The tournament runs twice a year on Lake Shelbyville, with spring and fall events for recreational and competitive anglers
Lake Shelbyville Open Bass Tournament is a two-day fishing event held on Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, typically in spring and fall. The tournament welcomes both experienced competitors and people fishing for the first time in a tournament setting. Boats launch from the public ramps at Shelbyville Dam or other designated access points, and anglers fish the full lake during daylight hours.
The event is organized by local fishing clubs and the Lake Shelbyville Fisheries Office in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Entry fees vary by tournament date and typically range from $50 to $150 per boat, depending on the year and whether you fish as a solo angler or as part of a two-person team. Prize money is distributed to top finishers based on total weight of fish caught across both days.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Shelbyville Open tournaments happen twice yearly, usually in April or May and again in September or October, with exact dates posted on the Illinois DNR website and local fishing club pages.
- You can fish alone or with one partner in the same boat, and both anglers must have a valid Illinois fishing license before the tournament begins.
- Registration typically closes one to two weeks before the tournament, and you must register in advance — walk-up registration is not available.
- All fish must be caught during official tournament hours, kept alive in a livewell, and weighed at the designated weigh-in location before the cutoff time each day.
- Lake Shelbyville holds largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round, with spring tournaments targeting pre-spawn and spawning fish in shallow water, and fall tournaments focusing on post-spawn fish moving deeper.
How to register and what documents you need
Registration for Lake Shelbyville Open tournaments opens about four to six weeks before the event date. You can register through the hosting fishing club's website or by phone; contact information is posted on the Illinois DNR Lake Shelbyville page and on local club social media pages. Have your boat registration number and the names of both anglers ready when you call or fill out the online form.
Before you register, make sure both you and your fishing partner hold a valid Illinois fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the Illinois DNR website, at any bait and tackle shop, or at sporting goods retailers. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you only plan to fish the tournament; bring proof of your license to the mandatory captain's meeting the evening before the tournament starts.
The entry fee is due at registration, and most clubs accept check, cash, or online payment. Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the tournament rules, the exact launch time and location, weigh-in procedures, and the captain's meeting details. Do not skip the captain's meeting — it covers rule changes, water conditions, and safety information specific to that year's event.
Launch times, fishing hours, and where to weigh in
Boats typically launch starting at 6:00 a.m. on both days of the tournament, with all anglers required to be off the water by 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m., depending on the season. You must have your boat in the water and your livewell running before the official start time; late launches result in a penalty or disqualification. The launch location is usually Shelbyville Dam public ramp or another designated access point — confirm the exact location in your registration packet.
Weigh-in happens immediately after the close of fishing, at a central location near the launch area. You must bring all fish you caught during tournament hours to the weigh-in station in a livewell or cooler with water. Dead fish are weighed but penalized, so keeping fish alive throughout the day is important for your final score. Weigh-in closes at a set time — typically 30 minutes after the last boat is required to leave the water — and late arrivals forfeit their catch.
Between-day storage is usually provided by the tournament organizers at no extra cost. Your fish are held overnight in aerated tanks and weighed again on day two. Confirm the storage location and any special instructions in your registration materials.
What bass species you will find and seasonal patterns
Lake Shelbyville holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Largemouths are more common in shallow, weedy areas and around structure like fallen trees and docks. Smallmouths prefer rocky areas, deeper water, and the main channel of the lake. Both species are present year-round, but their location and feeding behavior change with the season.
Spring tournaments (April and May) coincide with pre-spawn and spawning activity. Largemouths move into shallow bays and creek arms to spawn, making them easier to locate but also more vulnerable to pressure from other anglers. Smallmouths spawn slightly later and in slightly deeper water. Spring fishing often produces high weights because fish are concentrated and feeding aggressively before and after spawning.
Fall tournaments (September and October) target post-spawn fish that have recovered and are feeding heavily in preparation for winter. Fish are more scattered across the lake at this time, so successful anglers often cover more water. Water temperature and clarity change throughout the fall, so checking current conditions on the lake before the tournament helps you plan your approach.
Tackle and technique tips for tournament success
Most successful anglers at Lake Shelbyville use a combination of techniques depending on the season and water conditions. In spring, shallow-water techniques like topwater plugs, soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range, and crankbaits that reach 3 to 8 feet of water produce well. Largemouths in spawning mode often strike reaction baits, so don't hesitate to throw near visible cover.
For fall fishing, deeper-diving crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics fished on the bottom or along drop-offs are effective. Smallmouths respond well to tube baits and small swimbaits. Bring multiple rod setups so you can switch techniques quickly without wasting time retying. A GPS unit or smartphone app that shows lake depth contours helps you locate structure and deeper water faster.
Practice on Lake Shelbyville before the tournament if you can. A few days of pre-fishing teaches you where fish are holding and which techniques work best that week. If you cannot pre-fish, arrive early on tournament day and use the first hour to scout shallow areas and get a feel for the water.
Rules you must follow during the tournament
All fish must be caught during official tournament hours using rod and reel. Live bait and artificial lures are both allowed. You cannot use cast nets, traps, or other methods to catch fish before the tournament and hold them — all fish in your livewell must have been caught that day during tournament hours.
A minimum size limit applies: most Lake Shelbyville tournaments require largemouths to be at least 12 inches and smallmouths at least 10 inches. Undersized fish are not weighed and may result in a penalty. Check your registration packet for the exact size limits for your tournament, as they can vary.
You must stay in your assigned boat with your registered partner. Switching boats or fishing alone when you registered as a team disqualifies you. If your partner does not show up, contact the tournament director before launch to discuss your options — some tournaments allow you to fish solo with a penalty, while others require you to withdraw.
All fish must be kept alive in a livewell with circulating water. Fish that die during the day are still weighed but with a penalty applied. Treat your catch carefully: use a net rather than grabbing fish by the gills, keep water temperature stable, and avoid overcrowding your livewell.
What happens after weigh-in and how prizes are awarded
After your fish are weighed and recorded, they are released back into the lake. The tournament organizers keep all fish alive in aerated tanks until the end of the day, then release them in batches. This catch-and-release approach means the lake's fish population is not depleted by the tournament.
Prize money is typically awarded to the top 10 to 15 boats based on total weight across both days. First place usually receives the largest share, with prizes decreasing down the standings. Some tournaments also award prizes for the largest single fish caught, the most consistent two-day performance, or other categories — check your registration materials for the full prize structure.
Results are posted at the weigh-in station and online within a few hours of the final weigh-in. Prize money is distributed by check or direct deposit within one to two weeks. If you place in the money, the tournament organizers will contact you with payment details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish the Lake Shelbyville Open?
Yes, both anglers in the boat must have a valid Illinois fishing license before the tournament begins. You can purchase a one-day license online through the Illinois DNR website or at any bait shop. Bring proof of your license to the captain's meeting or have it available at launch.
Can I fish alone, or do I have to have a partner?
Most Lake Shelbyville Open tournaments allow solo anglers, though some years require two-person teams. Check the tournament rules in your registration packet. If you register as a solo angler and want to add a partner later, contact the tournament director to see if changes are allowed.
What if I catch a fish that is smaller than the size limit?
Undersized fish cannot be weighed and do not count toward your total. If you accidentally bring an undersized fish to weigh-in, it will be noted and you may face a penalty depending on the tournament rules. Return undersized fish to the water immediately to give them the best chance of survival.
How do I find out the exact dates for the next tournament?
Tournament dates are posted on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Lake Shelbyville page and on local fishing club websites and social media pages. Dates typically fall in April or May for spring and September or October for fall, but the exact dates change year to year. Sign up for email notifications from the hosting club to be notified as soon as registration opens.
What should I bring to the tournament besides my fishing gear?
Bring your fishing license, boat registration, a valid photo ID, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Wear a life jacket at all times while the boat is moving. Bring a cooler with ice in case your livewell fails, and a net for landing fish safely. Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as early morning temperatures on the lake are often cooler than on land.