Early Bird Rate is here! Register now for the 2021 GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge

It's back! Register now for a virtual, family-friendly fishing tournament - the Great Miami Riverway Fishing Challenge is June 15 - July 15. Register before June 1st to get the Early Bird Rate of only $15.

The Great Miami Riverway and the National Association of Professional River Anglers (NAPRA) have announced the second GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge to be held on the Great Miami River from June 15 - July 15. This fishing event is a family-friendly, catch-and-release virtual tournament where anglers will utilize the I-Angler app to register and send in their catches.

“Fishing is a great social distancing activity during this time of coronavirus,” said Pete Ziehler, NAPRA’s president. “We hope people take advantage of this family-friendly activity to get out on the Great Miami River, whether they’re fishing from a bank, wading, or on a watercraft.”

The tournament is open to all ages. Registration is $25, but only $15 if you enter on or before June 1st. Prizes will be awarded in six categories:

    1. Top Slam: The total length of your 5 largest Smallmouth Bass - $100 gift card
    2. Biggest Smallmouth Bass (based on length) - $50 gift card
    3. 12 and under (Angler’s age before June 15) Biggest Smallmouth Bass (based on length) - $50 gift card
    4. Top 5 bag get entered into random prize drawing (Fishing Gear valued at $200+)
    5. Top 5 (total catches) MOST fish logged get entered into a random prize drawing (Fishing Gear valued at $100+)
    6. First 5 logged fish get entered into a random prize drawing (Fishing Gear valued at $50+)

    Awards include:

    • Gift Cards from Fisherman’s Quarters
    • St. Croix Fly Rod from Ohio Fly By Knight Guide Service
    • Orvis Encounter Fly Rod and other gear from ReelFlyRod

The Great Miami River is Ohio’s best river for catching smallmouth bass, according to the number of smallmouth trophy fish registered on Ohio’s Fish Ohio database, the Ohio Department of Natural Resource program for recognizing significant catches for all species caught in Ohio waters.

“The largest smallmouth bass caught in the Great Miami River in the last five years measured out at 24.3 inches,” said Donnie Knight, a Miami County resident and biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. “Smallmouth bass are plentiful in the Great Miami River from March through October, so it’s a great time to encourage anglers to get out on the water."

For complete rules and to register for the tournament, visit https://www.ianglertournament.com/2021-great-smallmouth-bass-fishing-challenge