

Entry fees vary widely depending on the tournament organizer and prize pool. Expect to pay between $25 and $100 per angler, with some tournaments charging additional fees for big fish pots or optional side bets. Ask the organizer for the full cost breakdown when you register.

Can I fish with someone else and split the prize?

Tournament rules vary. Some allow team entries where two anglers fish together and combine their catch; others require individual entries only. Check your rules packet or ask the organizer before you plan to fish with a partner.

What if I catch a catfish that is too small or too large?

Most tournaments have no size restrictions — every catfish counts. However, some tournaments disqualify fish caught outside the tournament hours or using prohibited methods. Confirm the rules before you fish.

Where can I find information about upcoming tournaments?

Search online for "Arkansas River catfish tournament" plus the current year and your preferred river section. Contact local chambers of commerce in river towns, check the Catfish Anglers of Arkansas website, or call the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for a list of organized tournaments in your area.