The Fall Big Bass Bash is a catch-and-release tournament held each October at Lake of the Ozarks
The Fall Big Bass Bash is a weekend fishing tournament where anglers compete to catch the largest largemouth and smallmouth bass. The event runs in October and takes place on Lake of the Ozarks, one of Missouri's largest reservoirs. Boats launch from multiple public ramps around the lake, and weigh-ins happen at a central location — typically a marina or resort on the main lake body.
This is a catch-and-release tournament, meaning fish are measured, photographed, and returned to the water alive. You do not need to be a tournament regular to enter. The event draws both serious competitors and recreational anglers who want to fish alongside others and see what the fall bite produces.
Entry fees vary by year and division, but typically range from $50 to $150 per boat. Prize money or merchandise goes to the top finishers in each category. The tournament is organized by a local fishing club or resort partnership, so details about dates, entry deadlines, and exact launch locations change annually.
Key Takeaways
- The Fall Big Bass Bash runs in October at Lake of the Ozarks and is open to boats of any size with a valid Missouri fishing permit.
- Fish are caught, weighed, and released alive — you do not keep your catch, and tournament rules prohibit culling or replacing fish during the day.
- Entry fees typically fall between $50 and $150 per boat, with prizes awarded to the largest fish in each species category.
- Launch times and weigh-in locations vary by year, so confirm the current year's details through the organizing club or host resort before the tournament weekend.
- Fall bass fishing at the Ozarks peaks in October when water temperatures drop and bass move to deeper structure and rocky banks.
When the Tournament Happens and How to Enter
The Fall Big Bass Bash takes place over a weekend in October, typically a Saturday or Sunday, though some years it runs both days. The exact dates shift year to year, so check with the Lake of the Ozarks Chamber of Commerce or local fishing clubs in late summer for the current schedule.
Entry is usually first-come, first-served, and you register either online through the host organization's website or in person at the launch location on tournament morning. Bring your boat registration, Missouri fishing permit, and a valid photo ID. Most tournaments cap the number of boats to manage launch and weigh-in logistics, so registering early reduces the risk of the event filling up.
You must fish with a partner or alone — check the tournament rules for whether single-angler boats are allowed, as this varies. All anglers in your boat need their own Missouri fishing permit, even if only one person is actively fishing.
What to Bring and How to Prepare Your Boat
Bring a cooler with ice, water, and snacks — you will be on the water for 8 to 10 hours depending on tournament hours. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses; October sun reflects hard off the water and glare makes spotting bass harder. Wear a life jacket or have one accessible; Missouri law requires one aboard, and tournaments enforce this strictly.
Your boat should have a working GPS or map app loaded with Lake of the Ozarks waypoints. Cell service is spotty in some coves, so download offline maps beforehand. Check your fuel gauge before launch — running out of gas during a tournament is costly and unsafe. Fill up the night before if possible.
Bring a net or lipping tool for landing fish safely. Tournament rules require fish to be handled carefully to maximize survival after release. A measuring board or ruler marked in inches is essential; weigh-in officials will verify measurements, and disputes over fish length can cost you prize money. Some tournaments provide official measuring boards at weigh-in, but bringing your own ensures accuracy.
Fall Bass Fishing Tactics at Lake of the Ozarks
October water temperatures at the Ozarks typically range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, pushing bass into deeper water and toward structure. Target rocky banks, submerged timber, and channel ledges where bass gather to feed before winter. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes, so plan your fishing schedule around these windows.
Largemouth bass respond well to crankbaits and soft plastics worked slowly along deep banks. Smallmouth bass, which thrive in the Ozarks' rocky terrain, bite aggressively on jigs and tube baits fished tight to rocks and drop-offs. The main lake body and major creek arms hold more fish than shallow coves in fall, so focus your time there.
Scout the lake the day before the tournament if you can. Spend an hour or two running the water, marking productive spots with your GPS. This reconnaissance is legal and common practice. If you cannot scout, arrive early on tournament morning and spend the first 30 minutes exploring areas you have fished before or that match the structure you know holds fall bass.
Tournament Rules and Fish Handling
All fish must be caught on rod and reel during official tournament hours — no nets, traps, or other methods. Artificial lures only; live bait is prohibited. You may not cull fish (replace a smaller catch with a larger one) during the day. Every fish you weigh must have been caught during the tournament window.
Fish must be kept alive and in good condition until weigh-in. Use a livewell with fresh water and an aerator running the entire time. Do not overcrowd the livewell or expose fish to air longer than necessary. Tournament officials inspect livewells at weigh-in and may disqualify fish that show signs of mistreatment.
Weigh-in is typically one to two hours after the tournament closes. Arrive with time to spare — late arrivals may forfeit their catch. Fish are weighed, photographed for records, and released immediately after. You do not take fish home from this tournament.
Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Permits and Regulations
Every angler aboard must hold a valid Missouri fishing permit. You can purchase a one-day permit online through the Missouri Department of Conservation website or at any authorized vendor around the lake. A one-day permit costs less than $10 and is valid for 24 consecutive hours from the time of purchase.
Bass size and creel limits apply even during tournaments. At Lake of the Ozarks, largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length, and you may keep five per day. Smallmouth bass have a 10-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Tournament rules typically override creel limits for the day of competition, but confirm this in the tournament rules before you fish.
The lake is open year-round, but October weather can shift quickly. Check the forecast the week before and again the morning of the tournament. Wind can make launching difficult and fishing dangerous, so be prepared to postpone if conditions are unsafe.
Where to Launch and Stay Near Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks has over 20 public boat ramps spread around its 55,000-acre surface. The tournament organizers will specify which ramps are designated for launch and weigh-in. Popular launch sites include Old Kinderhook Marina, Osage Village State Park, and various resort marinas along the main lake body. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your assigned launch time to avoid congestion.
If you are traveling from out of state or far from the lake, book lodging early — October is peak fall tourism season at the Ozarks. Resorts and hotels fill quickly. Many resorts offer discounted rates for tournament participants, so ask when you register or contact the host organization for a list of partner accommodations.
Gas stations and bait shops cluster around the main marinas. Stock up on fuel and supplies the day before the tournament to avoid delays on tournament morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Fall Big Bass Bash?
Yes, the tournament requires a registered boat. If you do not own one, you can rent from marinas around Lake of the Ozarks or partner with another angler who has a boat. Many local fishing clubs post notices looking for tournament partners, so check Facebook groups and the Lake of the Ozarks Chamber of Commerce bulletin board.
What happens if my fish dies before weigh-in?
Dead fish are typically disqualified and cannot be weighed. This is why livewell maintenance and careful handling are critical. If a fish dies despite proper care, report it to tournament officials immediately — they may allow a replacement catch depending on the rules, but this varies by tournament.
Can I fish with live bait instead of lures?
No, the Fall Big Bass Bash prohibits live bait. Only artificial lures — crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs, spinnerbaits, and topwater — are allowed. This rule keeps the tournament fair and protects the lake's ecosystem.
What if I have never fished Lake of the Ozarks before?
Scout the day before if possible, or arrive early and spend time exploring. October bass congregate around deep structure, so focus on rocky banks and channel ledges rather than shallow coves. Talk to other anglers at the launch ramp — most are willing to share general tactics, though they will not reveal their exact fishing spots.
How are winners determined if two anglers catch the same size fish?
Tiebreakers vary by tournament rules, but typically the first fish weighed wins, or the heaviest combined weight of all fish caught breaks the tie. Check the official tournament rules before you fish so you understand how prizes are awarded.