The Milford Lake Catfish Chasers Tournament runs each summer and welcomes anglers of all skill levels
The Milford Lake Catfish Chasers Tournament is an annual summer event held on Milford Lake in central Kansas, organized by local fishing clubs and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The tournament typically takes place in July, though the exact dates shift year to year — check with the event organizers or the Kansas Parks and Wildlife website for the current year's schedule. The event draws catfish anglers from across the region who compete for prizes while fishing one of Kansas's most productive catfish waters.
Milford Lake itself sits in Geary County near Junction City and holds channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. The tournament format usually allows both day and night fishing, which matters because catfish feed actively after dark. Most participants fish from boats, though some shore fishing may be permitted depending on the year's rules — confirm this when you register.
Key Takeaways
- The Milford Lake Catfish Chasers Tournament typically runs in July each year, with exact dates posted by the Kansas Parks and Wildlife office or local fishing clubs.
- You will need a valid Kansas fishing license and a Milford Lake permit to fish the tournament, regardless of whether you compete or fish recreationally that day.
- Registration usually opens several weeks before the event and fills up, so contact the organizers early to confirm entry and learn the specific rules for that year.
- Catfish bite best at night and during low-light hours, so plan your fishing strategy around dawn, dusk, and the hours after sunset.
- Bring appropriate tackle for catfish — heavy rods, strong line, and live or cut bait — because Milford Lake holds large flatheads and blues that require heavier gear than channel catfish.
What you need before the tournament
Before you can fish the tournament, you must have a valid Kansas fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Kansas Parks and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, or at the Milford Lake office. Licenses are available as one-day, annual, or multi-year options. The cost varies by residency and license type — Kansas residents pay less than non-residents.
In addition to your fishing license, Milford Lake requires a lake permit for all anglers. This is separate from the state license and covers access to the lake itself. You can buy the permit at the lake office, at nearby bait shops, or sometimes online depending on the current system. Have both documents with you when you fish, as park rangers check regularly.
For the tournament itself, you will need to register with the event organizers before the deadline. Registration typically costs between $25 and $50 per angler, though this varies. Contact the Milford Lake office, the local bass club, or check the Kansas Parks and Wildlife website for the current year's tournament contact information and entry fee. Some tournaments cap the number of participants, so registering early matters.
Tackle and bait for Milford Lake catfish
Milford Lake holds three species of catfish, and they require different approaches. Channel catfish, the most common, will take chicken liver, cut shad, stink bait, or prepared dip baits. They are aggressive feeders and relatively forgiving of tackle choices, so medium-heavy rods and 15- to 20-pound line work well.
Flathead catfish and blue catfish are larger and stronger. Flatheads prefer live bait — live bluegill, shiners, or small sunfish — and will ignore dead bait entirely. Blues will take live or fresh-cut bait. Both species demand heavier tackle: heavy-action rods, 30- to 50-pound braided line, and strong hooks. Flatheads especially can exceed 50 pounds in Milford Lake, so underestimating your gear is a costly mistake.
Bring more bait than you think you will need. Catfish fishing often means long waits between bites, and you may need to rebait frequently or switch baits if one is not working. Local bait shops near the lake sell live bait and prepared catfish baits — stopping there the day before or morning of the tournament is worth the time.
Night fishing and timing your strategy
Catfish feed most actively at night and during the hour or two after sunset and before sunrise. If the tournament allows night fishing — which most do — plan to fish from dusk through the early morning hours. Bring a headlamp or flashlight with a red lens, which is less likely to spook fish than white light. A battery-powered lantern at your boat helps you see your rods and manage your catch without disturbing the water.
Water temperature affects catfish behavior. In July, Milford Lake is warm, and catfish may move to deeper water or channel edges during the day. Fish the deeper holes and channel ledges during daylight hours, then move to shallower flats and structure as the sun sets. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, a GPS unit or mapping app showing depth contours will help you locate these spots quickly.
Tide and moon phase do not apply to lakes the way they do to rivers, but barometric pressure does affect feeding. Catfish often bite better just before a weather system moves in. Check the forecast before the tournament and plan your fishing around any predicted storms or pressure changes.
Tournament rules and what to bring
Tournament rules vary year to year, so contact the organizers directly for specifics. Most catfish tournaments have rules about which species count toward your weight, whether you must weigh fish at a specific time and place, and whether catch-and-release or live-well requirements apply. Some tournaments count only channel catfish; others include flatheads and blues. Knowing this before you fish saves you from catching the wrong species or fishing the wrong water.
Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh if the tournament requires you to weigh live fish. Bring extra line, hooks, and sinkers — you will lose tackle to snags and large fish. A net makes landing big catfish safer and faster. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water are essential, especially if you are fishing through the heat of the day and into the night. A first-aid kit is always wise when you are on the water.
Milford Lake conditions and what to expect
Milford Lake is a 9,400-acre reservoir with good access from multiple boat ramps and shore fishing areas. The lake is well-maintained and popular with anglers, so expect other boats during the tournament, especially at dawn and dusk when catfish bite best. The water can be murky, which catfish prefer — they hunt by smell and feel more than sight, so visibility does not matter to them the way it does for bass or walleye.
July weather in central Kansas is hot and humid. Afternoon temperatures often exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are fishing during the day, seek shade when you can and stay hydrated. Thunderstorms are common in summer and can develop quickly, so watch the sky and have a plan to get off the water safely if weather turns dangerous.
The lake has a full-service marina with fuel, snacks, and supplies. If you are traveling from out of state or far away, nearby Junction City has hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores. Plan your trip to arrive the day before so you can scout the lake, buy bait, and get a good night's sleep before the tournament begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Milford Lake Catfish Chasers Tournament?
Most participants fish from boats because they can reach deeper water and move between productive spots. However, some tournaments allow shore fishing from designated areas. Check with the organizers about whether shore fishing is permitted that year and whether it counts toward tournament standings.
What is the difference between channel catfish and flathead catfish?
Channel catfish have a forked tail and barbels (whiskers) and will eat dead bait, prepared baits, and live bait. Flatheads have a squared-off tail, no teeth on their palate, and eat only live bait. Flatheads grow larger and fight harder. Some tournaments count only one species, so know which one you are targeting.
Can I fish Milford Lake the day before the tournament to scout?
Yes. You can fish recreationally any day you have a valid Kansas license and lake permit. Scouting the day before helps you locate structure, test your tackle, and get a feel for where catfish are holding. This is especially useful if you have never fished Milford Lake before.
What time of day do catfish bite best at Milford Lake?
Catfish bite most actively from sunset through the night and into the early morning hours. They also bite during overcast days and just before storms. Daytime fishing is slower but still possible if you fish deep structure and channel edges where catfish rest during the day.
Where do I find the current tournament dates and registration information?
Contact the Kansas Parks and Wildlife office in Junction City, check the Kansas Parks and Wildlife website for event listings, or call local bait and tackle shops near Milford Lake. They will have the most current information about dates, entry fees, and any rule changes for the current year.