2026 Great Miami Riverway Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge Winners Announced

After a month of chasing bronze backs across one of the Midwest's premier smallmouth fisheries, the results are in. The 2026 Great Miami Riverway Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge brought together anglers from across the region for a month-long, catch-and-release competition celebrating fishing, recreation, and the Great Miami River itself.
 
This year's challenge saw 59 anglers log 456 fish, including 360 approved smallmouth bass, during the tournament held June 20–July 19. From trophy-sized fish to razor-thin leaderboard margins and successful IGFA Bass Grand Slams, anglers showcased just how special Great Miami River smallmouth fishing can be.
 

Largest Smallmouth Bass – Conventional Division

Taking top honors for the largest fish of the tournament was Kyle Grosvenor, whose impressive 20.75-inch smallmouth bass held the lead from opening day through the close of competition.

Top 3 Largest Smallmouth Bass

Kyle Grosvenor – 20.75"

Dustin Burns – 19.50"

Dillon Browning – 19.25"

 

Competitive Series – Top 5 Bag

The most competitive category of the tournament came down to inches, with the top anglers assembling five-fish bags that would be the envy of any river angler.

Top 3 Five-Fish Bags

Derek Pyles – 91.00"

18.75", 18.50", 18.50", 18.25", 17.00"

Jimmy Kaulig – 90.00"

19.00", 18.25", 17.75", 17.50", 17.50"

Justin Bridges – 90.00"

18.75", 18.50", 17.75", 17.50", 17.50"

 

 

IGFA Bass Grand Slam

One of the tournament's more unique challenges required anglers to log three qualifying bass species within a 24-hour period. Sponsored by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the Grand Slam category again proved that the Great Miami River offers exceptional multi-species fishing opportunities.

Grand Slam Award Winners

Dustin Burns – First Grand Slam completed June 22

Derek Pyles – Second Grand Slam completed June 26

Jimmy Kaulig – Third Grand Slam completed July 5

Robert Watson – Fourth Grand Slam completed July 11

 

 

Fly Division Winners

Fly anglers also made their mark during the challenge.

Largest Smallmouth Bass

Jake Carter – 18.25"

Competitive Series – Top 5 Bag

Ken Carter – 68.25"

 

 

Random Drawing Prize Winners

Slot 1 (12"–13.75")

Derek Pyles

Dustin Burns

Andrew Trimbach

Slot 2 (14"–15.75")

Luke Cetnar

Jesse Freeland

Clifford Stanfield

Slot 3 (16"–17.75")

Kyle Grosvenor

Aaron Bozarth

Dylan Hicks

Slot 4 (18"+)

Jimmy Kaulig

Dustin Burns

John Hollingshead

 

 

Fly Division Drawing Winners

Pamela Allen

Ken Carter

 

 

Thank You to Our Anglers and Sponsors

The Great Miami Riverway extends its thanks to every angler who participated, logged fish, shared photos, and helped showcase the outstanding smallmouth bass fishery found throughout the Riverway communities. The Challenge continues to highlight why the Great Miami River is regarded as one of Ohio's premier destinations for river fishing.

A special thank you to our partners and sponsors, including the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), Hamilton Bait & Tackle, Mad River Outfitters, and all those who helped support this year's event.

Congratulations to all of our winners, and we'll see you back on the water for the 2027 Great Miami Riverway Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge. Tight lines! 🎣