What the U.S. Open Bass Fishing Tournament Is
The U.S. Open Bass Fishing Tournament is a competitive bass fishing event held annually on Lake Mead near Las Vegas, Nevada. The tournament brings together recreational and semi-professional anglers who compete for prize money and the title of U.S. Open champion. The event typically runs over two or three days, with anglers fishing designated hours each day and weighing their catch at a central location.
The tournament is open to anglers of various skill levels, though entry requirements and boat specifications vary depending on the division you enter. Most divisions require you to fish from a registered boat, carry a current fishing license, and pay an entry fee. The exact format—whether it's a two-person team event, individual competition, or another structure—can change year to year, so checking the official tournament rules before registering is essential.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Open Bass Fishing Tournament takes place on Lake Mead near Las Vegas and runs over two to three days with daily weigh-ins.
- You must hold a valid Nevada fishing license, fish from a registered boat, and pay an entry fee to compete in most divisions.
- Tournament dates, entry fees, and division structures change annually, so you should confirm current details through the official tournament website or contact information before registering.
- Anglers typically fish during set hours each day, and the angler or team with the heaviest total catch weight wins their division.
- Lake Mead has specific bass fishing regulations year-round, including size and bag limits, which apply during the tournament.
Entry Requirements and Registration
To enter the U.S. Open Bass Fishing Tournament, you need a current Nevada fishing license, which you can obtain through the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The license is available online, by phone, or at retail locations throughout the state. You also need a boat registered in Nevada or a neighboring state, and most tournaments require proof of boat registration at check-in.
Entry fees vary by division and year. Some divisions are structured for two-person teams, while others may be individual or allow larger crews. You typically register in advance through the tournament's official registration process, which may be online or through a designated tournament headquarters. Bring your fishing license, boat registration, and proof of payment to the mandatory captain's meeting held before fishing begins.
Lake Mead Bass Fishing Regulations During the Tournament
Even though you are competing in a tournament, you must follow all Nevada bass fishing regulations on Lake Mead. The lake has a year-round largemouth and smallmouth bass season with a daily bag limit and minimum size requirement. These regulations do not change during the tournament, so familiarize yourself with current size and bag limits before you fish.
Lake Mead also has specific areas that may be closed to fishing or have restricted access. Check the Nevada Department of Wildlife website or contact the Lake Mead National Recreation Area for any seasonal closures or access changes that might affect tournament fishing. Violating state fishing regulations during the tournament can result in citations and disqualification from competition.
Tournament Format and Weigh-In Procedures
The U.S. Open typically follows a format where anglers fish during designated hours each day—usually early morning through mid-afternoon—and return to a central weigh-in location. You must weigh your catch within a set time window, and fish are usually measured and weighed by tournament officials. Dead fish and live fish are handled according to tournament rules, which you will receive at the captain's meeting.
Weigh-in is public, meaning spectators can watch anglers bring their catch to the scales. The angler or team with the heaviest combined weight across all tournament days wins their division. Some tournaments award prizes for the largest single fish caught, in addition to the overall weight prize. Prize money is typically distributed to top finishers in each division, though exact payouts depend on the year and number of entrants.
Preparing Your Boat and Gear
Your boat must be in good working order and meet any safety requirements set by the tournament and Nevada boating regulations. Make sure your boat has current registration, functioning navigation lights, and required safety equipment including life jackets. Check that your motor runs reliably and that you have a working depth finder and GPS, which are standard tools for competitive bass fishing.
Bring rods, reels, and tackle appropriate for Lake Mead bass fishing. Largemouth bass respond to crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures depending on the season and water conditions. Scout the lake before the tournament if possible to learn where bass are holding. Bring more tackle than you think you will need, as losing lures to snags is common on Lake Mead's rocky structure.
When the Tournament Takes Place
The U.S. Open Bass Fishing Tournament is typically held in the spring or fall, though the exact dates change from year to year. Spring tournaments (March through May) coincide with pre-spawn and spawn periods when bass are more active and easier to locate. Fall tournaments (September through November) occur during a secondary feeding period when water temperatures cool.
To find the current year's tournament dates, contact the tournament organizers directly or check fishing tournament websites that list Nevada events. Registration usually opens several weeks before the event and may close early if the tournament reaches its entry limit. Plan ahead, as popular divisions can fill quickly.
Getting to Lake Mead and Where to Launch
Lake Mead is located about 30 miles northeast of Las Vegas and is accessible via US Route 93. The lake has multiple public boat launch facilities, and the tournament will designate which launch point you must use. The most commonly used launch for tournaments is at Boulder Beach or Callville Bay, though this can vary depending on water levels and tournament logistics.
Arrive early on tournament days to allow time for boat launching, safety checks, and the mandatory captain's meeting. Parking at launch facilities can fill quickly during tournaments, so plan to arrive well before fishing hours begin. Bring cash or a card for any launch fees, which are typically a few dollars per boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Nevada fishing license if I am competing in the tournament?
Yes. All anglers must hold a current Nevada fishing license, regardless of whether they are fishing recreationally or in a tournament. You can obtain a license online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife website, by phone, or at retail locations. The license is required before you launch your boat.
Can I fish with someone else's boat if I do not own one?
Yes, as long as the boat is registered and meets tournament requirements. You can fish as a team member in someone else's registered boat. Make sure the boat owner is aware of the tournament rules and that the boat registration is current before you register for the event.
What happens if I catch a fish that is below the legal size limit?
Fish below the legal minimum size cannot be weighed and must be released immediately. Tournament officials will check all fish at weigh-in, and undersized fish will not count toward your total weight. Knowingly weighing undersized fish can result in disqualification and potential citations from Nevada wildlife enforcement.
How much does it cost to enter the tournament?
Entry fees vary by division and year, ranging from around $100 to several hundred dollars per boat or team. Some divisions are more expensive than others depending on prize pool size. Check the official tournament information for the current year's fee structure before registering.
What if Lake Mead water levels are very low or the weather is bad?
Tournament organizers monitor conditions and may adjust launch locations or fishing areas if water levels drop significantly. Severe weather may delay or postpone the tournament. The tournament will communicate any changes through official channels, so stay in contact with organizers in the days leading up to the event.