Register For Big Fish 2026!

 Big Fish 2026 Contest Rules: 

1. No Cheating! Cheaters will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law! 

2. Date, time and place of contest:

• Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Nodaway Lake
  • Shotgun Start – 5:00 am
  • All qualifying fish must be at the registration tent by 6:30pm. 

3. Fish must be caught on sporting tackle, hooked and taken alive in a sporting manner on conventional fishing equipment (i.e. rod and reel, cane pole or similar). Contestants may use either live or prepared baits or lures. 

4. All aspects of catch must conform to state and area laws (information as to the minimum required weights and lengths on fish caught at Nodaway Lake are posted along with area rules and regulations). 

5. Officials reserve the right to retain any fish entered for examination. All fish are subject to certification by the Department of Conservation and/or Rules Committee Officials. 

6. Contest standings and final winners will be determined by the weight of each competitor’s catch to the nearest ounce. Each contestant must present his or her fish in person to officials for weighing. It is the responsibility of the contestant to have an official fill out the weight and type of fish he or she is entering. Each contestant must have an official entry form to qualify for prizes and bring it to the registration tent upon entering the contest. The registration tent will be open starting at 4:30 a.m. throughout the duration of the contest and will be on the parking lot area of Nodaway Lake. 

7. Competitors in this contest are expected to follow all rules, both state and local, in regards to this fishing contest, plus entrants are also expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy and conservation. The sole purpose of this contest is to create an exciting event for both young and old alike. 

8. By signing the official entry form, the contestant consents to the use of his/her name and likeness in connection with the promotion of this event. 

9. Contestants will be allowed to register in ONE of the following classes of their choice in which they qualify:

• Girls 15 and Under (any)
• Boys 15 and Under (any)
• Seniors (any)
• Largest Bass (large, smallmouth, striped)
• Largest Crappie
• Largest Bluegill
• Largest Catfish
• Largest Legal Fish (any)

10. All decisions of the Official Rules Committee are final. 

11. Winners must be present to claim prizes. 

12. Contestants must be registered before they start to fish. 

13. Contestants can only enter one fish. No carp allowed. 

Here are some rules to follow while attending Big Fish 2026 

1. No free-running pets. Dogs must be leashed or confined. 
2. Motor vehicles are allowed only on graveled public roadways and parking areas unless otherwise posted. (Special use permit allows for parking in the grassy areas) 
3. Outboard motors in excess of 10 horsepower must be operated at a slow, no-wake speed. 
4. No open fires. 
5. Pole and line method only, not to exceed 3 per person. 

Fishing Limits:

• Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted/Kentucky): Daily limit of 6. All black bass less than 15 inches in total length must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. 
• White, yellow, and striped bass & their hybrids: Daily limit of 4. All white/yellow/striped & their hybrid bass less than 20 inches in total length must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. 
• Catfish: Daily limit of 4. 
• Crappie: Daily limit of 30. 
• All other fish (bluegill, green sunfish, carp, etc.): Statewide limits, but the total number taken may not exceed 20. See statewide limit table on page 20 and 21 of the fishing regulations booklet.

Have Fun, NO CHEATING!!!! 

IGFA World Record weights: 

Largemouth Bass: 22 lb 4 oz.

Bass, Striped: 81 lb 14 oz.

Bluegill: 4lb 12 oz.

Crappie, Black: 5 lb 7 oz.

Crappie, White: 5 lb 3 oz.

Channel Catfish: 58 lbs 

Blue Catfish: 143 lbs

Flathead Catfish:  123 lbs.

Walleye: 25 lb.