The Calamus Reservoir Walleye Tournament draws anglers each year to fish for walleye in north-central Nebraska
The Calamus Reservoir Walleye Tournament is an annual event held on Calamus Reservoir near Broken Bow, Nebraska. The tournament brings together recreational anglers who compete to catch walleye during a set fishing window, typically a weekend in summer. The event is organized by local fishing clubs and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and it draws both experienced tournament fishers and people fishing for the first time in a competitive setting.
Calamus Reservoir itself is a 3,150-acre lake formed by a dam on the North Loup River. The water is known for walleye, northern pike, and channel catfish. The reservoir sits in a quiet part of Nebraska, and the tournament weekend brings the community together around fishing — it is as much about the people and the meal afterward as it is about the catch.
Key Takeaways
- The Calamus Reservoir Walleye Tournament is held annually in summer, usually as a weekend event, and entry is open to anglers of most skill levels.
- You will need a valid Nebraska fishing permit and a tournament entry fee, which varies by year and division.
- Walleye fishing on Calamus Reservoir is best in early morning and evening hours, and live bait or jigs are the most common techniques.
- The tournament has specific rules about boat types, fishing hours, and catch-and-release or weigh-in procedures that you must follow to compete.
- Local fishing clubs and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission manage the event and can answer questions about registration and rules before the tournament begins.
When the tournament takes place and how to register
The Calamus Reservoir Walleye Tournament is typically held in June or July, though the exact dates change from year to year. The fishing window is usually a single day or a weekend, with fishing hours set to begin before sunrise and end at a fixed time in the afternoon — often 3 or 4 p.m. Check with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or the local fishing club organizing that year's event for the specific dates, because the schedule is not the same every season.
Registration usually opens several weeks before the tournament and closes a few days before the event. You can register through the organizing club or through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website. Entry fees cover the cost of running the tournament and often include a meal or gathering after weigh-in. Some tournaments offer divisions for different age groups or skill levels, so ask when you register whether a division fits your situation.
What you need to bring and what the rules are
You will need a valid Nebraska fishing permit before you fish in the tournament. A one-day permit is available if you do not have a season permit. You will also need a boat (unless the tournament offers a shore-fishing division, which some years do), a motor, and a valid boating registration. Most tournaments require that boats be at least 14 feet long and equipped with a working kill switch and life jackets for all passengers.
Walleye tournaments on Calamus Reservoir typically allow live bait, artificial lures, and jigs. Some years may restrict certain techniques — for example, no live bait or no night fishing — so read the rules packet when you register. You will be required to keep all fish you catch during the tournament hours and bring them to the official weigh-in location. Some tournaments use a catch-and-release format where fish are weighed and returned to the water; others keep the catch. The rules packet will specify which format applies.
Anglers must stay within designated fishing boundaries and cannot fish before the official start time or after the official end time. Violating these rules can result in disqualification. If you are unsure about any rule, contact the tournament organizers before the event — they would rather answer a question than have you break a rule by accident.
How to fish walleye on Calamus Reservoir
Walleye are most active on Calamus Reservoir in low light — early morning from sunrise to mid-morning, and again in the evening from late afternoon through dusk. Plan to be on the water before dawn and fish the first two hours of daylight. If the bite slows in mid-day, move to deeper water or shaded areas. Return to shallow water as the sun begins to set.
Live bait is effective for walleye on Calamus. Use shiners, shad, or crawfish in sizes from 2 to 4 inches. Fish live bait on a simple rig — a slip sinker, a barrel swivel, and a 12-inch leader with a size 2 or 4 hook. Cast near structure: rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges. Let the bait sit and move it slowly.
Jigs are equally productive and give you more control. Use 1/4-ounce to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with a minnow or soft plastic. Cast toward structure and work the jig with a slow lift-and-drop motion. Walleye often bite on the drop, so pay attention to your line and set the hook at any pause or weight change.
Calamus Reservoir is roughly 12 miles long and has several distinct areas. The upper end near the dam tends to hold walleye in deeper holes. The middle section has a mix of shallow and deep water with good weed growth. The lower end is shallower and better in early morning. Scout the area the day before if you can, or arrive early on tournament day to get a sense of the water.
What happens at weigh-in and how winners are determined
Weigh-in typically takes place at a central location on the reservoir — often a boat ramp or the park office — at the end of the fishing window. You will bring your catch to the official scales, where tournament staff will record the weight of each fish. The fish are then either kept (if it is a traditional tournament) or released back into the water (if it is catch-and-release).
Winners are usually determined by total weight of all fish caught, with the angler or team with the heaviest combined catch taking first place. Some tournaments also award prizes for the largest single fish. Prize money or merchandise is distributed after all fish have been weighed and the results are final. The tournament typically concludes with a meal and awards ceremony where results are announced and the community gathers to celebrate.
Preparing your boat and gear before tournament day
Check your boat's engine and fuel system at least a week before the tournament. Make sure the battery is fully charged, the spark plugs are clean, and you have enough fuel for a full day of fishing. Test your kill switch to confirm it works. Inspect your boat's hull for cracks or soft spots, and make sure all drain plugs are in place.
Service your fishing reels before the tournament. Clean the spool, check the drag, and replace the line if it is more than a season old. Walleye have good eyesight, so use fresh line in 6- to 8-pound test for live bait and 8- to 10-pound test for jigs. Tie new knots the night before rather than on the water, where you will be rushed and more likely to make mistakes.
Pack your tackle box with extra hooks, sinkers, swivels, and leaders. Bring two rods rigged and ready — one for live bait and one for jigs — so you can switch techniques without losing fishing time. Pack a headlamp with fresh batteries, sunscreen, water, and a simple meal. Bring a cooler with ice for your catch and extra water to stay hydrated during a long day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Calamus Reservoir Walleye Tournament?
Most years, yes — the tournament is a boat-based event. However, some years a shore-fishing division is offered for anglers without a boat. Contact the tournament organizers to ask whether a shore division is available for the year you want to fish.
What is the entry fee for the tournament?
Entry fees vary by year and by division. Fees typically range from $50 to $150 per angler or team, though this changes. Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or the local fishing club running the tournament for the current year's fee.
Can I fish with someone else as a team, or is it individuals only?
Most Calamus Reservoir Walleye Tournaments allow both individual and team entries. Teams are usually two anglers fishing from the same boat. Confirm the team format and any team-size limits when you register.
What if I have never fished a walleye tournament before?
Walleye tournaments welcome anglers of all experience levels. Read the rules packet carefully, arrive early to meet other anglers, and do not hesitate to ask the tournament staff questions. Many experienced anglers are happy to share tips with newcomers.
Where can I get more information about the tournament?
Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission directly or reach out to the local fishing club organizing the event. They can provide registration details, current dates, rules, and answers to any questions about that year's tournament.