2025 KFNW Kayak Bass Classic

Throughout the KFNW season, there will be several opportunities to qualify for the KFNW Kayak Bass Classic (KBC). To learn more about qualifications, please visit the KFNW Rules Standard.

What is the KFNW Kayak Bass Classic? The Kayak Bass Classic (KBC) is an event that will occur every fall, where the top-ranked anglers from all KFNW Tour Events are invited to compete.The KBC is a two-day tournament on a body of water that will be chosen by KFNW directors. The location generally rotates between locations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Starting in 2025, the top 10% of each KFNW Tour Event qualify for the KFNW Kayak Bass Classic.

If you have any questions, please email kfnw.marvin@gmail.com

KFNW Kayak Bass Classic Hall of Fame

• 2020 Champion: Lance Lindsey (OR) on Tenmile Lake, Oregon
• 2021 Champion: Dan Zimmerschied (ID) on CJ Strike Reservoir, Idaho
• 2022 Champion: Andrew Larsen (WA) on Columbia River (Lake Umatilla), Washington
• 2023 Champion: Mason Meredith (OR) on Upper Willamette River, Oregon
• 2023 Champion: Mason Meredith (OR) on Dworshak Reservoir, Idaho

October 11-12, 2024 – Potholes Reservoir

The 2025 KFNW Kayak Bass Classic will be on Potholes Reservoir, near Moses Lake, Washington.

Renowned for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, Potholes offers exceptional fishing. Largemouths over 7 lbs aren’t uncommon, and the maze of backwaters, dunes, and submerged structure creates ideal habitat year-round. Formed by glacial floods and later shaped by irrigation from O’Sullivan Dam, the reservoir’s patchwork of islands, potholes, and sand dunes creates a one-of-a-kind fishing environment. It’s part of Washington’s dramatic scabland geology, featuring basalt cliffs and marshy coves. Potholes Reservoir is a top-tier destination for bass fishing, offering a mix of trophy potential and striking, flood-carved scenery unlike anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest.

Anglers qualified for the 2025 KBC:

1. Brown, Devn (OR)
2. Carlile, Corey (WA)
3. Comer, Ryan (OR)
4. Cruz, Ivan (ID)
5. Dugger, Joshua (WA)
6. Eschliman, William (OR)
7. Hua, Brandon (OR)
8. Janke, Andrew (OR)
9. Jarvis, Jakob (OR)
10. Linson, Geoff (WA)
11. Obrien, Elijah (OR)
12. Osojnicki, Tj (ID)
13. Potts, Trey (WA)
14. Sherrill, Eric (OR)
15. Soule, Shaun (WA)
16. Sutton, Colin (OR)
17. Walker, Dan (WA)
18. Williams, Chris (WA)

Qualified anglers by home state

• Oregon: 10
• Washington: 7
• Idaho: 2

How They Qualified

Kayak Fishing Northwest

• 2024 KFNW KBC Champion:
  Hua, Brandon (OR)

Tournament Details

Tournament Schedule

All times are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

Off-Limits Period

• TBA

Registration Deadline

• Friday, October 3, 2025 – Registration Deadline
• Late registration is available on a limited basis, and is first-come, first-served. There is a $10 service fee for late registration.

Official Practice Period

• TBA

Friday – October 10, 2025

• 6:30 PM – Pre-Event Briefing | Location TBA
• 10:00 PM – Identifier Code Released

Saturday – October 11, 2025

• 5:45 AM to 6:15 AM – Virtual Check-In and Selfie Anglers are required to check-in on TourneyX (cell service permitting) and take a selfie at their launch, within this window. Failure to display a selfie when requested by tournament officials at the Awards may result in disqualification.
• 6:05 AM – Launch (Designated Launches) | Human-Powered
• 6:15 AM – Launch (Designated Launches) | Electric Motors
• 6:30 AM – Lines In
• 7:10 AM – Sunrise
• 2:30:00 PM – Lines Out
• 3:30 PM – Upload Deadline / Off the Water Cell Service on Water: Spotty
  Cellular service may not be available on the water. It is the competitor’s responsibility to find service and upload their fish before the Upload Deadline.

Sunday – October 12, 2025

• 5:45 AM to 6:15 AM – Virtual Check-In and Selfie Anglers are required to check-in on TourneyX (cell service permitting) and take a selfie at their launch, within this window. Failure to display a selfie when requested by tournament officials at the Awards may result in disqualification.
• 6:05 AM – Launch (Designated Launches) | Human-Powered
• 6:15 AM – Launch (Designated Launches) | Electric Motors
• 6:30 AM – Lines In
• 7:12 AM – Sunrise
• 1:30:00 PM – Lines Out
• 2:30 PM – Upload Deadline / Off the Water Cell Service on Water: Spotty
  Cellular service may not be available on the water. It is the competitor’s responsibility to find service and upload their fish before the Upload Deadline.
• 3:30 PM – Awards Ceremony and Gear Drawing | Location TBA
  Competitors MUST be present at Awards ceremony location by this time. Competitors who are not present by this time will be disqualified.

Pre-Event Briefing

Pre-Event Briefing Location

• Location TBA

Pre-Event Briefing Details

• Before the Pre-Event Briefing, a video will be published to go over specific details for this Tour Event. Certain rules may be discussed, but we will not review all the rules. It is the competitor’s responsibility to read and know all rules as published in the Rules Standard.
• A signed hard copy of the Liability Release is required by all competitors for each Event. You can download the Liability Release in advance and bring the completed form (download below).
• Electric Motor Inspection form is required for all competitors with a motor for the season or whenever a motor is added or equipment changed (download below). Once the form is completed, KFNW staff will determine if an inspection is necessary.
• Certified bump board is required and board check will be performed. Boards should be clean and dry.
• Competitors will have the opportunity to ask any questions before the meeting is adjourned.
• Attendance at the Pre-Event Briefing is mandatory. If you can’t attend the meeting due to work or an unavoidable obligation, another angler can bring your Liability Release and bump board on your behalf. This solely the responsibility of the two competitors and no exceptions will be given.

Downloads

• Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement (Adult)
• Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement (Minor and Adult)
• Electric Motor Inspection

Location Details

Eligible Water Boundaries

• Potholes Reservoir (main body of water).
• Connected creeks, rivers, sloughs and tributaries accessible via kayak from the main body of water are in-bounds (conditions permitting for safety and accessibility)
• Disconnected sloughs and ponds are out-of-bounds
• Portaging is not permitted
• Only public waters are allowed

Designated Launch Locations

• Launches TBA
• No other launches are allowed

Awards Location

• Location TBA

Safety Notes

• An overhead 360° light is required in low light conditions. A high-visibility flag, vest-type PFD, and sound signaling device (whistle) are required on the water at all times. Failure to utilize any of this safety equipment may result in disqualification.

KFNW Membership

• KFNW Membership is required to participate in this event. You can register at https://kayakfishingnorthwest.com/product/2025-kfnw-member-registration/

Tournament Directors

Links

Tourism and Lodging

Camping and RV Parks

Please check availability and make sure they will be open during the event.

Hotels, Motels and Inns