Lake Murray, SC, September 7, 2025
News Summary
The National Crappie League is organizing a two-day amateur fishing tournament at Lake Murray, where participants can compete for substantial prizes and engage in friendly competition. There will be two divisions for anglers, each with distinct eligibility criteria. Additionally, a free Kids Rodeo event will cater to younger fishing enthusiasts. Registration for the tournament will take place the day before, and favorable fishing conditions are expected during the event.
Columbia, SC: National Crappie League Hosts Two-Day Amateur Tournament at Lake Murray
The National Crappie League (NCL) is set to host a two-day amateur fishing tournament at Lake Murray on October 3-4, 2025. Participants in this exciting event can expect a 100% or more guaranteed payback, along with a chance to win the Big Fish award, which will be split 70/30 between the winners.
The tournament features two divisions – the Amateur Division and the Semi-Pro Division. For the Amateur Division, eligibility is limited to those who have not earned over $5,000 individually or $10,000 as a team from recognized trails in the last two years. Additionally, fishing guides, defined as individuals who have earned income from guiding in the past two years, are excluded from this division. In contrast, the Semi-Pro Division is open to all anglers and teams, regardless of previous earnings.
Registration for the Semi-Pro Division will take place on October 2, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. There will be a pre-tournament meeting at 6:00 PM. For the Amateur Division, registration occurs on October 3, 2025, at Dreher Island State Park, found at 3677 State Park Rd, Columbia, SC, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, accompanied by a meeting at 6:00 PM.
Tournament Details
All legal waters on Lake Murray are accessible for fishing, with off-limits beginning at 4:00 PM on the day prior to the tournament. Fishing hours during the tournament will run from official sunrise until 3:00 PM. Weigh-ins will be conducted at Dreher Island State Park, with contestants required to be in line by 4:00 PM.
Additionally, a free Kids Rodeo will be held on October 4, 2025, for children aged 12 and under. This event requires parental supervision. Registration for the Kids Rodeo will start at 8:00 AM, with fishing scheduled from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
Fishing Conditions
Early October fishing conditions at Lake Murray indicate a favorable transition period. Anglers have previously seen success using jigs and minnows around submerged timber and creek channels at depths of 12 to 18 feet.
Event Sponsorship and Logistics
The tournament is being hosted by Capital City Lake Murray Country and features various lodging options, including local hotels such as DoubleTree by Hilton, Residence Inn by Marriott, and Comfort Inn Suites. Local sponsors of the event include Solara Hotels and Dreher Island State Park, while national sponsors comprise an array of fishing-related brands, including Happy Hollow Outdoors, Engel Coolers, and YETI.
Upcoming NCL Events
Looking ahead into the tournament calendar, upcoming Wild Card Tournaments are scheduled for October 31 to November 1, 2025, at Green River, KY. Furthermore, the National Championship 2025 is planned for March 20-21, 2026, at Lake Cumberland, Somerset, KY.
FAQs
What are the dates for the tournament?
The tournament will take place on October 3-4, 2025.
Where is the tournament being held?
The tournament will be held at Lake Murray, South Carolina.
What is the eligibility for the Amateur Division?
Participants must not have earned over $5,000 individually or $10,000 as a team in the last two years from recognized trails. Fishing guides are not eligible.
What are the registration details for both divisions?
Registration for the Semi-Pro Division occurs on October 2, 2025. Amateur Division registration takes place on October 3, 2025, at Dreher Island State Park.
Is there an event for kids?
Yes, a free Kids Rodeo will occur on October 4, 2025, for children 12 and under.
Tournament Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Dates | October 3-4, 2025 |
| Location | Lake Murray, South Carolina |
| Amateur Division Eligibility | Under $5,000 individual or $10,000 team earnings last two years |
| Semi-Pro Division | No earnings limit for participants |
| Registration Dates | October 2 for Semi-Pro, October 3 for Amateur |
| Kids Rodeo | Free event on October 4 for kids 12 and under |
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Additional Resources
- Outdoors First: National Crappie League Heads to Lake Murray
- Wikipedia: Fishing Tournament
- Major League Fishing: The Profound Simplicity of the Damiki Rig
- Google Search: Fishing techniques
- Wired2Fish: 55-Pound Record Fish Caught on 5-Pound Line
- Google Scholar: Fishing record
- Major League Fishing: Ohio River Tanners Creek Super Tournament
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crappie
- Major League Fishing: Guide Tips for Catching Fall Crappie
- Google News: Fishing news
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