The Summersville Lake Bass Tournament draws anglers from across the region each summer
Summersville Lake, in Nicholas County near the town of Summersville, hosts a bass tournament circuit that runs through the warm months. The lake itself—a 2,480-acre Army Corps of Engineers reservoir—holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, and the tournaments are organized by local fishing clubs and regional bass fishing organizations. Most events run on Saturday mornings, with weigh-ins in the early afternoon, and they draw both serious competitors and people fishing for the first time.
The specific tournaments change year to year, and new events are added or removed based on club participation and sponsorship. Before you commit to a date or entry fee, you need to know which organization is running the event you want to fish, what the rules are for that particular tournament, and whether you need a West Virginia fishing license.
Key Takeaways
- Summersville Lake tournaments are run by local bass clubs and regional organizations, not by a single body, so you must contact the specific club to learn entry fees, start times, and boat requirements.
- You will need a valid West Virginia fishing license to compete, and most tournaments require you to launch from one of the lake's public ramps before a set time.
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass are the target species, with size and catch limits set by state regulation and sometimes stricter rules by the tournament itself.
- Weigh-ins happen in the afternoon, and prizes typically go to the heaviest catch, the largest single fish, or both, depending on the tournament format.
- Entry fees vary by event but usually range from thirty to seventy dollars per boat, and some tournaments require pre-registration rather than day-of sign-up.
Finding the Tournament Schedule and Entry Information
The easiest way to learn about upcoming tournaments is to contact the Summersville Lake visitor center or the Nicholas County Parks and Recreation office, both of which maintain lists of scheduled events. You can also reach out directly to local bass clubs—the Summersville Lake Bass Club and the Gauley River Bass Club are two organizations that regularly host events on the lake. Facebook pages and fishing forums specific to West Virginia often post tournament announcements weeks in advance, including entry deadlines and any changes to the schedule.
When you find a tournament that interests you, confirm the launch time, the weigh-in location, and whether the event requires pre-registration or accepts entries on the morning of the tournament. Some tournaments fill up and close registration early, especially if they cap the number of boats. Ask whether you can fish alone or whether you need a partner, and whether you must own a boat or can fish from a rental.
What You Need Before You Launch
A valid West Virginia fishing license is required to fish in any tournament on Summersville Lake. You can purchase a license online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, or at the visitor center. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you only plan to fish one tournament, though many anglers buy the annual license if they plan to fish multiple events or practice days.
You will also need a boat or access to one. Public boat ramps are located at Summersville Dam, Carnifex Ferry, and Muddlety, and all are free to use. Arrive early on tournament day—most tournaments require all boats to be off the water by a set time in the morning, usually between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh, a net for landing fish, and a scale or rely on the tournament's official scales at weigh-in.
Tournament Rules and Bass Regulations
West Virginia state law sets a minimum size limit of 12 inches for largemouth bass and 10 inches for smallmouth bass. Most tournaments follow these state minimums, though some may impose stricter rules—for example, requiring a 14-inch minimum. Ask the tournament organizer about their specific size requirements before you fish, because undersized fish must be released and do not count toward your catch.
Daily catch limits are set by the state and are generous for recreational fishing, but tournament rules may differ. Some tournaments allow you to keep and weigh five bass per angler; others use a different format. The tournament organizer will explain the rules at the pre-tournament meeting or in the registration packet. If you are unsure about a rule during the day, radio the tournament director or ask at weigh-in.
Weigh-In, Prizes, and Tournament Formats
Weigh-ins typically happen in the early afternoon, usually between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., depending on the tournament. You will bring your catch to the official weigh-in location—often a parking area near the lake or a local business that sponsors the event—where tournament staff will weigh your fish on certified scales. Fish are weighed in a live well or cooler, and the total weight of your catch determines your placement.
Prize structures vary. Some tournaments award money or prizes to the top three or five finishers based on total weight. Others have a "big fish" prize for the single largest bass caught that day, separate from the overall standings. Entry fees usually range from thirty to seventy dollars per boat, and a portion of the entry fees goes into the prize pool. Ask the organizer how much of the entry fee is returned as prizes so you know what to expect.
Preparing Your Boat and Gear
Before tournament day, make sure your boat is in good working order. Check the fuel level, test the engine, and ensure your battery is fully charged. Bring a spare battery for your electronics if you use a fish finder. Pack extra tackle—hooks, line, lures, and weights—because you may lose gear during the day, and having backups means you can keep fishing rather than heading back to shore.
Dress for the weather and bring sun protection. Summer days on the water are hot, and you will be exposed for six to eight hours. Wear a life jacket at all times while the boat is moving, as required by law. Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized, and a first-aid kit in case of minor cuts or injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish a Summersville Lake tournament?
Most tournaments require a boat, but some allow you to fish from shore or from a rental. Contact the tournament organizer before you register to ask whether boat ownership is required or whether other options are available. If you need to rent, several marinas near Summersville Lake offer boat rentals by the day.
What happens if I catch a fish that is too small?
Undersized fish must be released immediately. They do not count toward your catch, and keeping them is against state law and tournament rules. Handle the fish carefully when you release it to give it the best chance of survival.
Can I fish practice days before the tournament?
Yes. Most tournament organizers allow you to fish the lake on days before the event to scout locations and learn the water. Practice days help you understand where bass are holding and what lures are working, which can improve your chances on tournament day.
What if the weather is bad on tournament day?
Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous—for example, severe lightning or high winds that make boating unsafe. The tournament director makes the call on the morning of the event. If the tournament is postponed, the organizer will announce a new date, usually within a week or two.
How much does it cost to enter a Summersville Lake tournament?
Entry fees typically range from thirty to seventy dollars per boat, depending on the tournament and the prize pool. Some events charge less for first-time competitors or youth anglers. Ask the organizer about any discounts when you register.