What the Moses Lake Walleye Classic is and when it happens
The Moses Lake Walleye Classic is an annual spring walleye tournament held on Moses Lake in central Washington. The event draws anglers from across the region who compete for prizes while fishing one of Washington's most productive walleye waters. The tournament typically takes place in May, though the exact dates shift year to year — you'll want to check with the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce or the event organizers directly for the current year's schedule.
Moses Lake itself is a 22,000-acre reservoir that holds walleye, bass, crappie, and perch. The lake's size and depth make it ideal for walleye, which prefer cooler, deeper water and are most active during spring and fall. A spring tournament catches them as they move from winter depths into shallower feeding zones, making May an excellent window for both tournament fishing and regular trips.
Key Takeaways
- The Moses Lake Walleye Classic runs in May each year, with specific dates available through the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce or local tackle shops.
- The tournament is open to anglers of various skill levels, and entry fees typically range based on boat type and team size — contact organizers for current pricing.
- Moses Lake's 22,000 acres and walleye population make spring an ideal season, as fish move into shallower water and feed more actively.
- Successful walleye fishing on Moses Lake often involves jigging, live bait rigs, and crankbaits in depths between 15 and 35 feet.
How to enter the tournament
Entry into the Moses Lake Walleye Classic is handled through the event organizers, usually with registration opening several weeks before the tournament date. You'll need a valid Washington fishing license and a boat (most tournaments require a motorized vessel). Teams typically consist of two anglers per boat, though some events allow solo entries or different configurations — check the current rules when you register.
Registration usually closes a week or two before the event, so plan ahead if you're interested. The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce can direct you to the official registration page or point you toward local tackle shops that handle sign-ups. Entry fees cover your team's participation and typically include a captain's meeting the evening before or morning of the tournament, where rules and safety information are reviewed.
What to fish for and where on Moses Lake
Walleye on Moses Lake in May are transitioning from their winter patterns. Early in the month, they may still be in deeper water — 25 to 40 feet — but as the water warms, they move shallower and become more aggressive feeders. Look for structure: rocky points, drop-offs, and areas where shallow flats meet deeper channels. The north and south basins of the lake hold fish, though specific hot spots change based on water temperature and clarity each year.
Jigging with live minnows or soft plastics is the most consistent method for tournament walleye. Work your jig vertically or with a slow drag along the bottom, keeping your line relatively tight so you feel the bite. Live bait rigs — a spinner blade ahead of a live minnow or leech — work well when walleye are feeding in slightly shallower water. Crankbaits that reach 12 to 20 feet can be effective early in the day or in lower-light conditions. Bring multiple colors and sizes; walleye can be particular, and what works one hour may not work the next.
Tackle and gear to bring
A medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod paired with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line is standard for walleye jigging. Braided line is more sensitive and lets you feel the bottom and light bites more easily, while monofilament is forgiving and less visible to the fish. A good depth finder is essential — you need to locate structure and understand the water column to fish efficiently in a tournament setting.
Pack multiple jig heads in weights from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce, depending on depth and current. Bring live minnows (shiners or shad) and leeches in an aerated bait container; Moses Lake's water stays cool enough in May that bait stays lively for hours. Include a net, pliers, a stringer or livewell to keep your catch fresh, and sunscreen — May sun on the water is intense. A GPS or mapping app helps you mark productive spots and return to them if you move around the lake.
Tournament rules and what to expect on the day
Most walleye tournaments follow catch-and-release or live-release rules, meaning you keep fish alive in your livewell during the event and weigh them at the end of the day. The team with the heaviest total weight wins. Tournaments typically run from sunrise to a set weigh-in time — often 3 or 4 p.m. — giving you a full day on the water. A captain's meeting the night before or early morning covers safety rules, boundaries, and any special conditions for that year.
Safety is taken seriously: you'll need a functioning kill switch on your motor, life jackets for all anglers, and a working radio or cell phone. Fishing is usually restricted to a defined area of the lake to keep the field compact and manageable. Weigh-in happens at a central location, often at a marina or boat launch, where your catch is measured and recorded. Awards are typically given for first, second, and third place, and sometimes for the largest single fish.
Getting to Moses Lake and where to launch
Moses Lake is in Grant County, about 90 minutes east of Seattle and 30 minutes south of Spokane. The town of Moses Lake sits on the lake's western shore and has several public boat launches. The main launch areas include the Moses Lake State Park boat launch on the north end and various marina launches around town. Arrive early on tournament day — parking fills up quickly, and you'll want time to rig your boat and meet your partner before the captain's meeting.
The town has gas stations, restaurants, and lodging if you're traveling from a distance. Many anglers stay overnight the night before to avoid an early morning drive. Check current conditions and water temperature before you go — Moses Lake's depth and size mean conditions can vary significantly from one week to the next, and what worked last year may not work this May.
Connecting with other walleye anglers in the region
The Moses Lake Walleye Classic draws a mix of serious competitors and recreational anglers who fish together for the fun of it. It's a good way to meet other walleye fishers, learn new techniques, and find out where people are catching fish. Local tackle shops around Moses Lake often sponsor teams or have bulletin boards where anglers post reports and organize fishing trips outside the tournament.
The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce and local fishing clubs also organize other events throughout the year — some walleye-focused, others for bass or panfish. If you enjoy the tournament atmosphere but want lower-pressure fishing, many of these clubs host social outings and fishing classes. Walleye fishing has a strong community feel in central Washington, and the Classic is one of the main gathering points each spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the Moses Lake Walleye Classic?
Yes, most tournaments require a motorized boat. If you don't own one, you can partner with someone who does, or ask at local marinas or tackle shops — many anglers look for fishing partners before the event and post notices online or in shops.
What's the best time of day to fish for walleye during the tournament?
Early morning and late afternoon are typically most productive, as walleye feed more actively in lower light. Midday can be slow, but don't stop fishing — structure and depth changes can hold active fish even in bright sun. Many tournament winners fish consistently all day rather than taking long breaks.
Can I fish the day before the tournament to scout?
Yes, and many anglers do. Scouting the week before or the day before helps you locate structure and get a feel for where fish are holding. However, tournament rules usually prohibit fishing the same water the morning of the event before the official start time, so plan your scouting accordingly.
What if I've never fished a walleye tournament before?
Walleye tournaments welcome anglers of all experience levels. Attend the captain's meeting, listen to the rules, and fish the way you normally would — the structure and techniques are the same whether it's a tournament or a regular day. You'll learn a lot just by being around other walleye anglers.
Where do I find the exact dates and registration information for this year?
Contact the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce directly, or check with local tackle shops in Moses Lake — they usually have flyers and registration details. The event organizers also post information on social media and fishing forums in the weeks leading up to May.