Perry Lake hosts a Bassmaster team tournament series for anglers across Kansas and the region

The Perry Lake Bassmaster Team Trail is a competitive fishing series held on Perry Lake in northeast Kansas, open to two-person teams fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The trail runs through the spring and fall seasons, with multiple tournament dates that let teams accumulate points toward year-end standings and payouts. Entry fees, tournament dates, and the specific format vary by year, so checking the current schedule directly is essential before you commit to a date or entry.

Perry Lake itself—a 10,500-acre reservoir near Ozawkie—holds a solid population of both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with depths ranging from shallow flats to deeper channel structure. The lake's mix of rocky points, timber, and weed growth creates different patterns depending on the season, which is why the trail runs events when conditions shift. Teams fish under Bassmaster rules, which means catch-and-release scoring, specific equipment standards, and a tournament director on the water to enforce them.

Key Takeaways

  • Perry Lake Bassmaster Team Trail events are two-person team competitions held on a 10,500-acre Kansas reservoir with both largemouth and smallmouth bass populations.
  • The trail runs multiple tournaments across spring and fall seasons, with points accumulated toward year-end standings and prize payouts.
  • Entry fees, exact dates, and tournament format change year to year, so you need to contact the tournament director or check Bassmaster's official schedule before registering.
  • Fishing is catch-and-release under Bassmaster rules, with a tournament director present to verify weights and enforce equipment standards.
  • Perry Lake's structure—rocky points, timber, and weed beds—supports different bass patterns across seasons, making spring and fall tournaments distinct fishing challenges.

How the Perry Lake Bassmaster Team Trail is organized

The trail operates as a series rather than a single event, meaning teams can enter one tournament, several, or the full schedule depending on their schedule and budget. Each tournament typically runs a single day, with an early morning takeoff and a weigh-in in the afternoon. Teams fish a set number of hours—usually eight—and are allowed to keep a limit of bass (typically five per angler, though this can vary). Only the five heaviest fish count toward the team's score.

Points are awarded based on finish position in each tournament, and teams accumulate points across the season. At the end of the trail, the team with the highest total points wins the year-end championship and the associated payout. Some trails also award payouts at each individual tournament, so a strong finish early in the season can put money in your pocket immediately.

The specific number of tournaments, dates, and entry fees are set each year by the tournament director and Bassmaster. These details are posted on the Bassmaster website and through local fishing forums and tackle shops near Perry Lake. Registering early is common practice because some tournaments do fill up, especially if the lake is fishing well or the date falls on a popular weekend.

What to expect when you fish Perry Lake

Perry Lake's 10,500 acres offer a mix of habitat that changes with the seasons. The northern end tends to be shallower with more vegetation, while the southern end has deeper water and more rocky structure. Spring tournaments usually see bass moving shallow to spawn or pre-spawn, so shallow-water techniques like topwater, crankbaits, and soft plastics work well. Fall tournaments often find bass relating to deeper structure and channel ledges as they feed heavily before winter.

The lake has good public access through several boat ramps, including the main ramp at Perry State Park. Tournament days can be crowded, so arriving early to launch is smart. The lake is also known for producing quality fish—not just numbers—so teams that locate structure and fish it thoroughly often outfish those who cover water quickly.

Weather on Perry Lake can shift fast, especially in spring and fall. Wind is common, which can make the lake choppy and affect where bass position. Successful teams scout the lake before tournament day if possible, or they study maps and talk to local anglers to understand current patterns and where fish are likely to be.

Entry requirements and what you need to bring

To enter the Perry Lake Bassmaster Team Trail, you and your partner must each have a valid fishing license for Kansas. Both anglers should also be familiar with Bassmaster rules, which cover everything from equipment specifications to how fish are weighed and measured. Bassmaster publishes its rulebook online, and it is worth reading before your first tournament so you do not accidentally break a rule during competition.

Your boat must be equipped with a working livewell to keep fish alive during the tournament. A quality depth finder and GPS are not required by rule but are standard equipment for competitive bass fishing. You will also need a scale to weigh fish before weigh-in (most tournaments provide one, but some teams bring their own to verify weights). Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection—a full day on the water in spring or fall sun adds up fast.

Entry fees typically range from $150 to $300 per team, depending on the tournament and the year, though this varies. Some tournaments offer optional side pots or big-fish contests that cost extra but offer additional payouts. Ask the tournament director about all fees when you register so there are no surprises at weigh-in.

How to find the current schedule and register

The official Bassmaster website lists all sanctioned tournaments, including the Perry Lake Bassmaster Team Trail events. You can search by state and lake to find dates specific to Perry Lake. The site also shows entry fees, the tournament director's contact information, and links to register online.

Local tackle shops near Perry Lake—particularly those in Ozawkie or nearby towns—often have printed schedules and can answer questions about the trail. They may also have information about how the lake is fishing and what techniques are working, which is valuable intel before you commit to an entry fee.

You can also contact the tournament director directly; their name and phone number are listed on the Bassmaster website for each event. They can tell you whether a tournament still has open spots, answer questions about the format, and explain any local rules or conditions specific to that date.

Preparing your boat and tackle for tournament fishing

Tournament fishing demands more preparation than casual fishing because you are competing against other skilled anglers and the clock. Start by servicing your boat's engine and checking your livewell system well before tournament day. A livewell that fails mid-tournament can cost you fish and your chance to compete fairly.

Organize your tackle by technique and depth range so you can switch presentations quickly without wasting time searching through boxes. Bring backups of your most productive lures—if you lose one during the tournament, you do not want to be without it. Many tournament anglers also bring multiple rods rigged and ready so they can change techniques without retying knots, which saves time and reduces mistakes.

Test your electronics—depth finder, GPS, and any other gear—before the tournament. Know how to use them quickly and confidently. On tournament day, you will not have time to figure out how to mark a waypoint or read a contour map.

What happens at weigh-in and how payouts work

Weigh-in is typically held at a central location near the lake, often at a boat ramp or park facility. Teams bring their fish in a livewell or cooler with water, and Bassmaster officials verify the catch, weigh the fish, and record the weight. Fish are then released back into the lake (catch-and-release tournaments do not keep the fish). Your team's weight is compared to all other teams' weights, and places are awarded accordingly.

Payouts are distributed based on finish position. First place typically receives the largest payout, with money distributed down through the field. The exact payout structure depends on the number of teams entered and the entry fees collected. Some tournaments also award payouts for big-fish contests or other side competitions, so ask the tournament director about all ways to win money.

Year-end payouts for the trail championship are usually announced after the final tournament of the season. Teams with the highest cumulative points across all events they entered receive payouts, with the top team receiving the largest share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Bassmaster member to fish the Perry Lake team trail?

Membership requirements vary by tournament. Some events require at least one team member to be a Bassmaster member, while others do not. Check the specific tournament's rules on the Bassmaster website or ask the tournament director when you register.

Can I fish the trail if I have never competed in a Bassmaster tournament before?

Yes. The Perry Lake team trail welcomes anglers of all experience levels. Reading the Bassmaster rulebook before your first event is smart so you understand equipment rules and how fish are weighed, but you do not need prior tournament experience to enter.

What if I want to fish only one or two tournaments instead of the whole series?

You can enter individual tournaments without committing to the full season. Points accumulate only for events you fish, so entering two tournaments means you compete for year-end standings based on those two finishes. This is a common way for anglers to test tournament fishing or fit events around their schedule.

Are there youth or age-specific divisions in the Perry Lake team trail?

Some Bassmaster tournaments offer youth divisions or other categories, but this varies by event. Ask the tournament director about divisions available for the specific date you are interested in.

What should I do if my boat breaks down on tournament day?

Contact the tournament director immediately. Bassmaster rules allow for contingencies in case of equipment failure, though the specifics depend on when the failure occurs and the tournament's rules. Do not assume you are disqualified—talk to the director first.