What the Glen Elder Walleye Tournament is and when it happens
The Glen Elder Walleye Tournament is an annual fishing event held on Glen Elder Reservoir in Mitchell County, Kansas. The tournament draws walleye anglers from across the region who compete for prizes by catching and weighing fish during a set competition window. The event typically takes place in spring, though the exact dates shift year to year — you'll want to check with Glen Elder State Park or the tournament organizers directly for the current year's schedule.
Glen Elder Reservoir sits in the Smoky Hills region and holds a solid walleye population, which is why the tournament has become a fixture for Kansas anglers. The lake spans about 13,000 acres and offers both structure and open water, giving competitors different strategies to pursue depending on conditions and their experience level.
Key Takeaways
- The Glen Elder Walleye Tournament runs annually on Glen Elder Reservoir in Mitchell County, with dates that vary by year — contact Glen Elder State Park for current tournament dates.
- Walleye fishing on Glen Elder works best in spring and fall when fish move into shallower water and feed more actively.
- Live bait (shiners and crawdads) and jigs are the most productive methods for walleye on this reservoir.
- You'll need a valid Kansas fishing license and must follow all state regulations, including size and bag limits, even during tournament competition.
- Entry fees, prize structures, and specific tournament rules vary — contact the organizers or Glen Elder State Park before you register.
How to fish for walleye on Glen Elder Reservoir
Live bait is the most reliable method on Glen Elder. Shiners and crawdads work well; cast or drift them near structure — rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges — where walleye hunt. Fish early morning and late evening when walleye are most active, and work deeper water during the heat of the day.
Jigs paired with soft plastics or live minnows are equally effective and let you cover water faster. A quarter-ounce to half-ounce jig works in most conditions; adjust weight based on depth and current. Vertical jigging over deep structure produces steady catches, while casting jigs toward shallow breaks can yield aggressive strikes during low-light periods.
Trolling crankbaits along structure also works, especially if you're covering water to locate fish. Glen Elder's depth varies significantly, so a depth finder helps you identify where walleye are holding. Spring and fall are peak seasons because water temperatures push walleye into shallower feeding zones; summer fishing requires deeper presentations and night fishing to avoid warm surface water.
What to bring and how to prepare
A medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod with 6- to 8-pound test line handles most walleye situations on Glen Elder. Bring multiple rigs — jigs in quarter-ounce to half-ounce weights, live bait hooks, and a selection of soft plastics in natural colors (whites, grays, and greens). A tackle box organized by depth and presentation type saves time when conditions change.
Pack a cooler with ice for your catch, a net for landing fish safely, and polarized sunglasses to spot shallow-water walleye. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — the Smoky Hills sun reflects hard off the water. A depth finder or GPS unit helps you navigate to productive structure, especially if you're unfamiliar with the lake.
Check the current weather forecast before you launch. Spring tournaments can bring unpredictable conditions, so wear layers and bring rain gear. If you're trailering a boat, arrive early to secure a launch ramp — popular tournaments fill parking quickly.
Tournament rules and Kansas fishing regulations
Kansas walleye regulations set a minimum size of 15 inches and a daily bag limit of five fish per angler. These limits apply during the tournament, so you cannot keep oversized catches beyond the legal limit. Most tournaments require you to weigh fish at an official weigh station within a set time window — typically at the end of the competition day — so plan your return accordingly.
You must possess a valid Kansas fishing license before you fish, whether you're competing or not. Resident and non-resident licenses are available through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; you can purchase them online, by phone, or at authorized vendors near Glen Elder. Tournament-specific rules — such as whether catch-and-release scoring is used, which boat ramps are designated, or whether electronics restrictions apply — vary by organizer, so contact the tournament director before you register.
Some tournaments prohibit certain electronics or require anglers to fish from designated areas. Others allow full tackle and technology. Read the tournament rules carefully and ask the organizers about any restrictions that might affect your strategy.
Where to stay and launch your boat
Glen Elder State Park operates several boat ramps and camping facilities around the reservoir. The main park area offers RV camping with hookups, tent camping, and day-use parking. Camping fills quickly during tournament weekends, so reserve your site well in advance through the Kansas Parks and Wildlife website or by calling the park directly.
If you prefer lodging off the water, the town of Glen Elder (about 10 miles away) has small motels and bed-and-breakfasts. Cawker City, roughly 20 miles north, offers additional options. Plan to arrive the day before the tournament to scout the lake, check weather conditions, and confirm your boat and tackle are ready.
The main boat ramp at Glen Elder State Park is well-maintained and handles tournament traffic, but arrive early on tournament day to avoid congestion. Secondary ramps exist around the lake if the main ramp becomes crowded.
How to register and find tournament details
Registration details for the Glen Elder Walleye Tournament are managed by the event organizers, which may include Glen Elder State Park, local fishing clubs, or regional tournament circuits. Entry fees, registration deadlines, and prize structures vary by year and organizer. Contact Glen Elder State Park directly by phone or visit their website to learn who is running the current year's tournament and how to register.
Some tournaments accept pre-registration online or by mail; others register anglers on the morning of the event. Confirm whether your entry fee includes a boat or if you're fishing as an individual angler. Ask about any mandatory captain's meetings or safety briefings — most tournaments hold these before fishing begins.
If you're new to tournament fishing, ask the organizers whether they offer divisions for different skill levels or boat types. Some events separate boaters from shore anglers or offer youth divisions, which can make your first tournament less intimidating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Glen Elder Walleye Tournament?
Most tournaments require a boat, though some may allow shore fishing from designated areas. Check the tournament rules before you register. If you don't own a boat, ask the organizers whether they maintain a list of anglers looking for fishing partners or whether you can hire a guide service familiar with Glen Elder.
What's the best time of day to fish for walleye on Glen Elder?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset through dusk) are most productive. Walleye feed actively during low-light periods. On cloudy days, fishing can be good throughout the day. Avoid midday sun unless you're fishing deep structure or using live bait in shaded areas.
Can I keep my tournament catch to eat?
Yes, walleye are excellent table fish. Keep them on ice immediately after weighing and clean them as soon as possible. Walleye flesh is mild and flakes easily — pan-frying or baking with simple seasoning lets the delicate flavor shine. If you're unfamiliar with cleaning walleye, ask other anglers at the tournament or watch a video beforehand so you're prepared.
What if the weather turns bad during the tournament?
Tournament organizers monitor weather and may delay the start, shorten the competition window, or cancel if conditions become unsafe. Check the tournament rules for their weather policy. Bring rain gear and a life jacket regardless — spring weather on Kansas reservoirs can change quickly, and safety comes first.
Where can I find information about walleye size and bag limits in Kansas?
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks publishes current fishing regulations online and in printed guides available at license vendors. Regulations can change, so check the official source before you fish. Glen Elder State Park staff can also answer questions about local rules and conditions.