2026 Buffalo Lake Open
Schedule
Sun, 26 Apr, 2026 at 06:30 am
UTC-05:00Location
Buffalo Lake in Montello, Wi | Montello, WI
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Official Rules & RegulationsRiver Country Bassmasters
Buffalo Lake Open
Sunday April 26th 2026
Tournament Hours 7:00AM to 3:00PM
1. Entry and Eligibility: Entry fee is $135.00 per team (2 anglers per team) $150 DAY OFF ENTRY and it includes Big Bass entry of $15.00 per
team (pays 2 places). THERE WILL BE A 6 FISH LIMIT PER TEAM. Entries will be limited to the first 50 teams. All contestants must be at
least 18 years of age to be eligible for cash awards. There is an 80% payout.
2. Safety: Tournament contestants must observe safe boat conduct at all times. Each competitor must wear an USCG approved chest type
life preserver any time the combustion engine is running. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED DURING THE TOURNAMENT HOURS!!!!
3. Boat + Motor: The horsepower of the motor may not exceed the USCG rating. Each boat must be equipped with an aerated livewell large
enough to maintain a live limit of bass. Boats must be a minimum of 16 feet and have a minimum of a 40hp motor.
4. Tackle + Equipment: Only artificial baits may be use (Pork strips + rinds are OK). Only 1 rod and reel may be used at a time (Others may
be rigged and ready). No live or prepared baits are allowed. NO MOTOR TROLLING.
5. Scoring: Final winners will be determined by the total weight (Pounds to the .00) during the tournament. THERE WILL BE A 6 FISH LIMIT
PER TEAM. Only largemouth and smallmouth bass, 14 inches in length and longer will count towards the teams score. Golden rule will be
used. All fish will be measured closed mouth and closed tail. All bass must be caught alive and in a sporting manner. Each team is
expected to make every effort to keep their bass alive and healthy. There will be a 4 ounce penalty for each dead fish, and each dead fish
will be counted as part of the teams 6 fish limit. In the case of a tie, the most bass registered by a team will prevail, if still tied the teams
involved will split the prize money involved equally. A coin toss will decide trophies.
6. Sportsmanship: All competitors are expected to follow the highest standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. All
Wisconsin fishing and boating regulations must be followed. Having a non-competitor sit in your spot is prohibited and will result in a
disqualification.
7. Tournament Waters: Tournament waters will consist of all navigable waters, unless designated at the pre-tournament meeting. There is
no cutoff for pre-fishing tournament waters.
8. Pre-Tournament Meeting: Meeting will be held at the tournament headquarters 6:30 AM the morning of the tournament. All
contestants must be present at this meeting, and all boats must be in the water and inspected
9. Protests + Rule Interpretation: Any protest must be filed with the tournament director within 30 minutes of the close of the tournament.
The interpretation of the rules shall be the responsibility of the tournament committee. All decisions of the tournament committee
president will be final.
10. STARTING POSITION WILL BE DETERMINED BY RETURN OF COMPLETED ENTRY AND ENTRY FEES. FIRST IN- FIRST PRIORITY FOR STARTING
POSITION. CUTOFF FOR ACCEPTING REGULAR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 1st 2026. ANY APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER APRIL 1st MUST BE
CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK. MORNING OF REGISTRATION IS ALLOWED BUT IS $150 CASH ONLY.
The boat owner/operator is solely responsible for the safe operation of their vessel at all times. The
boater assumes liability for: Operation of the boat, Safety of all passengers, Any accident, injuries, or
property damage involving the vessel. Co-anglers ride at their own risk
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Where is it happening?
Buffalo Lake in Montello, Wi, Montello, Wisconsin, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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