What the Cheney Reservoir Walleye Tournament is and when it runs

The Cheney Reservoir Walleye Tournament is an annual fishing competition held on Cheney Reservoir in Barber County, Kansas, where anglers compete to catch the largest walleye during a set tournament window. The event typically takes place in spring or early summer, though the exact dates shift year to year — you'll need to check with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or the tournament organizers directly for the current year's schedule, as dates are not fixed.

The tournament draws both local and traveling anglers to one of Kansas's most reliable walleye fisheries. Cheney Reservoir, located about 40 miles southwest of Pratt, holds a strong population of walleye in the 15- to 25-inch range, which makes it a genuine draw for competitive fishing. The tournament format typically involves a one-day or two-day competition where anglers fish during designated hours and weigh their catch at an official weigh station.

Entry fees and prize structures vary by year and by the organization running the event. Some tournaments are hosted by local fishing clubs, while others may be run by the Kansas Parks and Wildlife Foundation or similar groups. Contact the Cheney Reservoir office or the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks directly to confirm who is organizing the current year's event and what the entry cost will be.

Key Takeaways

  • Cheney Reservoir Walleye Tournament dates change annually, so confirm the current year's schedule with Kansas Parks and Wildlife or the tournament organizer before planning your trip.
  • Walleye at Cheney typically range from 15 to 25 inches, and the reservoir's structure — old creek channels and deeper pools — holds fish predictably during spring and early summer.
  • You will need a valid Kansas fishing license and must follow all state regulations on bag limits and size restrictions, which apply even during tournament competition.
  • Most tournaments require pre-registration and charge an entry fee; prize money or awards go to the heaviest catch or best five-fish limit, depending on the format.

How walleye behave at Cheney and where to find them

Walleye at Cheney Reservoir are most active during low-light conditions — early morning, late evening, and overcast days — because they have large eyes adapted to dim water and tend to avoid bright sun. In spring, when the tournament typically runs, walleye move into shallower water to feed after spawning, making them more accessible from shore and shallow-water boats than they are in summer.

The reservoir's structure matters more than random casting. Cheney was created by damming the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River, which means the old river channel still runs along the lake bottom. Walleye follow this channel, especially where it intersects with deeper pools or where the bottom transitions from sand to rock. Points where shallow flats drop into deeper water are also reliable holding areas. A depth finder or map of the reservoir bottom will help you locate these zones faster than trial and error.

Live bait — minnows, particularly shiners or shad — is the most consistent walleye producer at Cheney. Jigs tipped with minnow heads or soft plastics work well too, especially in 8- to 15-foot depths where walleye often suspend during the day. Trolling crankbaits along the channel edges can also produce, particularly in early morning when fish are feeding actively.

Tackle and technique for tournament walleye fishing

A medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod paired with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line is standard for walleye tournaments. Monofilament stretches slightly, which helps prevent break-offs when a walleye shakes its head at the boat; braided line has no stretch but offers better sensitivity and lets you feel bottom structure more clearly. Many tournament anglers use both, switching based on conditions.

Jigs in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range are the workhorse lure for Cheney walleye. Cast them toward structure, let them fall on a controlled descent, and work them with a slow lift-and-drop motion along the bottom. Pause between lifts — walleye often strike during the pause. If you're using live minnows, a simple slip-sinker rig with a small hook (size 2 to 1/0) lets the minnow swim naturally while keeping your bait near bottom.

Set the hook firmly when you feel a bite — walleye have bony mouths and a soft hookset can result in a missed fish. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and avoid jerking; walleye don't make long runs like bass, but they will shake and twist to throw the hook if you give them slack.

Tournament rules and what you need to bring

Every angler in the tournament must possess a valid Kansas fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Kansas Parks and Wildlife website or at any authorized vendor. The license is required even if you're competing in a tournament, and game wardens do check during events.

Bag limits and size restrictions for walleye in Kansas apply during the tournament — you cannot keep more fish or smaller fish than state law allows, even if the tournament rules don't explicitly repeat the restriction. As of recent years, Kansas allows a daily limit of five walleye per angler with a 15-inch minimum size, though these rules can change. Verify the current regulations on the Kansas Parks and Wildlife website before the tournament.

Most tournaments require fish to be weighed whole and alive or freshly dead at an official weigh station within a set time window — typically by mid-afternoon on the tournament day. Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh if you're fishing for several hours before weigh-in. Some tournaments allow catch-and-release fishing with a photo-based scoring system instead; confirm the format when you register.

You'll also need a boat (unless the tournament offers a shore-fishing division) with a functioning depth finder, a net for landing fish safely, and a measuring device to verify size before you commit to keeping a fish. Bring sunscreen, water, and food — tournament days are long, and dehydration and fatigue lead to mistakes.

How to register and what entry typically costs

Registration for the Cheney Reservoir Walleye Tournament usually opens several weeks before the event and closes a few days before the tournament date. You'll register through the tournament organizer — this might be a local fishing club, the Kansas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, or a private event company. Contact the Cheney Reservoir office or search online for "Cheney Reservoir Walleye Tournament" plus the current year to find the organizer's contact information and registration link.

Entry fees vary depending on who runs the tournament and what prizes are offered. Fees typically range from $50 to $150 per angler, though some tournaments charge per boat rather than per person. The fee usually goes toward prize money, which is distributed to the top finishers based on total weight or the largest single fish, depending on the tournament format.

When you register, you'll receive information about the exact fishing hours, the weigh-in location and time, and any specific rules that differ from standard Kansas fishing regulations. Read this information carefully — tournament-specific rules about which lures are allowed, whether live bait is permitted, or whether you must fish from a boat (versus shore) can vary.

Getting to Cheney Reservoir and where to launch

Cheney Reservoir is in Barber County, about 40 miles southwest of Pratt, Kansas. From Pratt, take US-54 south toward the Oklahoma border, then follow signs to Cheney State Park. The drive from Wichita is roughly two hours; from Kansas City, plan on four to five hours depending on traffic.

The main public boat ramp is at Cheney State Park, which has a paved launch, parking for trailers, and basic facilities including restrooms. There is a day-use fee to enter the park — typically a few dollars per vehicle — and the ramp is open from dawn to dusk. Arrive early on tournament day; the ramp gets crowded as anglers launch before the tournament start time.

If you don't have a boat, ask the tournament organizer whether they offer a shore-fishing division or whether local guides or charter services operate on Cheney. Some tournaments partner with local marinas or fishing clubs that can arrange boat rentals or guide services for out-of-town competitors.

Preparing your boat and gear the night before

Check your boat's fuel level and fill up the night before — gas stations near the reservoir may have limited hours or may run out during a busy tournament day. Inspect your battery, bilge pump, and navigation lights to make sure everything works. Test your depth finder and GPS to confirm they power on and hold a signal.

Organize your tackle box so you can reach your most-used lures and rigs without fumbling. Tie on fresh jigs and hooks the night before rather than at the ramp — you'll have more light and steadier hands, and you'll launch faster. Sharpen your hooks or replace dull ones; a dull hook will slide off a walleye's mouth during the fight.

Fill your cooler with ice, pack water and snacks, and charge your phone and any electronics. Set an alarm for early morning — most tournaments start at sunrise or shortly after, and you want to be on the water and fishing productive areas before other boats arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Cheney Reservoir Walleye Tournament?

Most tournaments require a boat, but some offer a shore-fishing division. Check with the tournament organizer when you register. If you don't own a boat, ask whether local guides or marinas offer rentals or charter services during the tournament.

What size walleye do I need to catch to place in the tournament?

Tournament placement depends on total weight of your catch or the largest single fish, not on individual fish size. However, all fish must meet the 15-inch minimum size set by Kansas regulations. Smaller walleye count toward your weight total as long as they meet the legal minimum.

Can I fish the day before the tournament to scout the reservoir?

Yes. Fishing Cheney the day or days before the tournament is a smart way to locate walleye and test your tackle. Many anglers arrive a day early to scout structure and get comfortable with the water before competition begins.

What happens if I catch a walleye over the state bag limit during the tournament?

You must release any fish that would put you over the five-fish limit, even during a tournament. Keeping more than the legal limit is a violation of Kansas fishing law and can result in fines or loss of fishing privileges, regardless of tournament rules.

Where can I find the exact dates for this year's tournament?

Contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks directly or visit their website. You can also call the Cheney Reservoir office or search online for "Cheney Reservoir Walleye Tournament" plus the current year to find the organizer's announcement and registration page.