(Lewis) Every year, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources takes fishing tournament applications starting on September 1.
John Lorenzen, Fisheries Biologist with the Department of Natural Resources, says about six percent of Iowa anglers participate in fishing tournaments, and most of these competitions are for largemouth bass.
Lorenzen says that in 2026, 34 tournaments in the southwest district have been approved, and in 2025, 65 tournament applications were approved.
Lorenzen says people or organizations interested in hosting a fishing tournament are encouraged to visit the DNR special events link on the DNR website and complete an application.
