Lake Perris hosts a regular team bass tournament with entry fees, weigh-in rules, and a format built for both serious competitors and people fishing for the first time
The Lake Perris Team Bass Tournament runs throughout the year on the lake in Riverside County. Teams of two anglers fish a set window — usually dawn to a fixed afternoon time — and weigh their catch at an official station. The tournament charges an entry fee per boat, awards prize money based on total weight and big-fish categories, and requires you to follow California fishing regulations plus any special rules the tournament sets for that day.
Lake Perris itself is a 2,500-acre reservoir about 30 miles southeast of Los Angeles, known for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie. The water level and fish activity shift with the season, so spring and fall typically draw more competitors. Entry usually fills up a week or two before the event, and you register through the lake's official website or at the marina.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Perris Team Bass Tournaments charge an entry fee per boat and award prize money to the top finishers by total weight and largest single fish.
- You must hold a valid California fishing license and follow all state regulations, plus any special rules printed on the tournament flyer for that date.
- Teams consist of two anglers per boat, and you fish from official start time to weigh-in cutoff — usually a 6 to 8 hour window.
- Registration fills quickly and closes before the tournament date, so check the lake's website or call the marina to confirm the next event and entry deadline.
- Weigh-in happens at a designated dock or marina location, and fish must be alive or presented in a way that meets the tournament's rules.
Tournament Format and Rules
Most Lake Perris Team Bass Tournaments follow a standard format: two anglers per boat, one boat launch window at dawn, and a fixed weigh-in time in the afternoon. You keep your fish alive in a livewell or cooler with water and ice, then bring them to the official weigh-in station. The tournament weighs all fish together, ranks teams by total weight, and awards money to the top three to five finishers depending on the number of boats entered.
Big-fish prizes — sometimes called "lunker" or "big bass" awards — go to the single heaviest largemouth and smallmouth caught that day. Some tournaments also run a calcutta or optional side pot where anglers can bet on their own or other teams' performance. Read the specific tournament rules before you register, because rules about dead fish, catch limits, and which species count vary from event to event.
California law requires every angler to carry a valid fishing license. Lake Perris also has its own regulations: a daily bag limit (usually 5 bass per angler), a minimum size (typically 12 inches), and rules about which areas are open to boats. The tournament flyer will note any special closures or restrictions for that day. Violating state or tournament rules can result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fees.
How to Register and What It Costs
Registration for Lake Perris Team Bass Tournaments opens several weeks before the event date and closes about one week prior. You can register online through the lake's official website, by phone at the marina, or sometimes in person at the boat launch. Entry fees typically range from $100 to $200 per boat, depending on the tournament size and prize pool. Some events charge a separate big-fish entry fee if you want to compete for the lunker prize.
When you register, you will need to provide the names of both team members, a phone number, and your boat information if you are launching your own vessel. If you do not own a boat, some tournaments allow you to fish from a rental or to partner with another angler who has one. Ask the marina or tournament organizer about boat rental options at Lake Perris or whether they can help match you with a team.
Payment is usually due at registration, and most events accept cash, check, or card. Cancellations typically have a deadline — often 3 to 5 days before the tournament — and refunds depend on the tournament's policy. Check the rules before you pay.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Bring your California fishing license, a valid photo ID, and your entry confirmation. You will also need a boat (rented or your own), a livewell or cooler with ice, fishing rods and tackle suited to bass fishing, and a net. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the water — California law requires it, and the tournament will enforce it.
Scout the lake a day or two before if you can. Bass behavior changes with water temperature, time of year, and recent weather. Spring tournaments often see fish spawning in shallow water near structure — docks, fallen trees, rocky points. Fall tournaments can produce good catches in deeper channels and drop-offs. Talk to other anglers at the marina or check recent fishing reports to learn which areas have been productive.
Arrive at the boat launch at least 30 minutes before the official start time. Congestion at the ramp can delay you, and the tournament clock starts whether you are in the water or not. Fuel your boat the day before, check your tackle, and make sure your livewell pump works. Bring extra ice, water, and snacks — you will be on the water for 6 to 8 hours.
Weigh-In Procedures and Prize Distribution
Weigh-in happens at a designated location — usually the main marina or a specific dock — at a fixed time printed on the tournament flyer. You must arrive by that time with your fish in a livewell or cooler. The tournament staff will count your catch, weigh it on a certified scale, and record the total. Fish are typically returned to the water alive after weighing, though some tournaments keep them for a brief period to verify the count.
Results are posted within an hour or two of the final weigh-in. Prize money is distributed that day or mailed within a week, depending on the tournament's policy. Top finishers are announced by boat number or team name, and big-fish winners are called out separately. Some tournaments hold a brief awards ceremony with refreshments.
Lake Perris Fishing Conditions and Seasons
Lake Perris holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with largemouths making up the majority of tournament catches. Water temperature drives fish behavior: in spring (March to May), bass move shallow to spawn, making them easier to find in 2 to 8 feet of water. Summer (June to August) pushes them deeper and into shade, so you will fish structure and drop-offs. Fall (September to November) brings cooler water and active feeding, often producing the heaviest catches. Winter (December to February) slows the bite, but consistent anglers still catch fish in deeper channels and around submerged trees.
The lake is open year-round, but tournament schedules vary. Spring and fall typically see the most events because conditions favor larger catches and draw more competitors. Summer tournaments are less frequent but still held. Check the lake's website or call the marina for the current tournament calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the Lake Perris Team Bass Tournament?
No. You can rent a boat from the Lake Perris marina, or you can partner with another angler who has one. Contact the marina or tournament organizer before you register to arrange a rental or find a team. Some tournaments have a list of anglers looking for partners.
What happens if I catch a fish that is too small or below the legal size limit?
Fish below the minimum size (usually 12 inches for bass) cannot be weighed and must be released immediately. Bringing an undersized fish to weigh-in can result in disqualification. Measure your catch before you keep it, or ask your partner to verify the size.
Can I fish other parts of the lake during the tournament, or am I restricted to one area?
You can fish the entire open lake during the tournament window. There are no restricted zones for tournament anglers, though some areas may be closed to all boats on certain days. Check the tournament flyer for any special closures or hazard warnings.
What if I do not catch any fish — do I still have to show up at weigh-in?
Yes. You must check in at weigh-in even if your livewell is empty. A team with zero fish is ranked below teams with fish but still receives a placement. Failing to show up at weigh-in can result in forfeiture of your entry fee and disqualification from future events.
How are prizes split between the two team members?
Prize distribution depends on the tournament's rules. Most tournaments split the prize money equally between the two anglers on the winning boat, but some allow teams to arrange their own split. Ask the tournament organizer about the payout structure before you register.