What the Laughlin Striper Tournament is and when it runs
The Laughlin Striper Tournament is an annual fishing competition held on the Colorado River near Laughlin, Nevada, where anglers compete to catch striped bass. The tournament typically takes place in the spring, usually in April or May, though the exact dates shift year to year — you'll need to check with the current year's organizers for the specific schedule. Participants fish from boats during designated hours, and prizes are awarded based on the weight and number of fish caught.
The Colorado River around Laughlin holds a strong striper population, making it a natural draw for both tournament competitors and recreational anglers. The river here is wide and deep, with structure that holds fish year-round, but spring is when stripers are most active and catchable. The tournament brings together experienced tournament fishers, local guides, and people fishing their first competition.
Key Takeaways
- The Laughlin Striper Tournament runs annually in spring, usually April or May, with exact dates that change each year.
- You fish from a boat during set hours, and fish are weighed at an official weigh-in station to determine prize winners.
- Entry fees and prize structures vary by year and tournament format, so contact the organizers directly for current details.
- The Colorado River around Laughlin requires a valid Nevada fishing license, and stripers have specific size and bag limits you must follow.
- Most participants use live bait or lures designed for stripers, and success depends on knowing where fish hold in the river's deeper channels.
How to enter and what it costs
Entry into the Laughlin Striper Tournament is handled through the tournament organizers, who typically open registration a few weeks before the event. You'll need to contact them directly — by phone, email, or their website — to learn the current entry fee, which can vary from year to year. Registration usually closes a few days before the tournament begins, so plan ahead rather than waiting until the last moment.
When you register, you'll provide your name, contact information, and often the name of your fishing partner if you're fishing as a team. Some tournaments require proof of a valid Nevada fishing license at registration or at the weigh-in. Ask the organizers whether entry includes a boat or whether you need to bring your own, as this affects both cost and logistics.
Nevada fishing license and striper regulations
To fish in the Laughlin Striper Tournament, you must have a valid Nevada fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife website, at sporting goods retailers, or at some bait and tackle shops in Laughlin. Licenses are available as one-day, annual, or multi-year options — a one-day license is the cheapest choice if you're only fishing the tournament.
Striped bass in Nevada have specific size and bag limits that apply during the tournament just as they do during regular fishing. The current regulations require stripers to meet a minimum size (typically 12 inches), and there is a daily bag limit on how many you can keep. These rules exist to protect the striper population, and tournament organizers enforce them. Check the Nevada Department of Wildlife website or call their office before the tournament to confirm the current size and bag limits, as they can change.
What to bring and how to prepare your boat
If you're bringing your own boat, make sure it's in good working order before the tournament — a reliable engine and functioning navigation equipment matter on a river where currents and depth change. Bring a working fish finder if you have one; many tournament anglers use them to locate stripers in the deeper channels. You'll need a net large enough to land stripers safely, and a cooler with ice to keep fish fresh if you plan to keep your catch.
Pack more water and snacks than you think you'll need; tournament fishing means long hours on the water in sun and wind. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses — the glare off the river is intense, and good eyesight helps you spot feeding fish. A first aid kit and a headlamp or flashlight are practical additions. If you're fishing live bait, bring a bait tank with an aerator to keep baitfish alive throughout the day.
Striper fishing techniques that work in Laughlin
Stripers in the Colorado River around Laughlin respond well to live bait — shad, herring, and mullet are standard choices. Cast or drift your bait near deeper channels, drop-offs, and areas where the current creates structure. Many anglers fish the early morning and late afternoon hours when stripers are most active, though they can bite throughout the day depending on water temperature and light.
Lures also work, particularly large swimbaits and topwater plugs that mimic the baitfish stripers hunt. Casting along rocky banks and near submerged trees can produce strikes. The key is patience and coverage — you're looking for where stripers are holding, which often means fishing multiple spots until you find active fish. Local guides and tackle shops in Laughlin can offer current advice on what's working in the weeks before the tournament.
The weigh-in process and how winners are determined
At the end of the tournament fishing day, all participants bring their catch to an official weigh-in station, usually located at a marina or boat ramp in Laughlin. Fish are weighed individually or as a total catch, depending on the tournament format. The organizers record the weight and number of fish, and prizes are awarded based on the heaviest total weight or the largest single fish, depending on the tournament rules.
Make sure your fish are kept on ice and handled carefully from the water to the scales — a fish that's been sitting in the sun loses weight and may not place as high. Weigh-in times are strict, so plan to arrive with time to spare. Ask the organizers ahead of time what the weigh-in window is and where it takes place, so you can plan your day accordingly.
Where to stay and eat in Laughlin
Laughlin is a small town built around casino resorts, and most lodging is tied to those properties. Hotels like the Riverside Resort, Harrah's, and the Golden Nugget offer rooms and are within walking distance of restaurants and services. Booking a room the night before the tournament means you can get an early start on the water without a long drive. Many of these properties also have marinas or boat launch access nearby.
For meals, casino restaurants and local diners serve breakfast early — important if you're launching at dawn. Bring snacks and water for the boat; you won't want to leave the water during prime fishing hours. After the weigh-in, restaurants in town fill up with tournament participants, so expect crowds and plan accordingly if you want a sit-down meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Laughlin Striper Tournament?
Most tournaments require you to fish from a boat, and you typically need to provide your own unless the organizers specify otherwise. Some tournaments partner with local marinas or guides who offer boat rental or charter options — ask when you register whether these services are available.
What's the best bait for stripers in the Colorado River?
Live shad and herring are the most reliable baits for stripers around Laughlin. Mullet also works well. Keep bait alive in a tank with an aerator, and fish it near deeper channels and structure where stripers hold. Local tackle shops can tell you what's working in the weeks before the tournament.
Can I fish the tournament if I've never competed before?
Yes. The Laughlin Striper Tournament welcomes anglers of all experience levels. If you're new to tournament fishing, consider fishing with a partner who has experience, or hire a local guide for the day — they know the river and can help you understand the format and find fish.
What happens if I catch a striper that doesn't meet the size limit?
Fish that don't meet the minimum size cannot be weighed in or counted toward your score. Release them immediately and carefully. Tournament organizers enforce size limits, and fishing undersized fish can result in disqualification.
When should I arrive in Laughlin to prepare?
Arriving the day before the tournament gives you time to launch your boat, check your equipment, and get familiar with the water if you're new to the area. If you're hiring a guide or renting a boat, confirm those arrangements at least a week in advance.