The Raystown Lake Striper Tournament draws anglers each spring to compete for striped bass on Pennsylvania's largest lake

The Raystown Lake Striper Tournament is an annual spring fishing event held on Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The tournament typically runs in April or May — the exact dates shift year to year — and focuses on striped bass, which thrive in Raystown's deep, cool waters. Anglers fish from dawn to a set weigh-in time (usually mid-afternoon), and prizes go to the heaviest fish and the largest catch total, depending on the tournament format that year.

The event draws both local anglers and visitors from across the region. It is run by the Raystown Lake Striper Club, a group of fishing enthusiasts who manage the tournament, set the rules, and donate prize money. Entry fees typically range from $50 to $100 per boat, though this varies. The tournament is open to anyone with a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and a boat launch permit for Raystown Lake.

Key Takeaways

  • Raystown Lake Striper Tournament takes place each spring, usually in April or May, with exact dates announced by the Raystown Lake Striper Club.
  • You need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, a boat launch permit for Raystown Lake, and a registered boat to enter.
  • Entry fees run $50 to $100 per boat, and prizes are awarded for the heaviest fish and largest total catch.
  • The tournament weigh-in happens in the afternoon at a designated location on the lake; arriving late means disqualification.
  • Striped bass regulations on Raystown Lake include a 15-inch minimum size and a daily creel limit that changes seasonally.

When the tournament happens and how to register

The Raystown Lake Striper Tournament runs once per year, typically in late April or early May when water temperatures and striper activity are most predictable. The exact date shifts based on weather and lake conditions. Registration usually opens two to four weeks before the event and closes a few days before the tournament date.

To find the current year's dates and register, contact the Raystown Lake Striper Club directly through their website or call the Raystown Lake Marina, which often handles registration for local tournaments. You can also check with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which maintains a calendar of licensed fishing tournaments across the state. Registration is first-come, first-served, and some years the tournament fills up.

What you need to fish the tournament

Before you can enter, you must have three things in place. First, a valid Pennsylvania fishing license — you can buy a one-day or annual license from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or at any authorized vendor. Second, a boat launch permit for Raystown Lake, which you obtain from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Raystown Lake is a federal reservoir). Third, a registered boat with current registration.

Bring your license and permit with you on tournament day; you may be asked to show them. If you do not own a boat, you can fish as a crew member on someone else's registered boat — the boat owner is the official tournament entry, but crew members can help fish and handle the catch. Some anglers form teams specifically for the tournament.

Striper regulations and size limits on Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake has specific rules for striped bass that apply year-round, including during the tournament. The minimum size is 15 inches, meaning any striper under 15 inches must be released immediately. The daily creel limit — the number of fish you can keep per day — changes seasonally and is set by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Check the current regulations before you fish; they are posted on the Fish and Boat Commission website and at the lake's boat launch areas.

Tournament rules may be stricter than state regulations. For example, some tournaments require a larger minimum size or a lower daily limit to protect the fishery. The Raystown Lake Striper Club publishes its specific rules when you register, so read them carefully. Violating tournament rules can result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fees.

How the weigh-in works and what happens to your catch

The tournament weigh-in is a set time in the afternoon — usually between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., though this varies by year. You must have all your fish at the weigh-in location by that time. Fish are weighed on a certified scale, recorded by weight and number, and then typically released back into the lake alive (most tournaments practice catch-and-release). If you arrive after weigh-in closes, your fish are not counted and you forfeit your entry fee.

Prizes are awarded based on the tournament format: some years the largest single fish wins, other years the heaviest total catch wins, and some tournaments award both. Prize money comes from entry fees and club donations. Results are usually posted the same day or within a few days on the Raystown Lake Striper Club website or social media.

Fishing techniques and tackle for Raystown stripers

Striped bass on Raystown Lake respond to live bait and artificial lures. Live shad — either caught on the lake or purchased from local bait shops — is the most effective bait. Stripers hunt shad in the deeper channels and near the dam, so focus your fishing in water 30 to 60 feet deep. Early morning and late afternoon are peak feeding times.

For artificial lures, large swimbaits (4 to 6 inches), topwater plugs, and deep-diving crankbaits all work. Stripers are aggressive hunters, so do not be afraid to use bold colors and make noise. Bring multiple rods rigged with different lures so you can change tactics quickly if one approach is not working. A fish finder helps you locate schools of stripers and baitfish, especially on a large lake like Raystown.

Boat launch locations and facilities at Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake has several public boat launch areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The main launches are at Hesitation Point, Tatman Run, and Shy Beaver, each with parking, restrooms, and fuel nearby. Hesitation Point is the largest and most popular, with multiple lanes and a marina. Tatman Run is smaller and less crowded. All launches charge a day-use fee (typically $5 to $10) in addition to your annual launch permit.

Arrive early on tournament day — parking fills up quickly, especially at the main launches. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, scout it the day before if possible. Raystown is 8,300 acres and can be confusing to navigate, so a GPS or map is essential. The lake is also subject to wind, which can make conditions rough in the afternoon, so plan your fishing route accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Raystown Lake Striper Tournament?

Yes, the tournament is boat-only. You can fish as a crew member on someone else's boat, but the boat owner must be the registered entry. Shore fishing is not permitted in the tournament.

What is the entry fee and where does the money go?

Entry fees are typically $50 to $100 per boat and vary by year. Most of the money goes into the prize pool, with a small portion supporting tournament operations and lake conservation efforts by the Raystown Lake Striper Club.

Can I fish other parts of Raystown Lake during the tournament, or only certain areas?

You can fish the entire lake during the tournament. There are no closed zones. However, some areas — like near the dam and in the main channel — tend to hold more stripers and draw more anglers.

What happens if I catch a striper under 15 inches during the tournament?

Release it immediately. Undersized fish cannot be weighed or counted. Keeping an undersized fish violates Pennsylvania law and tournament rules and can result in disqualification.

How do I find out the results after the tournament ends?

Results are posted by the Raystown Lake Striper Club on their website or social media pages, usually within a day or two of the weigh-in. Prize money is typically distributed at a club meeting or mailed to winners.