The Calamus Reservoir Catfish Tournament draws anglers to central Nebraska each year for a straightforward competition on channel catfish

The Calamus Reservoir Catfish Tournament is an annual fishing event held on Calamus Reservoir near Burwell, Nebraska. The tournament focuses on channel catfish, the most abundant catfish species in the reservoir, and runs for a set period each summer. Anglers fish from boats or the shore, weigh their catch at the end of the tournament period, and compete for prizes based on total weight and sometimes individual fish size.

The event is organized by local fishing clubs or the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, depending on the year. Entry fees are modest — typically in the range of $25 to $50 per angler or per boat — and the tournament is open to both experienced tournament fishers and people fishing for the first time. Most participants fish during daylight hours, though some tournaments allow night fishing as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Calamus Reservoir holds channel catfish year-round, with the best fishing typically from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warmest.
  • Entry fees run between $25 and $50, and you will need a valid Nebraska fishing permit to participate.
  • Channel catfish respond well to cut bait, chicken liver, and prepared stink baits, all of which are inexpensive and widely available.
  • The tournament period is usually announced several weeks in advance on the Nebraska Game and Parks website or through local fishing clubs.

When the tournament runs and how to enter

The Calamus Reservoir Catfish Tournament typically takes place in summer, with the exact dates announced by the organizing body in late spring. The tournament may run for a single day, a weekend, or a full week depending on the year and organizer. Check the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or contact the Burwell area chamber of commerce in May or June to confirm the current year's dates.

To enter, you will need a valid Nebraska fishing permit. You can purchase a one-day or annual permit through the Nebraska Game and Parks website or at any authorized vendor. Bring proof of your permit to the registration location — usually held at a boat ramp or nearby facility — and pay the entry fee. Most tournaments accept entries up to the day before the event begins, though some close registration earlier if space is limited.

What catfish live in Calamus Reservoir

Calamus Reservoir is home primarily to channel catfish, which are the target species for this tournament. Channel catfish range from 1 to 5 pounds on average in Calamus, though larger fish over 10 pounds are caught regularly. The reservoir also holds flathead catfish, which are larger and more aggressive, but the tournament focuses on channels because they are more abundant and more predictable to catch.

Channel catfish are bottom feeders that hunt by smell and taste rather than sight. They are most active in warm water — from late May through September — and feed throughout the day and night. In Calamus Reservoir, they concentrate near deeper holes, channel ledges, and areas with woody cover or rock structure where they can rest during the day.

Bait and tackle that work for channel catfish

Channel catfish will take a wide range of baits, and tournament fishing does not require expensive or specialized gear. Cut bait — fresh shad, bluegill, or skipjack cut into chunks — is the most reliable choice and often outfishes prepared baits. Chicken liver, available at most tackle shops, is inexpensive and effective. Prepared stink baits and dip baits, sold under brand names like Sonny's or Catfish Charlie, work well and are convenient because they stay on the hook longer than fresh bait.

A basic catfish setup consists of a medium-action rod, a reel that holds at least 200 yards of 15- to 20-pound monofilament line, and a simple rig: a three-way swivel with a sinker on one leg and a 12- to 18-inch leader with a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook on the other. Circle hooks are preferred because they hook the fish in the corner of the mouth and rarely require setting the hook hard — the catfish hooks itself as it swims away. Bring multiple rods if the tournament rules allow it; most do.

Where to fish on Calamus Reservoir

Calamus Reservoir is roughly 10 miles long and covers about 1,000 acres. The main channel runs down the center of the reservoir, and this is where most catfish concentrate. Fish the deeper holes and ledges where the channel drops off into 15 to 25 feet of water. The upper end of the reservoir, near the inlet, often holds catfish in shallower water during early morning and late evening.

If you are fishing from shore, focus on areas where the bank drops off quickly or where there is visible structure — fallen trees, rock piles, or concrete pilings. The boat ramps and public access areas are marked on maps available from Nebraska Game and Parks. If you do not have a boat, ask other anglers at the ramp whether anyone is looking for a fishing partner; tournament anglers often welcome an extra set of hands.

Tournament rules and what to bring

Most catfish tournaments follow standard rules: fish must be caught during the designated tournament period, all fish must be alive when weighed (or weighed within a short time of being caught), and anglers must follow all state fishing regulations. Check the specific rules posted by the organizer before the tournament begins — some tournaments allow night fishing, some do not; some allow multiple rods, some limit you to two.

Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh, a net for landing fish safely, a stringer or livewell to keep fish alive during the day, and a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning or evening. Wear a personal flotation device if you are in a boat. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks — catfish tournaments often mean long hours of waiting between bites. A fish scale or access to the tournament's official scale is essential for weighing your catch accurately.

Preparing catfish you catch at the tournament

If you plan to keep and cook your catch, channel catfish are excellent eating. They have mild, slightly sweet meat and are forgiving to cook. The most straightforward method is to fillet the fish, removing the skin and bones, then pan-fry the fillets in cornmeal-coated batches until golden. Catfish also braise well in tomato-based stews or poach gently in court-bouillon.

Clean your fish as soon as possible after weighing. A sharp fillet knife, a cutting board, and a bucket of water are all you need. Remove the head, then cut along the backbone from head to tail, following the rib cage. Flip the fillet and repeat on the other side. Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat dry. If you are not cooking immediately, store them on ice in a cooler and use them within two days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Calamus Reservoir Catfish Tournament?

No. You can fish from the shore at public access areas, though a boat gives you access to deeper water and more productive spots. If you do not have a boat, arrive early at the boat ramp and ask other anglers whether they need a fishing partner.

What size catfish do I need to catch to place in the tournament?

Tournament rules vary by year. Most tournaments weigh all fish caught during the event and rank anglers by total weight, so even smaller catfish count toward your score. Check the specific rules for the current year to see whether there is a minimum size or whether individual fish prizes are offered.

Can I fish at night during the tournament?

Some years the tournament allows night fishing, and some years it does not. Catfish feed actively at night, so this makes a difference. Confirm the rules with the organizer before the event begins.

What if I have never fished for catfish before?

Channel catfish are forgiving fish that bite readily on simple baits and do not require specialized technique. Bring cut bait or chicken liver, fish the deeper areas of the reservoir, and be patient. Many first-time tournament anglers catch fish and place in the standings.

Where do I find out the exact dates for this year's tournament?

Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or call their regional office in central Nebraska. Local fishing clubs and the Burwell chamber of commerce also post tournament dates. Dates are usually announced by late May for summer tournaments.