The Stonewall Jackson Lake Bass Tournament draws anglers from across West Virginia and neighboring states each year

The Stonewall Jackson Lake Bass Tournament is an annual fishing competition held on Stonewall Jackson Lake in Calhoun County, West Virginia. The tournament typically takes place in spring or early summer, though the exact dates shift year to year. Anglers compete in a single day of fishing, launching from the lake's public boat ramps and weighing their catch at a designated location before sunset.

The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, which manages the lake itself. Entry fees are modest — usually between $50 and $100 per boat — and the prize pool is split among the top finishers in different categories. Most tournaments award prizes for the heaviest five-fish limit, the largest single fish, and sometimes a youth division if young anglers are entered.

Stonewall Jackson Lake is a 2,650-acre reservoir known for largemouth and smallmouth bass, making it a solid choice for a regional tournament. The lake sits about 90 minutes south of Charleston and is accessible year-round, though spring tournaments take advantage of the pre-spawn and spawn periods when bass are most active and catchable.

Key Takeaways

  • The tournament runs one day per year on Stonewall Jackson Lake, with entry fees typically between $50 and $100 per boat.
  • You must have a valid West Virginia fishing license and follow all state regulations, including possession limits and size restrictions for bass.
  • Boats launch from public ramps on the lake; check the tournament rules for which ramps are designated and what time the tournament begins.
  • The lake holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass, so success depends on knowing which species are active and where they hold at that time of year.
  • Registration usually opens a few weeks before the tournament date and fills up quickly, so contact the organizers early to confirm your spot.

How to Register and What It Costs

Registration for the Stonewall Jackson Lake Bass Tournament opens several weeks before the event and closes a few days before the tournament date. You register by boat, not by individual angler, so a two-person crew pays one entry fee. Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources or the local fishing club running the tournament to get the registration details, entry fee amount, and deadline for that year.

Entry fees cover the cost of organizing the event, maintaining the weigh-in station, and funding the prize pool. Most tournaments return 80 to 90 percent of entry fees as prizes, so a $75 entry fee typically means $60 to $65 goes back to the anglers who place. You do not need to pre-purchase a fishing license if you already have one; your current license is valid for the tournament as long as it has not expired.

Fishing Rules and Bass Regulations on Stonewall Jackson Lake

All anglers must follow West Virginia's bass fishing regulations, which apply whether you are in a tournament or fishing for pleasure. The state sets a daily possession limit (the number of bass you can keep per day) and a minimum size requirement. These rules change periodically, so check the current regulations on the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website before you fish.

Most bass tournaments use a five-fish limit per angler, meaning your boat's total catch is limited by the number of people fishing. Dead fish count toward your limit, so handle your catch carefully and keep them in a live well if your boat has one. Weigh-in typically happens in the late afternoon, and fish must be alive or freshly dead — severely damaged fish may be disqualified or penalized.

Tournament rules usually prohibit fishing before an official start time (often sunrise or a set hour after sunrise) and require all fishing to stop at a designated time before weigh-in. Read the specific tournament rules when you register; they vary slightly from year to year and between different tournaments on the same lake.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring your fishing rod, tackle box, and any specialty gear you normally use — crankbaits, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures all work on Stonewall Jackson Lake depending on the season and water conditions. A functioning live well is essential if you want to keep your fish alive through the day; many anglers bring aerators or battery-powered pumps to keep the water oxygenated. Bring plenty of water to drink, sunscreen, and a hat, since you will be on the water for six to eight hours.

Scout the lake a day or two before the tournament if you can. Stonewall Jackson has rocky points, shallow flats, and deeper channels — different bass hold in different spots depending on the time of year and water temperature. Spring tournaments often see fish in shallow water near cover; summer tournaments may require deeper presentations. Talk to local anglers at the boat ramp or bait shops near the lake to learn what has been working recently.

Check your boat's fuel tank, battery, and safety equipment before you launch. Bring a life jacket for each person on board (required by law) and a throwable flotation device. Have your boat registration and fishing license with you on the water.

Where to Launch and Weigh In

Stonewall Jackson Lake has several public boat ramps managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The main ramps are at Stonewall Resort State Park and at the Bulltown area on the north end of the lake. Tournament rules specify which ramp or ramps you can launch from, so confirm this when you register. Launching fees are usually minimal — a few dollars per boat — and are separate from your tournament entry fee.

Weigh-in locations are announced in the tournament rules and are typically at or near the main boat ramp. Arrive with your fish in good condition and be ready to have them weighed and measured. Most tournaments weigh fish in the order boats arrive, so getting back to the ramp early can mean a shorter wait. After weigh-in, fish are usually released back into the lake or donated to a local food bank, depending on the tournament's policy.

Understanding Bass Behavior by Season

Spring tournaments (March through May) coincide with the pre-spawn and spawn periods, when bass move into shallow water to feed and reproduce. Look for bass near fallen trees, rock piles, and vegetation in water 4 to 10 feet deep. Crankbaits and soft plastics that mimic baitfish work well, as do topwater lures early in the morning.

Early summer tournaments (June) occur as water temperatures rise and bass move deeper or seek shade. Fish the deeper edges of flats, channel ledges, and areas with submerged timber. Slower presentations — Texas-rigged worms, drop shots, and deep-diving crankbaits — become more effective. Fish the early morning and late afternoon when bass are most active; midday fishing is often slow.

The specific bass species matters too. Largemouth bass dominate the shallower, weedier areas of Stonewall Jackson, while smallmouth bass prefer rocky structure and deeper water. A successful tournament strategy often involves fishing both shallow and deep water to see which species is most active that day.

Finding Tournament Information and Dates

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources publishes a calendar of fishing tournaments held on state waters. You can find it on their website or by calling their main office. Local fishing clubs in Calhoun County and surrounding areas also organize tournaments; their contact information is usually available through the state website or through bait and tackle shops near Stonewall Jackson Lake.

Bait shops in the area — such as those in Grantsville or near the lake itself — often have flyers or know the tournament schedule. They can also tell you what has been catching fish recently and what tackle is working. Building a relationship with local anglers and shop owners is one of the best ways to stay informed about upcoming tournaments and improve your chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish in the tournament?

Yes. You must have a valid West Virginia fishing license, and it must be with you on the water. You can purchase a license online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website, at bait shops, or at sporting goods stores. A one-day license is available if you do not want to buy an annual license.

Can I fish with someone else in my boat, or do I have to fish alone?

Most tournaments allow two anglers per boat and some allow three, depending on the tournament rules. Both anglers fish and their catch counts toward the boat's total limit. Check the specific tournament rules when you register to confirm how many people can fish from your boat.

What happens if I do not catch any fish?

You can still weigh in — your boat simply has zero pounds and does not place in the standings. There is no penalty for not catching fish, and you keep your entry fee. Some tournaments offer a small prize for the heaviest single fish regardless of the five-fish total, so even a single catch can earn you something back.

Is there a youth division or a way for kids to fish in the tournament?

Some years the tournament includes a youth division for anglers under 16 or 18, though this varies. Ask the tournament organizers when you register whether a youth division is running that year. Kids can also fish as part of an adult's boat crew in the regular division.

What should I do if my boat breaks down during the tournament?

Contact the tournament officials or the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources immediately. Most tournaments have a safety protocol for disabled boats. You may be towed to the weigh-in station, or the tournament may allow you to fish from another boat. Do not attempt to fish from a disabled boat without contacting officials first.