What the Kanawha River Catfish Tournament is and when it happens
The Kanawha River Catfish Tournament is an annual fishing competition held on the Kanawha River in West Virginia, drawing anglers who want to catch catfish against others and compete for prizes. The tournament typically takes place in summer, though the exact dates shift year to year — you'll find the current year's schedule through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources or local fishing clubs that organize the event.
The tournament runs as a one-day event, usually with an early morning start and a weigh-in window in the afternoon. Anglers fish from the bank or from boats, depending on the tournament rules for that year, and the heaviest catfish or the largest total weight determines the winners in different categories.
Entry fees vary by year and organizer, and the prize pool typically comes from entry fees and local sponsorships. Some tournaments offer separate divisions for different age groups or experience levels, so check the specific rules before you register.
Key Takeaways
- The Kanawha River Catfish Tournament is a one-day summer event where anglers compete to catch the heaviest catfish, with winners determined at an afternoon weigh-in.
- You can fish from the bank or from a boat, depending on that year's rules, and the tournament is open to anglers of different skill levels.
- Entry fees and prize amounts change annually, so contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources or local fishing clubs for current details.
- Channel catfish and flathead catfish are the species most commonly caught in the Kanawha, and knowing which baits and techniques work for each improves your chances.
- Bring a valid West Virginia fishing license, a cooler for your catch, and a scale or plan to use the tournament's weigh-in scale.
Where to fish on the Kanawha River
The Kanawha River runs roughly 97 miles from the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers near Gauley Bridge down to the Ohio River at Point Pleasant. The tournament typically designates a specific section of river for that year's event — common areas include the pools around Marmet, Winfield, and Racine, where deeper water and current breaks hold catfish year-round.
Bank access varies along the river. Some sections have public boat ramps and parking areas; others require permission from landowners. The tournament organizers will specify which access points are open for that year's event and whether you can fish the entire designated section or only certain pools.
If you're new to the Kanawha, scout the area a week or two before the tournament. Look for deeper holes, current breaks behind rocks or pilings, and areas where smaller streams feed into the main river — catfish gather in these spots, especially at dawn and dusk.
Catfish species in the Kanawha and how to target them
Channel catfish are the most abundant catfish in the Kanawha and the most common tournament catch. They typically weigh 2 to 8 pounds, though larger ones are caught regularly. Channel catfish hunt by smell and taste, so fresh cut bait — shad, herring, or chicken liver — works well. Fish on the bottom in 6 to 15 feet of water, using a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker to keep your bait on the river floor.
Flathead catfish are larger and more aggressive than channels. They hunt live baitfish rather than dead bait, so use live bluegill, shad, or shiners 4 to 6 inches long. Flatheads are nocturnal and prefer deeper holes and undercut banks. A single large live bait on a heavy rod will catch more flatheads than multiple small rigs. Flatheads in the Kanawha can exceed 50 pounds, so a tournament win often depends on finding one.
Fish the deeper pools at night or in low-light hours — early morning and evening — when catfish are most active. During midday, catfish retreat to deeper water and are harder to catch, so plan your fishing around these patterns.
Tackle, bait, and rigging for tournament success
A medium-heavy rod and reel rated for 20- to 30-pound line handles catfish well and gives you the backbone to set the hook and land larger fish. Braided line holds up better against rocks and snags than monofilament, though monofilament is cheaper and works fine if you're careful.
For channel catfish, a three-way rig lets you keep bait on the bottom while a sinker holds position in current. Tie a three-way swivel to your main line, attach a 12-inch leader with a sinker to one eye, and a 24-inch leader with a circle hook (size 2/0 to 4/0) to another. Circle hooks often hook themselves as the fish swims, reducing the need for an aggressive set.
For flatheads, use a single heavy sinker and a large circle hook (6/0 to 8/0) on a short leader. Cast live bait near structure — fallen trees, bridge pilings, deep banks — and let it work. Flatheads will take the bait hard, so you'll know when one is interested.
Bring more bait than you think you'll need. Fresh bait catches more fish than old bait, and you may go through several pounds in a day of fishing. Keep bait cool in a cooler with ice, and refresh it every few hours if the water is warm.
Tournament rules and what to bring
Most Kanawha River catfish tournaments require a valid West Virginia fishing license, which you can purchase online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website or at sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than an annual license and is valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase.
Bring a cooler large enough to hold your catch on ice, a scale or plan to use the tournament's weigh-in scale, and a measuring device if the tournament awards prizes for length as well as weight. Wear a personal flotation device if you're fishing from a boat, and bring sunscreen, water, and snacks — a full day on the river in summer heat drains energy fast.
Check the specific tournament rules for that year regarding which species count, minimum size limits, and whether you can fish with multiple rods. Some tournaments allow two or three rods per angler; others limit you to one. The rules also specify the weigh-in window — typically a two- to four-hour window in the afternoon — so plan to be back at the weigh-in location by that time.
How to register and find tournament details
Registration typically opens a few weeks before the tournament and closes a day or two before the event. You can register through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, local fishing clubs, or the tournament organizer's website. Some tournaments allow you to register on the morning of the event, but registering early ensures your spot and gives you time to prepare.
Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources at their main office or check their website for the current year's tournament schedule, dates, and organizer contact information. Local fishing clubs in the Kanawha Valley — particularly clubs based in Charleston, Marmet, or Winfield — often co-organize the tournament and can answer questions about rules, access, and past results.
If you're fishing the Kanawha for the first time, reach out to the tournament organizer or a local club member before the event. Most anglers are willing to share information about where catfish are biting and what bait is working, and that knowledge can make the difference between a slow day and a winning catch.
Preparing your catch for the table after the tournament
If you plan to keep and cook your catfish after the weigh-in, handle them well from the moment you land them. Keep them on ice in your cooler to preserve the meat quality. Catfish flesh is delicate and spoils faster than many other fish, so get them on ice quickly and keep them cold until you're ready to clean them.
Clean your catfish as soon as you get home. Skin them rather than scaling — catfish skin comes off easily with a sharp knife and a pair of pliers, and skinning removes the muddy flavor that some people dislike. Cut behind the gills and pectoral fins, remove the head and organs, and rinse the body cavity under cold water.
Catfish meat is mild and takes well to frying, baking, or stewing. The flesh is firm enough to hold up to bold flavors — cornmeal breading, hot sauce, and Cajun spices all work beautifully. A 3-pound catfish yields about 1.5 pounds of usable meat, enough for a meal for two or three people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Kanawha River Catfish Tournament?
No. Most tournaments allow fishing from the bank, and many anglers catch catfish without a boat. Bank access is available at several public areas along the Kanawha, though the specific access points open for the tournament vary year to year. Check the tournament rules to see which sections of river and which access points are designated for that year's event.
What's the difference between channel catfish and flathead catfish?
Channel catfish are smaller (usually 2 to 8 pounds), hunt by smell, and respond to cut bait. Flatheads are larger (often 10 to 50+ pounds), hunt live fish, and are nocturnal. For a tournament, flatheads offer bigger prize potential, but channels are more reliable and easier to catch consistently throughout the day.
Can I fish with multiple rods in the tournament?
Rules vary by year and organizer. Some tournaments allow two or three rods per angler; others limit you to one. Check the specific tournament rules before you register, and ask the organizer if you're unsure. Using multiple rods increases your chances of hooking fish, but only if the rules permit it.
What time of day do catfish bite best in the Kanawha?
Catfish are most active at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night. During midday, especially in summer heat, they move to deeper water and bite less reliably. If you're fishing a daytime tournament, focus on the deepest holes and shadiest areas during the middle hours, and plan to fish harder during the early morning and late afternoon.
How do I keep my catfish fresh after I catch them?
Keep them on ice in a cooler immediately after landing them. Catfish meat spoils faster than many other fish, so ice is essential. Clean them as soon as you get home, remove the skin, and store the meat in the refrigerator or freezer. Properly iced and cleaned catfish will stay fresh for several days in the fridge or several months in the freezer.