What the Banks Lake Triple Fish Challenge is

The Banks Lake Triple Fish Challenge is an annual fishing tournament held on Banks Lake in central Washington where anglers compete to catch walleye, bass, and pike in a single event. The tournament runs over a set weekend each year and awards prizes based on the heaviest fish caught in each of the three species categories. It draws both serious competitors and recreational anglers who want to test their skills across different fish and techniques on one of Washington's largest freshwater lakes.

Banks Lake itself — a 27-mile-long reservoir in Grant County — holds healthy populations of all three target species, making it one of the few Washington waters where a triple-species tournament makes practical sense. The event typically takes place in spring or early summer when fish are most active and water conditions favor all three species.

Key Takeaways

  • The Banks Lake Triple Fish Challenge requires anglers to fish for walleye, bass, and pike during a single tournament weekend, with separate prize categories for each species.
  • You will need a valid Washington fishing license and must follow all state regulations for bag limits and size restrictions on each species.
  • Tournament rules usually specify the fishing hours, which boat types are allowed, and whether catch-and-release or weigh-in procedures apply to each species.
  • Entry fees and prize structures vary by year, so you should contact the tournament organizers directly for current information about costs and payouts.
  • Banks Lake's size and fish populations make it accessible to anglers of different skill levels, though success on all three species in one day requires knowledge of multiple techniques.

How the tournament structure works

Most versions of the Banks Lake Triple Fish Challenge divide the competition into three separate categories — one for walleye, one for largemouth or smallmouth bass, and one for pike. Anglers fish during designated hours (typically dawn to dusk or a shorter window) and weigh in their heaviest fish from each species at a central location. The angler with the heaviest walleye wins the walleye prize, the angler with the heaviest bass wins the bass prize, and so on.

Some tournament formats allow anglers to fish solo or in teams, and rules about whether you must keep fish alive until weigh-in or can photograph and release them vary. You should confirm the exact format with the tournament organizers before you register, because these details affect how you plan your day and what gear you bring. A few versions of the event have included a "big fish" bonus prize for the single largest fish across all three species combined.

What you need to know about Banks Lake itself

Banks Lake is a 27-mile reservoir with a surface area of about 27,600 acres, making it large enough that you can spend a full day fishing without covering the same water twice. The lake has a mix of shallow bays, deeper channels, and rocky structure that holds all three target species in different locations. Walleye tend to hold near deeper structure and are most active in low-light conditions. Bass use shallow weed beds and rocky shorelines. Pike roam throughout but often hunt in transition zones between shallow and deep water.

The lake is accessible from several public boat launches, including the main launch at Banks Lake Resort and smaller launches at Steamboat Rock State Park and other public access points. Water conditions and fish location change through the season, so talking to local anglers or tackle shops in nearby Coulee Dam or Electric City a week or two before the tournament gives you current information about where fish are holding and what techniques are working.

Techniques for catching each species in one day

Walleye respond best to live bait (minnows or crawfish) fished on the bottom near structure, or to jigging with soft plastics in deeper water. Early morning and late evening are prime walleye hours, so many successful tournament anglers start and end their day targeting walleye and fish for bass and pike during the middle hours when walleye are less active.

Bass on Banks Lake respond to crankbaits, soft plastic worms, and topwater lures in shallow water and around vegetation. They are active throughout the day but often bite best in early morning and again in the last hour or two before sunset. Pike are aggressive hunters that respond to large swimbaits, spoons, and pike-specific lures; they also bite throughout the day and are less time-sensitive than walleye or bass.

The practical strategy for a triple-species tournament is to start with your strongest technique or the species you know best, then rotate through the other two as conditions and time allow. Many anglers fish walleye early, switch to bass mid-morning through afternoon, and return to walleye or pike in the final hours. Bringing multiple rods rigged with different lures lets you switch quickly without losing fishing time to retying.

Washington fishing regulations you must follow

All anglers must carry a valid Washington fishing license. Walleye, bass, and pike each have their own bag limits and minimum size requirements that change slightly from year to year. As of recent seasons, walleye typically have a daily limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum, largemouth bass have a limit of five fish with a 12-inch minimum, and pike have a limit of two fish with a 24-inch minimum — but these numbers do shift, so check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations before the tournament.

Tournament organizers may impose stricter rules than state law allows (for example, a single-fish limit per species instead of the full bag limit), so read the tournament rules carefully. If you are unsure about any regulation, contact WDFW or the tournament organizers before you fish. Violating state regulations can result in fines and loss of fishing privileges, and it disqualifies you from the tournament.

Preparing your boat and gear

Banks Lake is large and can develop rough water in afternoon wind, so make sure your boat is in good working order and that you have a functioning bilge pump, life jackets for all passengers, and a reliable navigation system or GPS. Bring more water and snacks than you think you will need — a full day of fishing in sun and wind is physically demanding, and dehydration affects your focus and safety.

Pack multiple rods rigged for different techniques: one for walleye jigging, one for bass casting, and one for pike. Bring extra line, hooks, and lures because you will lose gear to structure and fish. A net large enough to handle pike (which can exceed 30 inches on Banks Lake) is essential. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat protect you during long hours on the water. Check the weather forecast the night before and bring rain gear if there is any chance of afternoon storms.

Entry, fees, and how to register

Entry fees for the Banks Lake Triple Fish Challenge vary by year and are set by the tournament organizers. Registration typically opens several weeks before the event and closes a few days before the tournament date. You can usually register online through the tournament website or by phone with the organizers. Some tournaments offer a discount for early registration or for anglers who fish in multiple categories.

Prize money and payout structures also vary year to year depending on the number of entries and sponsorships. Contact the tournament organizers directly for current information about entry costs, prize amounts, and registration deadlines. Many tournaments donate a portion of entry fees to local conservation or youth fishing programs, so ask whether your entry supports a cause you care about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license for each species?

No. A single Washington fishing license covers all freshwater species, including walleye, bass, and pike. You do need to follow the individual bag limits and size restrictions for each species, which are listed in the current WDFW fishing pamphlet or online at the WDFW website.

Can I fish with a guide or in a team?

That depends on the tournament rules for the specific year. Some versions allow team fishing, while others require solo anglers. Check the tournament rules or contact the organizers to confirm whether guides are allowed and whether team entries have different entry fees or prize structures.

What if I only want to fish for one or two of the three species?

Most tournaments allow you to enter all three categories or just the ones you choose, though entry fees may be structured differently. Some tournaments offer a lower fee if you enter fewer categories. Ask the organizers whether partial entry is an option and what the cost difference is.

When does the Banks Lake Triple Fish Challenge usually happen?

The tournament typically takes place in spring or early summer, though the exact dates change from year to year. Check with the tournament organizers or local fishing shops in Coulee Dam for the current year's dates and any changes to the schedule.

Where can I find current information about this year's tournament?

Contact local tackle shops in Coulee Dam or Electric City, or reach out to Banks Lake Resort directly — they often have details about upcoming tournaments or can point you to the organizers. The WDFW website and local fishing forums also post tournament announcements and updates.