The Bluestone Lake Catfish Tournament draws anglers to southern West Virginia each year for a straightforward competition: catch catfish, weigh them in, and compete for prizes
The tournament takes place on Bluestone Lake near Hinton, in Summers County. It is a seasonal event that brings together recreational and serious catfish anglers. The lake itself is a 2,100-acre impoundment on the New River, known for holding channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. Most years the tournament runs in spring or early summer, though exact dates shift annually, so you will need to confirm the current year's schedule before planning your trip.
Entry is open to anglers of all skill levels. You do not need to be a tournament regular or a club member to fish — the event is designed to be accessible to anyone with a valid West Virginia fishing license and interest in catfish. The format is typically a one-day or two-day event, with weigh-ins held at a central location on the lake.
Key Takeaways
- Bluestone Lake Catfish Tournament is held annually on Bluestone Lake near Hinton, West Virginia, and is open to anglers with a valid state fishing license.
- You will need to register in advance; registration deadlines and fees vary by year and should be confirmed through the tournament organizer before the event.
- Catfish species on Bluestone Lake include channel, flathead, and blue catfish, each with different habits and best fishing times.
- Weigh-ins are held at a designated time and location, and prizes are typically awarded for heaviest fish, largest stringer, or both depending on the tournament format.
- Bluestone Lake has public boat launches and facilities; arriving early on tournament day helps you secure a launch slot and scout fishing spots.
Registration and Entry Requirements
To enter the tournament, you must hold a current West Virginia fishing license. Licenses are sold through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and are available online, by phone, or at authorized retailers across the state. A one-day license costs less than an annual license if you plan to fish only for the tournament.
Registration for the Bluestone Lake Catfish Tournament opens several weeks before the event. The registration fee covers your entry and typically includes access to weigh-in facilities and any tournament materials. Exact fees and registration deadlines are set by the tournament organizer each year, so contact the Summers County Parks and Recreation office or check local fishing forums and bait shops for current details. Some tournaments cap the number of entries, so registering early is wise if you want to ensure a spot.
What Catfish Species You Will Find
Channel catfish are the most common species on Bluestone Lake and the easiest for newer anglers to catch. They typically range from 2 to 8 pounds, though larger ones exist. Channel catfish are bottom feeders and respond well to cut bait, chicken liver, and stink baits. They are most active at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night.
Flathead catfish are larger, more aggressive predators that prefer live bait — shiners, bluegill, or shad work well. They can exceed 50 pounds and are primarily nocturnal. Flatheads are a prize catch in tournament settings because of their size, but they require patience and the right live bait to target effectively.
Blue catfish fall between channels and flatheads in size and behavior. They eat both cut bait and live bait and are active throughout the day and night. Blues can reach 20 to 40 pounds and are increasingly common on West Virginia lakes. All three species are legal to keep and eat, and tournament rules typically allow all three in your catch.
Fishing Techniques and Bait Choices
Catfish fishing on Bluestone Lake is straightforward: use a rod and reel or a hand line, cast your bait to the bottom or near structure, and wait. Most anglers use medium-weight rods with 15- to 20-pound test line. A simple three-way rig or a slip sinker rig keeps your bait on the bottom where catfish feed.
Cut bait — chicken, shad, skipjack, or mackerel — is the most reliable choice for channel and blue catfish. Fresh bait works better than frozen, but frozen bait is easier to transport and still effective. For flatheads, live shiners or bluegill are far more productive than cut bait. Stink baits and dip baits (commercial preparations) work for channels and blues, especially if you are fishing at night and want to attract fish from a distance.
Fish the deeper holes and channel ledges during the day, and move to shallower flats and near-shore structure at dawn and dusk. Bluestone Lake has rocky banks and submerged timber in many areas — these are prime catfish habitat. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, arriving a day or two early to scout is worth the time.
Boat Launch Access and Lake Facilities
Bluestone Lake has several public boat launch areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The main launch is at Bluestone State Park, which offers paved ramps, parking, and restroom facilities. A second launch is located at Pipestem State Park on the opposite end of the lake. Both require a small day-use fee or an annual pass.
On tournament day, arrive early — boat ramps fill quickly once the event begins. If you do not have your own boat, some local marinas and outfitters rent fishing boats by the day. Bluestone Lake is roughly 22 miles long, so having a boat with a reliable motor is important for reaching productive fishing areas and returning for weigh-in on time.
Weigh-In Rules and Prize Structure
Weigh-ins are held at a set time, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. You must bring all your fish to the official weigh-in location — typically a dock or boat ramp — by the deadline. Late arrivals forfeit their catch. Scales are certified, and tournament officials record the weight of each fish and each angler's total.
Prize structures vary by year. Some tournaments award prizes for the heaviest single fish, others for the heaviest five-fish stringer, and some do both. A few tournaments also award prizes for the smallest catfish caught, to encourage participation from newer anglers. Entry fees and the number of participants determine the total prize pool. Check with the organizer about the specific prize structure before you register.
Planning Your Trip and What to Bring
Bluestone Lake is in a rural area of southern West Virginia, roughly 60 miles south of Charleston. The nearest town with lodging and supplies is Hinton, about 10 miles away. If you are traveling from out of state or from a distance, plan to arrive the day before the tournament to secure lodging and launch your boat early on tournament day.
Bring a valid fishing license, your boat registration if you own a boat, a cooler with ice for your catch, and enough bait and tackle for a full day of fishing. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential — the lake is exposed and the sun reflects off the water. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk. Check the weather forecast before you go; Bluestone Lake can get rough in wind, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in spring and early summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the tournament?
A boat is strongly recommended because it lets you reach deeper water and move between productive spots. Shore fishing is possible in some areas, but most tournament anglers use boats. Local marinas rent boats by the day if you do not own one.
What is the best time of year to fish for catfish on Bluestone Lake?
Late spring through early fall is most productive. Channel catfish bite year-round, but flatheads and blues are most active when water temperatures are above 60 degrees. The tournament is typically scheduled during peak season.
Can I keep the catfish I catch in the tournament?
Yes. After weigh-in, the fish are yours to keep or release. Most anglers keep their catch and take them home to eat. Catfish are excellent table fare when cleaned and prepared well.
What happens if I arrive late to weigh-in?
Late arrivals are typically disqualified and forfeit their entry fee. Weigh-in times are strict because the tournament must close on schedule. Plan to return with plenty of time to spare.
Where can I find the exact dates and registration information?
Contact the Summers County Parks and Recreation office or check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website for current tournament dates. Local bait and tackle shops in Hinton often have registration forms and details as well.