Tournament Rules:
Open to LBV Association members and guests with members. Fishing starts promptly at 8am.
NO EARLY OR PRE-FISHING. ARTIFICIAL BAIT ONLY.
Registered contestants only, must be present to win any prize.
Pre-registration is required through this site and opens two weeks prior to the event (mid-May).
Fishing allowed from docks, shore, and watercraft.
No fishing from the dam dock or in the cove by the south section of the dam beyond the sign.
We will fish rain or shine and delay for thunder or lightning.
ALL STATE LAWS AND LOCAL ORDINANCES APPLY.
LBV WATERCRAFT ONLY. BOAT CAPTAINS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REGISTERING THEIR WATERCRAFT AND FOR CARRY AN ACTIVE INSURANCE POLICY. BOAT OPERATORS ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES AND INJURIES CAUSED BY OPERATING THEIR VESSEL DURING THE EVENT.
In Michigan, under 17 fish for free. June 13-14, 2026 is the State of Michigan’s “Free Fishing Weekend.” No fishing license is required on these dates. https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/fishing/free-fishing
One-day and seasonal licenses are available at https://mdnr-elicense.com
Note: to minimize the impact on our lake, we encourage catch and release. Longest Bass and Longest Pike Contests will allow for almost immediate release of the fish and eliminate the need for live-wells. Please weigh your big fish if you have a scale, but know this is just for bragging rights.
Schedule:
6:45AM-8AM Boat Captain Check-in and Bump Board Pick-up at the LBV dam near the dock. You may come by foot or by watercraft.
7:50AM Welcome and Announcements
8:00AM–10:45AM Open Fishing. Fish on! (Absolutely NO pre-fishing before 8am)
10:50AM Final cut-off for photos to be submitted via text for longest bass and pike contests and Have “Moore” Fun award
11:00AM Box Lunch
11:30AM Awards and prize drawings at the dam
- Box lunches will be provided, first-come, first-serve, and while supplies last.
- This event is hosted by Faithful Steward LLC and made possible with the support of Rockford Self Storage, sponsors, many volunteers and Lake Bella Vista residents.
TO ENTER your fish for Longest Bass or Longest Pike Contests:
Place your fish on the Bump Board with the mouth and lip touching the stop (“zero” on the yard stick)
Place the Angler’s name tag by the fish. See example below.
Photograph for length (entire fish and name tag) and text to our day of volunteers at 616-874-2357
Photos must be texted and received by 10:50 AM to be entered into the competition.
TO ENTER your photo for the “Have Moore Fun” award:
The “Have Moore Fun!” award(s), made in honor the event founders Alan and Kathryn Moore, will be awarded to the person who looks like they are having the most fun out on the water. It could be a picture of kids smiling with a popsicle dripping down their hand. It could be a dad laughing because he caught the smallest or most unusual catch (a shoe/boot?) of the day. Get creative and have fun! Winner(s) will be chosen subjectively by event Host.
Text any “fun” photos and include the Angler’s first and last name to 616-874-2357
Direct any questions to Jordan DeGraaf at 616-874-7275 or rockfordselfstoragej@gmail.com