What the Colorado Walleye Association tournament series is

The Colorado Walleye Association (CWA) runs a competitive fishing tournament series across Colorado reservoirs and lakes where walleye are present. The series is open to anglers of all skill levels, and tournaments happen throughout the year at different locations. You fish for walleye during a set time window, weigh your catch at an official weigh station, and compete against other anglers for prizes based on total weight and sometimes largest fish.

The CWA is a membership organization run by walleye anglers for walleye anglers. Membership gives you access to tournament schedules, entry discounts, and a community of people who fish walleye seriously. The tournaments fund walleye stocking and habitat work in Colorado waters, so your entry fee goes toward the fishery itself.

Key Takeaways

  • CWA tournaments are open to members and non-members, though members pay lower entry fees and get early registration.
  • Each tournament has a specific launch location, time window, and weigh-in deadline that you must follow to have your catch counted.
  • You need a valid Colorado fishing license and must follow all state regulations for walleye, including size and bag limits.
  • Prize money and payouts vary by tournament size and entry count, so check the specific event details before you register.
  • Membership in CWA costs money annually but saves you money if you fish more than two or three tournaments per year.

How to find the tournament schedule

The CWA publishes its annual tournament schedule on its website, usually in late fall for the coming year. The schedule lists each tournament date, the lake or reservoir where it will be held, the launch time, and the weigh-in deadline. Most tournaments run from early morning (often 6 or 7 a.m.) through early afternoon, with weigh-in closing by 2 or 3 p.m.

Tournaments are spread across the year, with events in spring, summer, and fall. Some years include winter tournaments on ice-covered lakes, though these depend on ice conditions. Check the CWA website directly for the current year's schedule, because dates and locations change from year to year based on water conditions, stocking patterns, and venue availability.

Entry fees and membership costs

Entry fees for individual tournaments typically range from $40 to $80 per angler, depending on the event and whether you are a member. CWA members pay a lower entry fee at each tournament. Annual membership costs vary but generally runs $50 to $100 per year, so if you fish three or more tournaments annually, membership pays for itself in entry fee savings alone.

Some tournaments offer optional big-fish side pots or calcutta-style betting pools where you can pay extra to compete for additional prize money. These are separate from the main entry fee and are never required. Prize payouts come from the entry pool and vary based on how many anglers enter, so a larger tournament may have bigger payouts than a smaller one.

What you need to bring and know before you launch

You must have a valid Colorado fishing license in your possession before you launch. Walleye tournaments follow all Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for walleye, including minimum and maximum size limits and daily bag limits. Check the current regulations on the CPW website before the tournament, because limits can change year to year.

Bring your own boat or arrange to fish with someone who has one — the CWA does not provide boats or coordinate ride-shares. You are responsible for your own safety equipment, including life jackets, and for knowing the lake or reservoir you will be fishing. If you are unfamiliar with the water, arrive early to scout or talk to other anglers at the launch.

Most tournaments require you to weigh fish at an official weigh station, usually located at the launch area or a nearby facility. You must bring your fish to the weigh station before the deadline, and fish are typically released after weighing. Some tournaments keep fish alive in tanks; others may keep them on ice. Ask the tournament director about their specific weigh-in procedures when you register.

How scoring and prizes work

Most CWA tournaments score anglers by total weight of their catch, with the angler or team with the heaviest combined weight winning first place. Some tournaments also award prizes for the largest single fish caught. If there is a tie in total weight, the angler who weighed in first usually wins the tiebreaker, though rules vary by event.

Prize money is typically divided among the top finishers — often the top five to ten places, depending on entry count. A tournament with 50 anglers will have a different payout structure than one with 200 anglers. The CWA publishes payout structures before each tournament so you know what places pay out and how much.

Registering for a tournament

Registration for CWA tournaments usually opens four to six weeks before the event and closes one to two weeks before the tournament date. You can register online through the CWA website or by phone with the tournament director. When you register, you will need to provide your name, contact information, and proof of CWA membership if you are a member.

Some tournaments have a cap on the number of anglers they can accommodate, based on the launch facility and weigh-in logistics. Popular tournaments fill up quickly, so register early if you want to fish a specific event. If a tournament is full, you can usually join a waiting list in case someone cancels.

Becoming a CWA member

You can join the CWA through its website or at a tournament. Membership is open to anyone who fishes walleye in Colorado and wants to support the organization's work. Members receive a membership card, access to the tournament schedule and member discounts, and a say in how the organization spends money on walleye stocking and habitat projects.

The CWA also hosts social events and fishing clinics throughout the year where members can meet other walleye anglers and learn new techniques. These events are separate from tournaments and are a good way to connect with the community if you are new to walleye fishing in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member to fish a CWA tournament?

No. Non-members can register and fish any CWA tournament, but they pay a higher entry fee than members. If you plan to fish more than two or three tournaments in a year, membership will save you money.

What if I don't catch any fish?

You can still weigh in with zero fish. You will not place in the standings, but you will have participated and supported the organization's work. Some anglers fish tournaments specifically to contribute to walleye management even if they do not expect to win.

Can I fish with a partner or team?

Some CWA tournaments offer team divisions or allow two-angler boats to compete together. Check the specific tournament rules when you register, because team formats vary by event. In team tournaments, both anglers' catches are usually combined for a single team weight.

What happens if I'm late to weigh-in?

Fish weighed in after the deadline are typically disqualified and not counted. Weigh-in deadlines are firm, so plan to arrive at the weigh station well before the cutoff time. If you are running late, call the tournament director immediately to explain — they may be able to help, but there is no may provide.

Where can I learn more about walleye fishing techniques?

The CWA hosts clinics and social events where experienced walleye anglers share tips. Local fishing guides and tackle shops in Colorado also offer walleye-specific instruction. Many CWA members are happy to talk fishing at tournaments, so ask around if you want to learn from people who fish walleye regularly.