El Dorado Lake hosts an annual catfish tournament for anglers of all skill levels
The El Dorado Lake Catfish Tournament takes place each year at El Dorado State Park and Lake, located in Butler County near the town of El Dorado. The tournament draws catfish anglers from across Kansas and neighboring states who come to fish the lake's channel catfish and flathead populations. The event typically runs over a weekend in summer, though the exact dates shift year to year — you'll need to check with El Dorado State Park directly for the current year's schedule.
The tournament is open to both experienced catfish anglers and people fishing competitively for the first time. Most tournaments of this kind charge an entry fee per boat or per angler, and prize money or merchandise goes to the top finishers in categories like heaviest fish, most fish caught, or biggest catfish. The lake itself is a reliable catfish fishery, with good populations of channel cats in the 2- to 5-pound range and occasional larger flatheads that draw serious tournament competitors.
Key Takeaways
- El Dorado Lake Catfish Tournament is held annually at El Dorado State Park in Butler County, with dates that vary by year.
- The tournament accepts anglers at all experience levels and typically charges an entry fee with prize money distributed to top finishers.
- El Dorado Lake holds channel catfish and flatheads, with channel cats in the 2- to 5-pound range most common.
- You will need a valid Kansas fishing license and should contact El Dorado State Park or the tournament organizers for current rules, entry deadlines, and exact dates.
- Catfish are most active at dawn, dusk, and through the night, so plan your fishing schedule around low-light hours.
How to find the tournament dates and entry information
El Dorado State Park manages the lake and typically posts tournament information on their website or through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. You can call the park directly at their main office to ask about the current year's catfish tournament — they will have entry fees, the registration deadline, and the exact weekend the tournament runs. Some years the tournament is organized by a local fishing club or organization rather than the park itself, so asking at the park office will point you to whoever is running it that year.
Entry deadlines usually fall a week or two before the tournament date, and spots may fill up if the tournament draws a large field. Registering early keeps you from missing out. When you register, you'll receive the official rules, which cover things like minimum fish size, catch-and-release or weigh-in procedures, and whether you can fish alone or must fish with a partner.
What you need to bring and what Kansas requires
You will need a valid Kansas fishing license to participate. You can purchase a one-day or annual license through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website or at most sporting goods stores and bait shops near El Dorado. Bring your license with you on tournament day — tournament officials will ask to see it.
For catfish, bring heavy-duty rods and reels rated for the weight of fish you expect to land. Channel catfish in the 2- to 5-pound range don't require extreme gear, but if flatheads are in the tournament mix, heavier equipment handles them better. Bring plenty of catfish bait — chicken liver, cut shad, live bluegill, or stink baits all work well at El Dorado. A cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh if the tournament requires a weigh-in at the end of the day. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to fish dawn or dusk, when catfish bite best.
Best times to fish for catfish at El Dorado Lake
Catfish feed most actively during low-light hours: the hour before sunrise, the hour after sunset, and throughout the night. If the tournament runs from dawn to dusk, you'll catch the best bite in the first and last hours. If night fishing is allowed, plan to fish from sunset onward — many catfish tournaments permit fishing through the night or until a set cutoff time like midnight or 2 a.m.
Water temperature matters too. Catfish bite year-round, but summer tournaments often see the best action when water temperatures are warm. Channel catfish are less picky about temperature than some species and will bite in a wide range, but they slow down in very cold water. If your tournament falls in early summer, expect steady bites throughout the low-light periods. Later in summer, when water gets very warm, catfish may move to deeper, cooler areas of the lake.
Where catfish hold in El Dorado Lake
El Dorado Lake has a mix of shallow flats, deeper channels, and structure like fallen trees and rock piles. Channel catfish often hold near the bottom in deeper water during the day, moving to shallower areas to feed at night. Look for drop-offs where shallow water meets deeper water — catfish use these transitions as highways between feeding and resting areas. Fallen trees, dock pilings, and rocky areas hold catfish too, especially flatheads, which prefer structure.
The main lake body holds catfish throughout, but the upper end of the lake where creeks flow in can concentrate fish, especially after rain when fresh water and food wash in. If you're new to the lake, ask other anglers at the launch or check with the park office about which areas have been productive recently. Tournament day itself is a good time to watch where other boats are fishing — experienced competitors often head straight to proven spots.
Catfish handling and care during the tournament
Handle catfish carefully to avoid their spines, which can cause painful puncture wounds. Wet your hands before grabbing a catfish — their slime coat protects them, and dry hands damage it. If the tournament requires a weigh-in, keep fish in a livewell or cooler with fresh lake water and ice to keep them alive and in good condition. Change the water regularly if you're holding fish for several hours.
If you plan to keep catfish for eating after the tournament, bleed them immediately after landing and keep them on ice. Channel catfish are excellent eating — their mild, sweet meat works well fried, baked, or in stews. Flatheads are also good eating but have a stronger flavor. If you're unsure whether the tournament allows you to keep your catch, ask the organizers when you register.
Preparing catfish to eat after the tournament
Channel catfish are straightforward to clean. Lay the fish on a cutting board, make a cut behind the head down to the backbone, then use a fillet knife to cut along the backbone toward the tail, following the rib cage. Repeat on the other side. The skin comes off easily if you grip it with a paper towel and pull — catfish skin is thick and comes away cleanly. Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat dry.
For a simple preparation that lets the catfish shine, pan-fry fillets in butter with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. A light coating of cornmeal or flour adds texture. Catfish also takes well to Cajun spices, hot sauce, or a basic breading. If you caught several fish, consider a catfish stew or chowder, which uses the whole fish and develops deep flavor from simmering the bones and head in broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Kansas fishing license to fish the tournament?
Yes. You must have a valid Kansas fishing license. You can buy a one-day or annual license through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website or at sporting goods stores and bait shops. Bring your license with you on tournament day.
What if I've never fished a tournament before?
The El Dorado Lake Catfish Tournament welcomes anglers at all levels. When you register, you'll receive the official rules and any information about divisions or categories for newer anglers. Arrive early on tournament day to ask questions and watch how other anglers set up.
Can I fish alone or do I need a partner?
Tournament rules vary year to year. Some tournaments require two anglers per boat for safety, while others allow solo fishing. Ask when you register so you know whether to find a fishing partner or if you can fish by yourself.
What's the best bait for catfish at El Dorado Lake?
Chicken liver, cut shad, live bluegill, and commercial stink baits all work well. Bring a variety so you can switch if one bait isn't producing. Fresh bait usually outfishes old bait, so bring enough to replace it regularly throughout the day.
When should I call El Dorado State Park to get tournament details?
Call in late spring or early summer if the tournament is scheduled for summer. The park office can tell you the exact dates, entry fee, registration deadline, and any rule changes from the previous year. They can also direct you to the tournament organizer if it's run by a fishing club.