The Hoover Reservoir catfish tournament runs each summer and welcomes anglers of all skill levels
The Hoover Reservoir Catfish Tournament is an annual summer event held on Hoover Reservoir near Columbus, Ohio. The tournament typically takes place in July or August, though the exact dates shift year to year — check with the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks or the Ohio Division of Wildlife for the current year's schedule before you plan your trip.
The event draws catfish anglers from across central Ohio and beyond. It is open to anyone with a valid Ohio fishing license, and you can fish from shore or from a boat. The tournament runs for a set number of hours — usually a single day from early morning through late afternoon — and anglers compete by total weight of catfish caught during that window.
Entry fees vary by year and whether you fish alone or as part of a team. Prize money or merchandise typically goes to the heaviest single catfish, the heaviest stringer, and sometimes additional categories. The exact payout structure changes annually, so contact the event organizers directly for current details.
Key Takeaways
- The tournament happens once a year in summer, usually July or August, and you need a current Ohio fishing license to enter.
- You can fish from shore or boat, and competition is based on total weight of catfish caught during the tournament hours.
- Entry fees and prize structures change each year, so confirm details with Columbus Metro Parks or the Ohio Division of Wildlife before registering.
- Channel catfish and flathead catfish are the primary species at Hoover Reservoir, and both count toward your tournament weight.
- Most successful anglers use live bait — shiners, bluegill, or shad — fished on the bottom near structure or deeper holes.
Where to fish at Hoover Reservoir
Hoover Reservoir has multiple access points, and catfish are distributed throughout the lake. The deeper holes and channel ledges — particularly along the old riverbed — hold catfish during the day. Shallower flats and areas with fallen trees or rock structure attract them at dawn and dusk.
Popular tournament fishing spots include the area near the dam, the upper basin where Walnut Creek enters, and the central channel. Shore anglers often have success from the public fishing areas and parking lots on the north and south sides. Boat anglers can cover more water and reach deeper structure, which is an advantage in summer heat when catfish move to cooler depths.
Scout the reservoir before tournament day if you can. A practice trip a week or two ahead lets you locate active catfish, test your tackle, and identify which access point works best for your setup. Many anglers fish the same spots they know from regular trips, so familiarity with the water pays off.
Tackle and bait that work at Hoover
Channel catfish at Hoover respond well to live bait fished on the bottom. Shiners, bluegill, and shad are all effective. Use a simple rig: a three-way swivel with a sinker on one leg to hold bottom and your hook on the other, or a slip-sinker rig with a barrel swivel and leader. Rod and reel should be medium to medium-heavy — catfish are strong, and you may need to set the hook hard.
Flathead catfish, which have become more common at Hoover in recent years, prefer live baitfish over cut bait. They are aggressive hunters and often strike hard. Use heavier tackle for flatheads because they fight harder than channel cats and may reach 40 pounds or more.
Dead bait and stink baits work too, especially for channel catfish. Chicken liver, prepared stink baits, and cut shad all produce. Many tournament anglers bring multiple rods rigged with different baits to cover their options and increase their chances of connecting with active fish.
Timing and technique during the tournament
Catfish feed throughout the day, but activity often picks up in the hour or two after sunrise and again in the late afternoon as light fades. In summer heat, catfish may retreat to deeper water during midday, so focus on deeper holes and channel structure during the tournament's middle hours.
Cast your bait and hold the rod or use a rod holder. Catfish often mouth the bait before taking it fully, so wait for a solid run before setting the hook. Keep your drag set so a catfish can take line without breaking off, but tight enough that you can drive the hook home when you feel the bite.
Work multiple rods if tournament rules allow — most do. This increases your chances of connecting with fish and lets you cover different depths and baits at once. Keep your bait fresh and your hooks sharp. A dull hook will cost you fish, especially on the hard mouths of flatheads.
Rules and registration for the tournament
All anglers must have a valid Ohio fishing license before the tournament begins. You can purchase a license online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website or at most bait and tackle shops. A one-day license is available if you do not want a full-year license.
Tournament rules typically include a minimum size for catfish — usually 12 inches — though this can vary. Check the current year's rules when you register. Some tournaments require catch-and-release of certain species or limit the number of fish you can keep. Weigh-in procedures are usually held at a central location near the reservoir, and you must bring your fish to the official scales within a set time window after the tournament closes.
Registration usually opens a few weeks before the event and may close a day or two before the tournament date. Some years the event fills up, so register early if you plan to enter. Contact Columbus Metro Parks or check their website for the registration link and current rules.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat — summer sun on the water is intense. Pack your fishing license, tackle box, rods, reels, and bait. A cooler with ice keeps your bait fresh and your catch in good condition for the weigh-in. A net makes landing large catfish easier and safer.
Arrive early on tournament day to secure a good spot, especially if you are fishing from shore. Boat anglers should launch early and have their GPS or map ready so they can reach their chosen spots quickly. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if the tournament starts before full sunrise.
Check the weather forecast the night before. Summer storms can move in quickly, and Hoover Reservoir can get rough in wind. Wear a life jacket if you are in a boat, and be ready to leave the water if lightning threatens. Safety comes before fishing.
After the tournament: cleaning and cooking your catch
If you catch catfish during the tournament, you will likely want to keep them for the table. Catfish are excellent eating — their mild, slightly sweet flesh takes well to frying, baking, or grilling. Keep your fish on ice from the moment you land them until you clean them.
To clean a catfish, lay it on a cutting board and make a shallow cut behind the head, angling toward the spine. Grip the head with a towel and use a fillet knife to cut along the backbone toward the tail, following the rib cage. Flip the fish and repeat on the other side. Remove any dark meat along the lateral line — this is where catfish store oils and can taste muddy if left on.
Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry. Catfish fillets freeze well for several weeks if you do not cook them right away. For a simple preparation, dredge them in cornmeal seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika, then pan-fry in oil until golden and cooked through — about 4 minutes per side for a half-inch fillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does the Hoover Reservoir Catfish Tournament happen?
The tournament is held once a year, typically in July or August, but the exact dates change from year to year. Contact Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks or the Ohio Division of Wildlife to confirm the current year's date before you plan your trip.
Do I need a boat to fish the tournament, or can I fish from shore?
You can fish from either shore or boat. Shore access is available at multiple public areas around the reservoir, and many anglers compete successfully from land. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but it is not required to enter or win.
What is the minimum size for catfish in the tournament?
Most years the minimum is 12 inches, but this can vary. Check the official tournament rules for the current year when you register. Rules are posted on the Columbus Metro Parks website or provided at registration.
Can I use multiple rods during the tournament?
Most tournaments allow multiple rods, which is standard practice for catfish fishing. Confirm the rod limit in that year's rules before the event. Using two or three rods increases your chances of connecting with fish and lets you test different baits and depths at once.
What should I do if I catch a catfish I want to keep for eating?
Keep it on ice immediately after landing it. At the weigh-in, your fish will be weighed for the tournament, and you can take it home afterward. Clean it as soon as you get home by filleting along the backbone and removing the dark lateral line, then cook it fresh or freeze it for later.