Pennsylvania Bass Tournaments: Complete Annual Calendar
Pennsylvania offers a thriving tournament scene for bass anglers in 2025, with events spanning the commonwealth’s diverse waterways from early spring through late fall. For competitive anglers seeking to qualify for national championships or weekend enthusiasts looking to test their skills, the Keystone State provides abundant opportunities to participate in organized bass fishing competitions.
What’s New for 2025 Bass Tournaments
The 2025 tournament season brings significant rule changes that all participants should note. According to PA B.A.S.S. Nation, all boaters must complete a Boater Safety Course to participate in any tournament – with absolutely no exceptions permitted. This certification must be included with your application or acknowledged during online registration.
Other notable changes for 2025 include:
- Nets are now permitted during PA B.A.S.S. Nation tournaments
- Optional insurance changes have been implemented (detailed on page 4 of the official PA B.A.S.S. Nation rules)
- The PA Bass Federation has finalized its schedule, with events spanning from April through September
These changes reflect the growing emphasis on safety and conservation in competitive bass fishing throughout Pennsylvania.
Major Tournament Organizations
PA Bass Federation
The Pennsylvania Bass Federation hosts numerous events in 2025, including the TBF National Championship, Mr. Bass Kickoff, State Championship, and regional qualifiers. Their tournaments attract anglers from across the state competing for spots in prestigious national events.
PA B.A.S.S. Nation
One of the primary organizations conducting bass tournaments throughout Pennsylvania, PA B.A.S.S. Nation offers state events, team trails, a dedicated kayak series, and college qualifiers. All events follow B.A.S.S. Nation rules unless specifically modified by tournament directors.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC)
While not a tournament organization itself, the PFBC regulates all fishing tournaments on Pennsylvania public waters, requiring permits and establishing specific conditions for bass tournaments.
Complete 2025 Tournament Calendar
April 2025
April (Early Month)
- Event: TBF National Championship
- Location: Lake Dardenelle, Russelville, Arkansas
- Organization: PA Bass Federation
April 7
- Event: District 1 Tournament
- Location: State Park
- Organization: PA Bass Federation
If you’re interested in fishing during other seasons in Pennsylvania, check out our comprehensive guide to Pennsylvania fishing seasons.
May 2025
May 3-4
- Event: Mr. Bass Kickoff
- Location: Potomac River, Smallwood State Park (Maryland)
- Organization: PA Bass Federation
May 3
- Event: PA B.A.S.S. Nation State Event #1
- Location: Potomac River, Smallwood State Park
- Organization: PA B.A.S.S. Nation
May 4
- Event: PA B.A.S.S. Nation Team Trail #1
- Location: Potomac River, Smallwood State Park
- Organization: PA B.A.S.S. Nation
For anglers interested in non-tournament fishing opportunities, explore our guide to free fishing days across different states.
June 2025
June 20-21
- Event: State Championship
- Location: Cayuga Lake, Union Springs
- Organization: PA Bass Federation
June 21
- Event: PA B.A.S.S. Nation State Event #2
- Location: Three Rivers, South Side Ramp
- Organization: PA B.A.S.S. Nation
June 22
- Event: PA B.A.S.S. Nation Team Trail #2
- Location: Three Rivers, South Side Ramp
- Organization: PA B.A.S.S. Nation
July 2025
July 11-12
- Event: Team Regional 1
- Location: Cayuga Lake, Union Springs
- Organization: PA Bass Federation
July 18-19
- Event: PA Jr. Championship
- Location: Cayuga Lake, Union Springs
- Organization: PA Bass Federation
July 19
- Event: PA B.A.S.S. Nation State Event #3
- Location: Lake Erie, Marina Bay
- Organization: PA B.A.S.S. Nation
July 20
- Event: SAF PA High School Championship
- Location: Cayuga Lake, Union Springs
- Organization: PA Bass Federation
July 20
- Event: PA B.A.S.S. Nation Team Trail #3
- Location: Lake Erie, Marina Bay
- Organization: PA B.A.S.S. Nation
July 20
- Event: PA B.A.S.S. Nation College Qualifier
- Location: Lake Erie, Marina Bay
- Organization: PA B.A.S.S. Nation
July 22-26
- Event: Junior World Championship
- Location: TBD
- Organization: PA Bass Federation
If you’re planning to fish across state lines, check our guide to Michigan fishing regulations for neighboring opportunities.
The tournament calendar above represents the confirmed events as of April 2025. For the most current information, always check the official websites of tournament organizations for any schedule changes or updates.
Tournament Rules and Permit Requirements
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Requirements
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) requires permits for all fishing tournaments on public waters. The application process follows specific timelines:
- For tournaments with 50 or more boats: Submit applications between October 1 and December 1 of the year prior to the proposed tournament
- For tournaments with 49 or fewer boats: Submit applications at least 60 days prior to the tournament date
Tournament organizers must use form PFBC-500 (Special Activity Permit Application) when applying for permits. If tournament sponsors plan to stock fish for their event, they must also submit a Notice of Stocking form.
Special Bass Tournament Conditions
For bass tournaments specifically, the PFBC may include conditions that allow culling of uninjured largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass if the tournament rules include:
- Penalties for returning dead or distressed bass to water
- Requirements for recirculating or aerated temperature-controlled live wells
- Instructions on proper livewell maintenance for all contestants
- Limitations on fishing hours (no more than nine hours per day)
These conditions are designed to protect bass populations while enabling competitive events to continue.
On the Susquehanna River (downstream of Sunbury, PA) and portions of the Juniata River (downstream of Port Royal, PA), tournament fishing is restricted to catch and immediate release events only. Organizers and participants must follow specific guidelines for these waters.
2025 Specific Requirements
The most significant requirement for 2025 is the mandatory Boater Safety Course completion for tournament participation. PA B.A.S.S. Nation has implemented this rule with no exceptions permitted. Additional rules for PA B.A.S.S. Nation events include:
- Nets are now allowed during tournaments
- All anglers must read the complete rules prior to participating
- Only online registrations for State events, while Team Trails require paper registration forms
For comprehensive information on tournament regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s official website.
Tournament Venues and Notable Waters
Pennsylvania bass tournaments utilize diverse waters throughout the state and neighboring regions. Here are some of the primary tournament venues for 2025:
Potomac River
While primarily in Maryland, the Potomac hosts several Pennsylvania-based tournaments at Smallwood State Park, including the Mr. Bass Kickoff and PA B.A.S.S. Nation State Event #1.
Cayuga Lake
Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Cayuga Lake is a popular tournament destination for Pennsylvania organizations, hosting the State Championship, PA Jr. Championship, and Team Regional events.
Lake Erie
This Great Lakes fishery offers world-class smallmouth bass fishing and hosts multiple tournaments including PA B.A.S.S. Nation State Event #3, Team Trail #3, and College Qualifier events.
Three Rivers
The confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers in Pittsburgh hosts PA B.A.S.S. Nation State Event #2 and Team Trail #2 from the South Side Ramp.
If you’re planning to fish in other states, consider exploring our guides to New York fishing or Florida fishing license exemptions.
Pennsylvania Bass Fishing Regulations
When participating in tournaments, anglers must comply with Pennsylvania’s fishing regulations in addition to tournament-specific rules. All participants must possess valid Pennsylvania fishing licenses unless participating during Fish-for-Free Days.
For detailed information on seasons and regulations, refer to our complete guide to Pennsylvania fishing seasons.
Youth Bass Tournaments
Pennsylvania offers several youth-focused bass tournaments in 2025:
PA Jr. Championship
- July 18-19, 2025 at Cayuga Lake, Union Springs
SAF PA High School Championship
- July 20, 2025 at Cayuga Lake, Union Springs
Junior World Championship
- July 22-26, 2025 (location TBD)
These events provide young anglers with competitive opportunities while encouraging conservation ethics and fishing skills development.
Tournament Conservation Best Practices
Conservation practices are increasingly important in bass tournaments to ensure the health of fish populations and sustainability of the sport.
Cleaning Equipment Requirements
Cleaning of boats and fish holding and handling gear is now a legal requirement in Pennsylvania. Section §71a.12 of Pennsylvania regulations states that watercraft may be subject to inspection and potentially confined until invasive plants or animals are removed. This helps prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species between Pennsylvania waters.
Fish Handling Guidelines
The PFBC provides specific guidance for bass tournaments:
- For catch-and-weigh tournaments: Follow the “Black Bass Live Release Tournament Director/Sponsor Checklist”
- For immediate-release tournaments: Follow the “Black Bass Catch and Immediate Release Permit Conditions”
These measures help protect Pennsylvania’s valuable bass fisheries while allowing tournament anglers to enjoy competitive fishing.
How to Register for Tournaments
Registration procedures vary by organization but generally follow similar patterns:
PA B.A.S.S. Nation
- State events: Register online or via paper form
- Team Trails: Only paper registrations accepted
PA Bass Federation
Registration details are provided on their website (pabass.com), with specific entry requirements and deadlines for each tournament.
Most tournaments require registration well in advance of the event date. Always verify specific tournament requirements with the organizing body, as procedures can change.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania’s 2025 bass tournament calendar offers diverse competitive opportunities across the state’s premier fisheries. With new safety requirements implemented for the 2025 season, participants should ensure they complete necessary certification courses well before their first tournament. Whether you’re targeting the prestigious State Championship events or enjoying more casual club tournaments, Pennsylvania’s bass competition scene provides options for anglers of all skill levels.
By understanding tournament regulations, preparing properly, and practicing conservation-minded fishing techniques, anglers can enjoy competitive fishing while helping to preserve Pennsylvania’s excellent bass fisheries for future generations.
For more information on fishing opportunities across the United States, visit TeenFish.com for comprehensive guides to licenses, regulations, and premier fishing destinations.
