CAL SAG & BIG LAKE
Experience premier bass fishing on Chicago’s Lake Michigan and Cal-Sag Channel. Join our community of passionate anglers for tournaments, guided trips, and unforgettable days on the water.
BASS
Join Chicago's Premier Bass Fishing Club
From competitive tournaments to community events, Cal Sag Bass offers everything you need to take your bass fishing to the next level.
Tournament Competition
Compete in our Cal Sag & Big Lake single divisions & South Shore Open 2-day team tournament on Lake Michigan, Cal-Sag Channel, and Chicago River tributaries. Chase competitive payouts and big bass prizes.
Competitive payouts
Big bass prizes
South Shore Open Community & Events
Join a tight-knit community of passionate anglers. Enjoy South Shore Open pre-tournament hospitality, family-friendly events, live entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Hospitality lounge access
Family-friendly atmosphere
Live entertainment & vendors
Prime Fishing Waters
Access exclusive fishing opportunities across Chicago's premier bass waters including Cal-Sag Channel, Lake Michigan, Lake Calumet, and Chicago River tributaries.
Multiple launch points
Smallmouth & largemouth bass
Chicago & Lake Michigan access
Our Amazing Sponsors
Thank you to our valued sponsors who make our tournaments possible
Know the Waters. Know the Rules.
Review division-specific rules, boundaries, and fishing maps before you hit the water. We've got two competitive divisions ready for you.
CSB Division
Cal-Sag Channel focused competition featuring largemouth and trophy smallmouth bass in Chicago's premier urban waterways.
5 fish limit · 12" minimum
Cal-Sag Channel & tributaries
Detailed maps & boundaries available
BLB Division
Big Lake competition targeting trophy smallmouth bass across Lake Michigan's expansive southern waters.
3 fish limit · 14" minimum
Lake Michigan southern waters
Detailed maps & boundaries available
READY TO COMPETE?
Register for the 2026 Tournament Season
Register now for Cal Sag or Big Lake Bass divisions and compete for championships, cash prizes, and the prestigious championship belt. Limited spots available.
CHAMPIONS
Past Winners & Champions
Celebrating our championship anglers who've claimed AOY titles, Belt Championships, and tournament victories.
2025 Big Lake AOY
Dave Sanders
2025 South Shore Bass Open Champions
Scott & Tyler Christy
2025 Cal Sag Belt Champion
Duncan Kopp-Richardson
2025 Cal Sag AOY
Ryan Whitacre
2025 Big Lake Belt Champion
Joe Chiarella
2024 Cal Sag Belt Champion
Robert Pointer
2024 Big Lake Belt Champion
Ryan Whitacre
2024 Cal Sag AOY
Ryan Whitacre
2024 Big Lake AOY
Ryan Whitacre
2023 Cal Sag Belt Champion
Duncan Kopp-Richardson
2023 Big Lake Belt Champion
Erik Brztowski
2023 Cal Sag AOY
Ryan Whitacre
2026 Tournament Season
Mark your calendars for competitive bass fishing across Chicago's premier waters
CAL SAG BASS DIVISION
6 Tournaments
LAUNCH SITE
Waterfront Marine
14042 S Croissant Dr, Burnham IL
MARCH
21
Saturday
APRIL
18
Saturday
MAY
23
Saturday
JUNE
27
Saturday
SEPTEMBER
12
Saturday
OCTOBER
17-18
Saturday - Sunday
BIG LAKE BASS DIVISION
6 Tournaments
PASTRICK MARINA
3301 Aldis St
East Chicago, IN
HAMMOND MARINA
701 Casino Center Drive
Hammond, IN
MARCH
28
Saturday
Pastrick
APRIL
25
Saturday
Pastrick
MAY
30
Saturday
Pastrick
JULY
18
Saturday
Hammond
SEPTEMBER
26
Saturday
Pastrick
OCTOBER
24-25
Saturday - Sunday
Hammond
SOUTH SHORE BASS OPEN
Special Event
LAUNCH SITE
Hammond Marina
701 Casino Center Drive, Hammond
AUGUST
1
Saturday
AUGUST
2
Sunday
QUESTIONS?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about joining Cal Sag Bass
Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our contact form or reach out to us directly. We’ll get you all the information you need about membership, tournament schedules, and division requirements. New members are always welcome!
The Cal Sag Bass (CSB) division focuses on tournaments in the Cal-Sag Channel and tributaries with a 5 fish limit and 12″ minimum. The Big Lake Bass (BLB) division competes on Lake Michigan’s southern waters with a 3 fish limit and 14″ minimum, targeting trophy smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Membership includes access to all division tournaments throughout the season, eligibility for Angler of the Year (AOY) competitions, championship events, access to our hospitality lounge, and a chance to compete for prizes and the prestigious championship belt.
Yes, competitors typically need their own boat and equipment. However, we encourage anglers to connect with each other for team opportunities. Reach out to us if you’re looking for partnership opportunities or need guidance on getting started.
Most tournaments are single-day events with specific launch times and weigh-in schedules. Championship events like the South Shore Bass Open and Belt Championships are multi-day tournaments. All tournaments follow specific rules for each division regarding catch limits, minimum sizes, and permitted waters.
Membership and tournament entry fees vary by division and event. Contact us for current pricing information and to learn about our seasonal membership packages. We believe in keeping competitive bass fishing accessible while maintaining quality events.