Your 2026 Guide
Cool mornings, changing leaves, and bass chasing baitfish make fall a rewarding time to be on Lake of the Ozarks. This October, the Big Bass Bash adds another reason to plan a fishing getaway.
The Fall Big Bass Bash takes place October 3–4, 2026, at Lake of the Ozarks. Whether you are entering the tournament or coming for a relaxed weekend with your rod and reel, here is what to expect—and how to make the most of fall fishing at the lake.
A tournament built for weekend anglers
Founded in 2006, the Big Bass Bash was created to give everyday anglers a chance to compete for substantial prizes. Its biggest-fish format means the excitement can shift with a single trip to the scales. The 2026 fall tournament marks the event’s 20th anniversary.
Tournament hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The organizer lists entry at $150 for one day or $200 for both days per angler, with half-price entry for anglers age 17 and younger. This year’s advertised grand prize package is $100,000 cash plus a 2027 Phoenix 21 LXE boat. There are also payouts in two-hour weigh-in periods throughout the weekend.
The weekend begins with in-person registration and vendors at Grand Glaize State Park in Osage Beach on Friday, October 2. The awards ceremony is scheduled there for approximately 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 4. Families can also look into the separate Kids Division for children age 12 and younger. Check the official Fall Big Bass Bash event page for registration and the latest schedule.
Why fish Lake of the Ozarks in the fall?
The tournament may draw you to the lake, but fall fishing has an appeal of its own. As the season changes, largemouth bass often stay close to schools of shad and other baitfish. The Missouri Department of Conservation specifically highlights Lake of the Ozarks as a fall largemouth destination. The lake also offers opportunities to fish for crappie, catfish, bluegill, and other species if your group wants a fishing trip beyond bass.
You do not need to enter the Bash to enjoy the season. A fall visit can be as simple as exploring a cove, trying a new stretch of shoreline, and heading back in when you are ready to warm up and unwind.
Five practical tips for fall fishing
- Look for baitfish first. Fall largemouth often follow shad. Watch for baitfish activity and consider presentations that resemble their size and movement. Let what you see on the water guide your lure choice.
- Try points and changing depth. Points, cove mouths, and nearby deeper water give fish access to different conditions as the day changes. The Missouri Department of Conservation identifies points and other structure as useful areas to consider at Lake of the Ozarks.
- Pay attention to wind. Wind can concentrate baitfish along certain banks and points. If a sheltered area is quiet, a safely fishable windblown shoreline may be worth a look.
- Bring layers and check conditions before leaving. A pleasant afternoon can start with a chilly morning on the water. Pack clothing you can adjust, check the forecast, and allow extra time for a safe launch.
- Match your plans to the event rules. If you are competing, read the official tournament rules before fishing. Main-event anglers must bring fish to a weigh-in station by water; bank and dock fishing are excluded from that event, although the Kids Division has separate rules. The tournament requires bass weighed in at Lake of the Ozarks to measure at least 15 inches. If you are fishing recreationally, check the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Lake of the Ozarks regulations for the rules that apply to your catch.
Set up your fishing weekend at The Riviera
The Riviera RV Resort is in Sunrise Beach, Missouri, at mile marker 25, with full-hookup RV sites and lake access. Guests bringing a boat can explore our boat slip and storage options, then browse our amenities for the rest of their stay. Boat slips are subject to availability, so it is best to ask about one while planning your site reservation.
Bringing your own boat? The Riviera has slips but does not have an on-site boat ramp. Plan to launch at a nearby ramp or marina; our boating and storage page lists options. Tournament participants should also plan their route to an official weigh-in station and review the event’s on-water requirements.
Come for the Big Bass Bash, stay for a fall weekend at the lake. Explore The Riviera or call 573-480-9646 to ask about RV sites and boat slips. You can find more seasonal ideas on our events page.
