The National Crappie League (NCL) heads to Adair County, KY, for a Wild Card on June 6-7, 2025. Competitors will fish for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to qualify for the NCL National Championship.
Paybacks will be 100% or more guaranteed. NCL is contributing $25.00 per boat. Big Fish will be split 70/30.
You are eligible to enter an Amateur Division Tournament if you have NOT earned $5,000.00 per individual or $10,000.00 per team in the previous two (2) years with any major recognized trails (such as Crappie Masters, Crappie USA, Midwest Crappie Alliance, Crappie Elite, or Crappie Expo). You may NOT enter an Amateur Division event if you are a fishing guide. A fishing guide is anyone who has derived income from taking people fishing on a part-time or full-time basis in the last two (2) years. This will be a one-day tournament for Amateur Anglers, happening on June 7, 2025.
Semi-Pro Division will be a two-day tournament happening on June 6-7, 2025, and is open to all anglers/teams, regardless of previous earnings/placement.
Area Conditions:
Green River is showing promising crappie fishing conditions. Anglers are reporting success using jigs and minnows around brush piles and docks, particularly in 10 to 15 feet of water. With stable fishing conditions, the bite should remain consistent, making for an exciting and competitive tournament.
SEMI-PRO: Registration and Tournament Meeting
A meeting will be held June 5, 2025, at Lindsey Wilson College, 210 Lindsey Wilson St., Columbia, KY 42728. Registration is 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm. The meeting is at 6:00 pm.
AMATEUR: Registration and Tournament Meeting
A meeting will be held June 6, 2025, at Holmes Bend Boat Ramp, 5380 Holmes Bend Rd, Columbia, KY 42728. Registration is 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm. The meeting is at 6:00 pm.
Visit www.NationalCrappieLeague.com for rules and registration. For questions, contact SGraham@nationalcrappieleague.com
Fishable Waters, Off-Limits, and Fishing Hours:
All legal waters on Green River may be fished. Off-limits is 4:00 pm on the day of the pre-tournament meeting. Fishing hours are from official sunrise to 2:30 pm.
Weigh-In Site:
Weigh-in will be at Holmes Bend Boat Ramp, 5380 Holmes Bend Rd, Columbia, KY 42728. Contestants must be in the weigh-in line by 3:30 pm.
Free Kids Rodeo:
A free Kids Rodeo will be held on June 7, 2025, at Holmes Bend Boat Ramp 5380 Holmes Bend Rd, Columbia, KY 42728. Registration is from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Fishing is from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. This is for kids 12 and under, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring your pole and bait. Enjoy the fun and prizes.
Host: Columbia-Adair County Tourism Commission
Host Lodging: Holmes Bend Cabins: 270-384-4425 Sleep Inn & Suites: 270-380-1200
Local Sponsors: Holmes Bend Marina, The Tackle Box, Acapulco Grill, Hancock Tire, Black Stallion Steakhouse, BYO Express Cuisine, Tucker Tiki Restaurant, Big Al’s Guns and Outdoors, and Andersons by Mimi.
National Sponsors: Happy Hollow Outdoors, DMF Bait, BUBBA, Power-Pole Total Boat Control, Purpose Built Optics, Redneck Adventures, Engel Coolers, Everharts Outdoor Store, Team Crappie, Gamma Fishing, Amped Outdoors LLC, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Motormate, B’n’M Fishing, Off Shore Tackle Company, Fishing Frenzy, Charlie Brewer’s Slider Company, Nothead Tackle, Rambler Angler and Blade Co., Connect-Ease, Performance Fishing Electronics, Black Speck Fishing & Tackle, ATX Lure Company, Li’L Tuffy Swim Bait, Spotless Water Spot Remover with Wax, Crappie Magnet, Crappie NOW, Crappie.com, Zebco, Millennium Marine, YETI, Lowe Boats, Mercury Marine, RIGRAP, Eagle Claw Hooks, Flambeau Outdoors, Hook & Tackle, Ego Nets, Tiny’s Hand Tied Hair Jigs, Slabz Crappie, Church Tackle, Stan’s Slip Bobbers, and Grizzly Jig Company.
Wild Card Tournaments, 2025
June 27-28 – Eufaula, OK
August 8-9 – Truman Lake, Clinton, MO
September 12-13 – Cross Lake & Red River, Shreveport, LA
September 20 – East Fork Lake, OH
October 3-4 – Lake Murray, Columbia, SC
October 10-11 – Grenada Lake, Grenada, MS
October 18 – Lake of the Ozarks, Laurie, MO
National Championship & Expo 2025:
March 20-21, 2026 – Lake Cumberland, Somerset, KY
(Stephanie Graham – National Crappie League)
((Paige Nickel, Executive Director – Adair County Tourism and Convention Commission)