Family-friendly tournament on the Great Miami River
Registration is now open for the 2024 GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge to be held on the Great Miami River from June 15 to July 21. Hosted by the Great Miami Riverway, this family-friendly event is a catch-and-release fishing tournament, where anglers use the iAngler app to register and send in their catches. Prizes include cash, gear, and more!
The Great Miami River is Ohio’s best river for catching smallmouth bass, according to the number of smallmouth trophy-sized fish registered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resource (ODNR) Fish Ohio program. “During last year’s tournament, 44 smallmouth bass were logged at 18” or greater,” said Barry Puskas, Chief of Engineering and Technical Services for the Miami Conservancy District, and an avid angler. “That length is recognized by ODNR as a Fish Ohio-qualifying catch. There’s plenty of healthy smallmouth bass out there for anglers.”
This year’s tournament is sponsored by the Molson Coors Beverage company, located in Trenton along the Great Miami River. Additional sponsors include the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), Miami Conservancy District, ReelFlyRod, and Fisherman’s Headquarters.
“The largest smallmouth bass caught in the Great Miami River in recent years measured out at 24.3 inches,” said Donnie Knight, Troy 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 ianglertournament.com/2024-great-miami-riverway-smallmouth-bass-fishing-challenge
The Great Miami Riverway is more than just a river. This regional destination in southwest Ohio includes more than 99 miles of paved trails and connected communities where you can surf the river, cycle the bike trail, and find your way through charming downtowns.