More Than 100 High School and Junior High Fishing Enthusiasts Across Arkansas Expected to Take to the Waters of Lake Hamilton May 2026
DATE: SEPTEMBER 7, 2025
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — More than 100 high school and junior high fishing enthusiasts from across Arkansas are expected to take to the waters of Lake Hamilton in May 2026 to participate in the Arkansas State Championship fishing tournament sponsored by the Student Angler Federation.
They will be competing for advancement spots to the Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship and the Junior World Championship, where they will compete for college and trade school scholarships, according to tournament director Joey Bray. The SAF is part of The Bass Federation headquartered in Ponca City, Okla.
The Arkansas Championship tournament will be held May 23 and launch from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fish hatchery on Fish Hatchery Road.
“We’re glad to be able to welcome these young anglers from across Arkansas to Hot Springs and the great fishing we have to offer on Lake Hamilton,” Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said in announcing the tournament. “They’ll get to experience why Hot Springs is known nationwide as a mecca for anglers.”
Bray said the tournament will be a qualifier for the high school students, advancing winners to the 17th Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship, where they will compete for college and trade school scholarships. The junior high anglers (eighth grade and under) will advance to the Junior World Championship and compete for scholarships.
Bray said competitors in the championship at Hot Springs don’t have to qualify to fish the state tournament, but must be active Student Angler Federation members. Membership is $25 per student and tournament registration is at www.highschoolfishing.org.
For more information call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.