$100K Up For Grabs As Spring Big Bass Bash Returns To Lake Of The Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is home to the $100,000 bass—and anglers will soon get their shot at it.

The Big Bass Bash, one of the nation's largest amateur fishing tournaments, is set for April 18-19, 2026. The annual spring (and fall) tournament returns with just two days to land the biggest catch against thousands of competitors.

The tournament runs from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, with weigh-in stations available across the Lake: Alhonna Resort, Grand Glaize State Park (PB2), Ivy Bend Resort, Point Randall Resort, and Red Oak Resort.

The heaviest bass at the end earns the angler the $100,000 grand prize.

How To Enter

Entry fees are $150 for one day or $200 for both days. Anglers 17 and under pay half price. Registration can be done online in advance, or in person on Friday, April 17, at the Grand Glaize State Park from 12-7 p.m.

Anglers can also sign up the morning of the tournament from 5:30-7:30 a.m. at any weigh-in location.

The Payouts

Over $340,000 in cash and prizes will be paid out during the tournament!

Along with the grand prize, the other top four winners will take home $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000 respectively. Each of the four daily time slots pays down 45 places, with first place in each slot earning $1,500. Bonus payouts include prizes for exact-weight bass, a ladies division, and a special kids’ division for anglers 12 and under.

Every entry (excluding the kids division) also has a chance to win a 2026 Phoenix 818 Pro with a Mercury 150 Pro XS, valued at $45,000.

Awards Ceremony

On Sunday, the awards ceremony will begin around 4:15 p.m. at the Grand Glaize State Park. The Concord Lions Club will have free barbecue and beverages for anglers and vendors. Additional parking will be available at the Pa-He-Tsi boat ramp, with shuttles taking anglers to and from the ceremony.

This is the chance to pick up time-slot checks, watch the trophy presentations, and see the $100,000 champion be crowned.

The ceremony will also include a drawing benefiting Hope House. For every four non-perishable food items donated, participants will receive one entry for a chance to win $2,500. Donations can be dropped off at the state park on April 17 from 12–7 p.m. and April 19 from 12–5 p.m.