The Cheat Lake Bass Tournament runs spring and fall, with entry fees and a weigh-in format that rewards the heaviest catch

The Cheat Lake Bass Tournament is a seasonal fishing competition held on Cheat Lake in Monongalia County, West Virginia. The tournament typically runs two seasons per year — spring and fall — with specific dates announced by the tournament organizers each year. Anglers fish from dawn until a set weigh-in time (usually mid-afternoon), and the angler with the heaviest bass or bass combination wins the event.

Entry fees vary by tournament date and are paid when you register. The tournament is open to recreational anglers of varying skill levels, and many participants fish it year after year as part of the local fishing community. Cheat Lake itself is a 2,400-acre impoundment known for largemouth and smallmouth bass, making it a natural venue for this kind of competition.

Key Takeaways

  • Cheat Lake Bass Tournament runs in spring and fall with specific dates you should confirm with the tournament organizers before planning to fish.
  • You pay an entry fee at registration, and the angler with the heaviest catch wins — most tournaments weigh fish at a central location in the afternoon.
  • Cheat Lake holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass, so your tackle and technique should match the species you expect to target.
  • Local fishing shops and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website list current tournament schedules and any rule changes year to year.

Tournament Format and Weigh-In Rules

Most Cheat Lake Bass Tournaments use a standard weigh-in format: you fish during daylight hours and bring your catch to the weigh station by a set time, usually between 2 and 4 p.m. The tournament organizers will have announced the exact weigh-in location and deadline when you register. Bring your fish in a livewell or cooler with ice — fish must be alive or fresh when weighed, depending on the tournament rules for that season.

Weight limits and fish-count rules change from year to year, so read the specific rules for the tournament date you plan to enter. Some tournaments allow five fish per angler; others may have different limits. Penalties for late weigh-in or rule violations are enforced, so arrive with time to spare. The tournament organizers will announce the winner and prize distribution at the weigh station or shortly after.

What You Need to Fish Cheat Lake

A valid West Virginia fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, or at tackle shops near the lake. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you only plan to fish the tournament.

Bring a boat or arrange to fish from a bank access point — Cheat Lake has several public boat ramps and shoreline access areas. If you do not own a boat, some local anglers fish from shore or may offer to take you out; asking at local tackle shops often connects you with other tournament participants. Standard bass tackle — medium to medium-heavy rods, reels, and lures suited to largemouth or smallmouth bass — is all you need. Many anglers bring multiple rods rigged with different lures to adapt to changing conditions during the day.

Cheat Lake Bass Species and Seasonal Patterns

Cheat Lake holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass tend to be in shallower water near vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky banks. Smallmouth bass often hold deeper, around rocky structure and drop-offs. Spring tournaments (typically April or May) find fish moving shallow to spawn, making them more aggressive and easier to locate. Fall tournaments (usually September or October) see fish feeding heavily before winter, also making them active.

Water temperature and clarity vary with the season and recent weather. Spring water is cooler and often stained from runoff; fall water is clearer and warmer. Local tackle shops and other tournament regulars can tell you what has been working in recent weeks. Many anglers scout the lake a day or two before the tournament to get a sense of where fish are holding and what lures are producing.

Finding Tournament Dates and Registration

Tournament dates are announced by the organizers, usually several weeks in advance. Check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website, local tackle shops, and fishing forums for the current schedule. Some tournaments are organized by fishing clubs or local organizations, so the announcement may come through a club newsletter or social media page.

Registration typically opens a few weeks before the tournament date and closes a day or two before the event. You can often register online, by phone, or in person at a local tackle shop. Have your fishing license number ready when you register, and confirm the entry fee, weigh-in time, and location before you commit. If you are new to tournament fishing, do not hesitate to ask the organizers or other anglers about rules or logistics — the fishing community is generally welcoming to newcomers.

Preparing Your Boat and Tackle

Check your boat's fuel level the day before the tournament and fill up if needed. Make sure your battery is charged, your bilge pump works, and your safety equipment (life jackets, throwable flotation device) is aboard and accessible. A working GPS or map of the lake helps you navigate to productive areas quickly and return to the weigh station on time.

Rig your rods the night before so you are ready to fish at first light. Bring extra line, hooks, and lures in case you break off or lose tackle during the day. A tackle box organized by lure type and color helps you switch quickly if one pattern stops working. Many anglers also bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks — a full day on the water is physically demanding, and staying comfortable and hydrated keeps you fishing effectively.

Etiquette and Safety on the Water

Tournament fishing brings many boats to the lake on the same day. Keep a safe distance from other anglers, watch for other boats when moving between spots, and follow all boating safety rules. Wear a life jacket at all times, especially if you are alone in the boat. Respect private property along the shoreline and fish only in areas open to the public.

If you are new to the tournament scene, introduce yourself to other anglers at the weigh station. Many regulars are happy to talk about what worked that day and offer tips for future tournaments. The Cheat Lake Bass Tournament is as much about community and friendly competition as it is about catching fish — treat it that way, and you will be invited back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Cheat Lake Bass Tournament?

Most tournament participants use boats, but Cheat Lake has public shoreline access where you can fish from the bank. Ask the tournament organizers which access points are available for the tournament date you plan to fish. Some anglers also arrange to share a boat with another participant.

What if I have never fished a tournament before?

Cheat Lake tournaments welcome anglers of all experience levels. Read the rules carefully, arrive early to the weigh station, and do not hesitate to ask the organizers or other participants questions. Many people fish their first tournament simply to see what it is like and have fun — you do not need to be an expert to enter.

Can I fish with live bait or only artificial lures?

Tournament rules vary by event. Some allow live bait, others allow only artificial lures, and some allow both. Check the specific rules for the tournament date you plan to fish when you register. The organizers will have this information clearly posted.

What happens if I am late to the weigh-in?

Late weigh-ins are typically penalized or disqualified, depending on the tournament rules. Arrive at the weigh station with plenty of time to spare — aim for at least 15 to 30 minutes before the deadline. If you are running late, call the tournament organizers immediately so they know you are coming.

Where can I buy tackle and bait near Cheat Lake?

Several tackle shops operate in Monongalia County and near the lake. A quick search for "tackle shops near Cheat Lake" or asking at the boat ramp will point you to local options. These shops often have current information about what lures and techniques are working and can answer questions about the lake.