The 31st annual Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival rescheduled again

Continually high lake levels are forcing organizers of the event to postpone this popular event again. All three hosting lakes remain way above normal elevation due to tremendous rainfall in May and the beginning of June. Many of the boat ramps used during the tournament remain underwater and debris is also a concern.

The bass tournament has already been postponed twice from its traditional spot on Memorial Day weekend. This time, organizers are giving the lakes plenty of time to get back to normal levels by setting the event back to Saturday, July 17. This will also allow time for debris to be cleared and overall make the event a safer one to participate in.

Although it’s been rescheduled, that also means there’s plenty of time to register for this year’s Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival. The tournament will be held on De Queen, Dierks and Gillham Lakes, now on July 17. The event will begin at 6 a.m. and continue through 1 p.m. that day. Late registration is $50. Boat check and late registration begins at 5 a.m. on all three lakes the day of the tournament.

Check-in will be held at Oak Grove and Rolling Fork landings on De Queen Lake, Coon Creek and Little Coon Creek on Gillham and at Jefferson Ridge on Dierks Lake. Weigh-in sites will be located at all three lakes.

Over $14,000 in cash prizes will be awarded during the tournament, including $1,500 for catching the biggest bass.

Despite the postponement organizers remain hopeful this year’s tournament will still draw a big crowd. Especially after last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is always well-attended and draws in hundreds of anglers from across the area for a chance at thousands of dollars in prizes. Chamber officials have cited the economic benefits of the tournament by attracting out-of-town anglers, many of whom stay, eat, shop and fuel-up at local businesses.

For more information, contact Greg Ray at (870) 642-2425 or the Chamber of Commerce office at (870) 584-3225.

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