2026 Tournament Schedule!

Read More: The 2026 Badlands Bass Bandits schedule is locked, loaded, and ready to go. We’ve got a massive season ahead of us - from Lake Tschida to the Classic Championship at Lake Harmon and Lake Nelson.
Who’s bringing the heat this year? Whether you’re fishing for the cash, the trophies, or just the ultimate bragging rights, this is the year to prove it.
Check the schedule and mark your calendars. Find out more on our website!

 

 

2025 Classic Championship

 

The 2025 Classic Championship was held on Lake Nelson and Lake Harmon this year. Day 1 weather was very fishable with overcast skies and moderate wind speeds mixed with an occasional sprinkle. This time of year any spot was a good spot on Lake Nelson and the multiple heavy bags were weighed in. Day 1 leaders were Jeff Peck and Jerrid Sisson with a 18.70lb bag of largemouth. Weighing in with an 18.50 lb bag was Cody and Ron Arth that seated them comfortably in 2nd place. Rounding out the day 1 top 3 list was Steve Heer and Jason Alexander who brought in a 18.29lb bag of fish.

Day 2 was set for Lake Harmon and it was a windy wet one! Winds increased throughout the morning with gusts up to 40 mph, but this lake is small and has a lot of wind protection so it was not rough out on the water. With these kinds of conditions anglers just hoped catching a limit would be enough. However, if you fished enough tournaments you know that there is always someone finding a way to catch them and catch them good! Late in the afternoon the skies cleared and the winds calmed and the Bandits were reelin' them in! Making a HUGE day 2 comeback was Justin Kangas who weighed in a 19.57lb bag of largemouth. Kangas was sitting in 5th place after day 1 and jumped all the way up to 2nd place on day 2. Sure handed angler Steve Alexander steadily put a limit together with a 13.28lb limit which helped him secure a 3rd place finish. Steve and Jason have been consistent all season long!

First place finishers were Justin Enney and Paul Reinbold. These two were on the struggle bus most of the day but were able to ralley a late day comeback by bringing in 5 bass that weighed 16.26 lbs. Classic big bass honors went to Justin Kangas with a 4.71lb bass. Congratulations to all of our winners!

End of the Year Awards:

Angler of the Year: Cody Arth was able to secure his 3rd angler of the year title. This was the 3rd consecutive title. This is the second time a club member has accomplished this!

Rookie of the Year: Jeff Peck dominated the year with a win and many strong finishes, this performance secured Jeff's ROY title!
Horizon Awards: Steve Heer and Jason Alexander were this years spotlight anglers who have improved the most. Look out for these two next year!

Biggest Smallmouth: Ron Arth 4.86 lbs Lake Williams

Biggest Largemouth: Steve Heer 5.51 lbs Lake Nelson

Bag Buster Award: Cody and Ron Arth 21.95lbs Lake Williams

 

 

Schedule Change!!

 

Due to weather we will be fishing Lake Nelson on
Day 1 of the classic. Launching from South East ramp.
Day 2 will be Lake Harmon - main ramp

 

Williams Lake Results

 

The Badlands Bass Bandit hit Williams Lake on September 6th. With the weather holding steady and the bass biting just right, the anglers laid it all on the line, keeping the club's vibe of straight-up competition, conservation smarts, and solid camaraderie front and center.This leg of the 2025 season—tackling lakes all over western and central North Dakota—turned Williams Lake into a real proving ground. Teams dialed in their spots.

It was a slugfest, with the top dogs pulling some monsters .Cody and Ron Arth dominated with a clean five-fish limit tipping the scales at 21.95 pounds, anchored by a 4.86-pound big bass—no penalties—for a perfect 100 points and first place. Steve Heer and Jason Alexander locked down second with five fish at 18.07 pounds (4.05-pound big bass, 99 points). Bob and Jeannette Reinbold took third with five fish for 17.72 pounds (4.12-pound big bass, 98 points), while Carl Hayden and Brian Fleckert grabbed fourth with five fish at 15.29 pounds (3.47-pound big bass, 97 points).Paul Reinbold and Justin Enney rounded out fifth with five fish weighing 11.37 pounds (4.05-pound big bass, 96 points), and Tony Reinbold and Hayden Bader brought up sixth with two fish at 8.41 pounds (4.32-pound big bass, 95 points). Those full limits made all the difference in the heat!

Placing
Team
# of Fish
# of Dead Fish
Short Fish
Big Bass
Final Weight (lbs)
Points
1
Cody & Ron Arth
5
0
0
4.86
21.95
100
2
Steve Heer & Jason Alexander
5
0
0
4.05
18.07
99
3
Bob & Jeannette Reinbold
5
0
0
4.12
17.72
98
4
Carl Hayden & Brian Fleckert
5
0
0
3.47
15.29
97
5
Paul Reinbold & Justin Enney
5
0
0
4.05
11.37
96
6
Tony Reinbold & Hayden Bader
2
0
0
4.32
8.41
95

Angler of the Year Race Heats Up with Two Events Left:

As the season winds down with just two tournaments remaining before the classic, the Angler of the Year standings are tighter than a bass's lip on a jig. Points from seven events so far (including Williams Lake) have Cody Arth out front with 690 total points (595 best minus worst), holding a slim edge over Steve Heer at 682 (589) and Brian Fleckert at 669 (579). Jeff Peck sits fourth at 571, while Josh Birchet rounds out the top five at 568.Bob and Jeannette Reinbold are neck-and-neck at 654 each (565), and the battle for spots six through ten is wide open with Jason Alexander at 563, Jon Hopson at 548, and others like Amanda Bader (456) and Richard Morrison (460) lurking. With big points on the line in the final push, anything can happen—expect some fireworks as anglers chase that top honor.

Position
Angler
Total Points
Best Points (minus worst)
1
Cody Arth
690
595
2
Steve Heer
682
589
3
Brian Fleckert
669
579
4
Jeff Peck
571
571
5
Josh Birchet
568
568
6
Bob Reinbold
654
565
6
Jeannette Reinbold
654
565
8
Jason Alexander
563
563
9
Jon Hopson
548
548
10
Amanda Bader
456
456

Wrapping Up a Solid DayThe September 6th throwdown at Williams Lake was pure gold, mixing cutthroat fishing with the kind of laughs that keep the Badlands Bass Bandits rolling strong in North Dakota's bass world. The lake's mix of structure and cover kept things interesting, and the fish cooperated big time.Heading into the home stretch, the club stays true to clean angling with no-nonsense dead fish penalties and a real push for conservation. Ready to get involved, scout the next events, or sign on ($35 a year)? Check badlandsbassbandits.com or hit them up on social.

South Hoffer Lake

 

 

The Badlands Bass Bandits, North Dakota’s go-to bass fishing club since 2006, brought the action to South Hoffer Lake this weekend with a rip-roaring tournament. With sunny skies and great conditions, the anglers showed off their grit and love for the sport and the Teams battled it out with.

Cody Arth and Josh Birchet took the crown with a flawless five-fish limit at 15.38 pounds—zero penalties—racking up 100 points. Tony Reinbold and Hayden Bader nabbed second with five fish for 13 pounds, though a one-pound dead fish penalty left them at 99 points. Steve Heer and Jason Alexander landed third with five fish at 12.12 pounds (98 points), while the Bader crew—Jason, Amanda, Michael, and Hailey—grabbed fourth with five fish at 11.45 pounds, powered by a 3.2-pound big bass for 97 points. Carl Hayden and Brian Fleckert rounded out the top five with four fish totaling 8.7 pounds, including a 2.58-pound big bass, for 96 points.Further down, Paul, Quinn Reinbold, and Carter Bader hit sixth with two fish at 5.71 pounds (a 3.24-pound big bass, 95 points), and Bob and Jeannette Reinbold took seventh with two fish at 5.29 pounds (3.06-pound big bass, 94 points). Jeff Peck and Jon Hopson, Jordan Bitz, and Justin Enney tied for eighth with zero fish, each scoring 84 points. A full limit clearly made the difference up top!
Placing
Team
# of Fish
# of Dead Fish
Short Fish
Big Bass
Final Weight (lbs)
Points
1
Cody Arth & Josh Birchet
5
0
0
3.5
15.38
100
2
Tony Reinbold & Hayden Bader
5
1
0
3.5
13
99
3
Steve Heer & Jason Alexander
5
0
0
3
12.12
98
4
Jason, Amanda, Michael & Hailey Bader
5
0
0
3.2
11.45
97
5
Carl Hayden & Brian Fleckert
4
0
0
2.58
8.7
96
6
Paul, Quinn Reinbold & Carter Bader
2
0
0
3.24
5.71
95
7
Bob & Jeannette Reinbold
2
0
0
3.06
5.29
94
8
Jeff Peck & Jon Hopson
0
0
0
3
0
84
8
Jordan Bitz
0
0
0
0
0
84
8
Justin Enney
0
0
0
11
0
84

Junior Division: Kid Power ShinesIn the junior division, Jory Fleckert stole the spotlight with a single 2.96-pound fish, clinching first place. His catch brought some cheers and proved the club’s heart for getting young anglers hooked, adding a warm, family feel to the event.
Placing
Angler
# of Fish
Final Weight (lbs)
1st
Jory Fleckert
1
2.96

 

 

Vossler and Browning take New Johns

The Badlands Bass Bandits tournament at New Johns Lake on August 9th, 2025, delivered an exciting showdown of skill and strategy among local anglers. This lake has long been known to hold big fish and the anglers were ready to hit the water.

Top Performers
The event showcased top teams vying for the title, with Eric Vossler and Julian Browning emerging as champions. Vossler and Browning topped the leaderboard with an impressive 16.82-pound haul, including a standout 3.48-pound big bass. Their consistency, landing 5 fish with no dead fish penalties, earned them a perfect 100 points and the first-place title.

Notable Highlights
Close behind, Paul Reinbold and Justin Enney secured second place with 15.85 pounds and a 4.41-pound big bass, scoring 99 points. Steve Heer rounded out the podium in third with 15.85 pounds and a 3.6-pound big bass, totaling 98 points.

The tournament saw a tight competition, with Rich Morrison and James Francis taking fourth place (13.59 pounds, 97 points) and Jeremy Lecler and Josh Birchet rounding out the top five (13.15 pounds, 96 points).

Notably, Cody & Ron Arth and Jeff Peck & Jon Hopson tied for sixth and seventh places with 12.35 and 9.95 pounds respectively, highlighting the depth of talent present.Teams like Tony Reinbold, Hayden, and Carter Bader (7.21 pounds, 8th place) and Bob & Jeanette Reinbold with Michael Bader (5.7 pounds, 9th place) also made their mark despite smaller catches.

At the lower end, Jordan Bitz finished 12th with no fish landed, scoring 89 points.The event underscored the competitive spirit and community of the Badlands Bass Bandits, with New Johns Lake proving a challenging yet rewarding venue.

 

Full results are available for review, celebrating the dedication of all participants in this thrilling tournament.

Stay tuned for more updates on our next event at South Hoffer Lake on August 23rd!

 

Lake Sakakwea Results

On July 19th, 2025, the Badlands Bass Bandits held an exciting tournament at Lake Sakakawea, showcasing the skills of anglers targeting smallmouth bass. The competition saw a tight race among teams, with Cody Arth and Justin Enney emerging as the champions.

Top Performers
Cody Arth and Justin Enney took first place with an impressive total weight of 10.12 pounds, including a big bass weighing 2.25 pounds. Their consistent catch of five fish earned them a perfect 100 points. Close behind, Jeff Peck and Jon Hopson secured second place with a weight of 10.1 pounds and a big bass of 2.08 pounds, scoring 99 points. Dustin, Kolbe, and Lukas Baker rounded out the top three with 9.79 pounds and a big bass of 2.3 pounds, earning 98 points.

Notable Highlights
The competition was fierce, with Carl Hayden and Brian Feickert finishing fourth with 9.39 pounds and a big bass of 2.13 pounds (97 points), followed by Michael and Angela Messall in fifth with 9.02 pounds (96 points). The Reinbold family made a strong showing, with Bob and Jeanette Reinbold placing sixth (8.95 pounds, 95 points) and Paul, Edison, and Quinn Reinbold ninth (4.93 pounds, 92 points). Tony Reinbold, Hayden, and Carter Bader also contributed with a 4.07-pound catch for 10th place.

Junior Division
In the Jr. Division, Harley Bader stood out, catching a 1.52-pound smallmouth bass to claim first place, highlighting the next generation of angling talent.

Overall Impressions
The tournament highlighted the abundance of smallmouth bass at Lake Sakakawea, with most teams catching between three to five fish. However, some teams, including Carson Dewald and Kellen Lange, Jason, Amanda, and Michael Bader, Kim and Kelli Fundingsland, and Jeremy Leckler and Josh Birchet, struggled to land fish, each finishing with zero weight. The event underscored the skill and determination required to succeed in competitive bass fishing, with the top teams demonstrating precision and strategy.This tournament not only celebrated the sport but also fostered a sense of community among anglers of all ages at one of Dakota Waters' premier fishing destinations. View the full Lake Sakakwea Results

 

Lake Audubon Results

On June 28th, 2025, the Badlands Bass Bandits hosted a thrilling smallmouth bass tournament at Lake Audubon, showcasing the prowess of local anglers. The event featured a competitive field, with Cody Arth and Josh Birchet claiming the top spot.

Top Performers

Cody Arth and Josh Birchet dominated with a total weight of 17.17 pounds, highlighted by a big bass of 4.01 pounds, earning them first place and 100 points. Jeff Peck followed closely in second with 16.89 pounds and a big bass of 3.7 pounds, securing 99 points. Peter and Geremy Olson took third place with 16.62 pounds and a big bass of 3.5 pounds, earning 98 points.

Notable Highlights

The Reinbold duo, Bob and Jeanette, finished fourth with 15.81 pounds and a big bass of 3.59 pounds (97 points), while Logan Staloch and Calson placed fifth with 15.29 pounds and a 3.3-pound big bass (96 points). Carl Hayden and Brian Fieckert impressed with 15.14 pounds and a 3.43-pound big bass for sixth place (95 points). The team of Grant Meyer, Jayden Votana, and Keaton Bobl rounded out the top seven with 14.91 pounds and a 3.3-pound big bass (94 points). Steve Heer also shone, securing eighth place with 14.11 pounds (93 points).

Overall Impressions

All teams caught the limit of five fish, demonstrating the abundance of smallmouth bass at Lake Audubon. The tight competition saw weights ranging from 13.31 to 17.17 pounds, reflecting the skill and strategy of the participants. Jase Utley and Dawson Smith finished ninth with 13.98 pounds and a 3.29-pound big bass (92 points), while Dustin Safranski, Kelli, and Kim Fundingsland closed out the top ten with 13.51 pounds and a 3.29-pound big bass (91 points).This tournament underscored the high level of angling talent at Lake Audubon, with every team showcasing their ability to land quality smallmouth bass. The event highlighted the competitive spirit and community engagement fostered by the Badlands Bass Bandits.

View the full Results

 

 

Nelson Lake was Smokin'!

Lake Nelson was the place to be if you were looking for some smoking hot largemouth bass fishing! This well known fishery was stop #3 for the Badlands Bass Bandits on May 31st and the club members were looking forward to catching some of the states biggest bass.

Overall Impressions
Fourteen teams competed at this event, the morning weather was ideal but as the day went on the wind increased which is nothing the Bandits aren't used to. Perhaps the worst condition that increased as the event went along was all of the smoke bellowing in from our northern neighbors, the Manitoba wild fires smoke filled the skies and made it difficult to breathe. By the end of the event it was time for the anglers to head home and seek some cover from the unhealthy air. Regardless of the days challenges the Bandits always find away to make the day successful.

Top Performers


Finding 3rd place success was team Rich and Marrisa Morrison of Minot, they weighed in an impressive 19.64 lbs. Their big bass of the day went for 4.31 lbs.

Taking second place for the day with a heavy bag of largemouth was Steve Heer and Jason Alexander, they 5 fish limit weighed 20.57lbs. That heavy limit of bass was anchored by the biggest bass of the tournament at 5.51 lbs!

Jeff Peck brought home the cash and harware by catching the 1st place bag that weighed 21.73 lbs! Jeff's biggest bass of the tournament was 4.72 lbs. Congratulations Jeff! 

 


The next event for the club is June 28th on Lake Audubon North Dakota's premier smallmouth fishery! We will be docking from Cabin Site ramp.

 

2025 Kicks off at North Audubon

The 2025 Badlands Bass Bandits season opener kicked off with great weather and bass fishing! 13 Teams showed up ready for a day destined for some great early spring bass fishing.

 Top Performers

Bringing in the 3rd heaviest bag of smallmouth of the day was team Arth, Cody and Ron's 5 fish limit weighed 16.72 lbs. For this event the difference between 2nd place and 1st came down to less than an ounce. Justin Kangas and Scott Thingstad of Jamestown, ND just narrowly missed the season opener victory with a 2nd place bag of smallmouth that weighed 17.21 lbs. Bringing home the 1st place hardware was Carl Hayden and Brian Feickert with the winning bag of smallmouth that weighed 17.26 lbs. Their 5 fish limit was anchored with the biggest bass of the event that registered an even 4 lbs on the scale. Way to go Carl and Brian!

 

Junior Division

Huge congratulations to Shianne Arth for winning the Kids Division. Shianne took home the first place trophy and tackle merchandise by catching a 2.99 lb smallmouth! Keep it going Shianne!

Overall Impressions

For the first time in a long time the season opener welcomed club members to nice stable weather which provided great opportunity for early spring fishing. Long time effective spring tactics were used throughout the competition field to trick bronzebacks into biting. A lot of the bass were enticed with tube jigs and ned rigs but reports from the top half of the field included using some type of swimbait or minnow type presentation in 8-10 feet of water. 

The Bandits next event was scheduled for Lake Darling on the 17th of May but due to much needed rainfall the event was canceled due to rising water conditions and submerged boat docks. Therefore the Bandits will regroup and meet at Lake Nelson for a post spawn showdown! Be ready for some heavy weights and big bass being brought to the scale!

 

 

 

Spring Meeting - February 22nd

Badlands Bass Bandits Spring Meeting

10 am Mountain Time in Gladstone, ND

Badlands Bass Bandits - 2024 Tournament Announcements


Harmon Lake Tournament

Top Anglers at Harmon Lake Tournament 2024

Top Anglers at the first Harmon Lake Tournament!

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Isabel Lake Tournament

Isabel Lake Tournament Results 2024

Isabel, SD Tournament Results

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Hoffer Lake Tournament

Paul Reinbold and Cody Arth at Hoffer Lake Tournament 2024

Paul Reinbold and Cody Arth take Hoffer Lake!

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Nelson Lake Tournament

Team Bullinger at Nelson Lake Tournament 2024

Team Bullinger topped the leaderboard with an impressive 21.49 lbs.

The Nelson Lake Tournament showcased intense competition and thrilling moments. Participants from across the region tested their angling skills, with Team Bullinger emerging victorious.

Looking ahead to the first tournament at Hoffer Lake, anglers are eager to test their skills again.

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New Johns Lake Tournament

New Johns Lake Tournament 2024

The Johns Lake tournament was a thrilling showdown, with Team Ron & Cody Arth winning with 21.36 lbs.

Anglers gathered at East Park Lake, employing unique tactics to outsmart rivals. The competition was fierce, culminating in a moment of joy as the champions were crowned.

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Lake Audubon Tournament

Lake Audubon Tournament 2024

Despite tough weather, 17 teams competed at Lake Audubon. Team Jason Mitchell, Jason Votava, and Scott Winkels set a new club record with 20.26 lbs.

Most anglers found bass in shallow waters, using jerkbaits, square bills, tubes, and drop shots. The fishing was good, and we look forward to the New Johns tournament on May 18th!

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Badlands Bass Bandits - 2023 Tournament Announcements


2023 Classic Championship Weekend

2023 Classic Championship Winners

Congratulations to Team Ron and Cody Arth, and JR Division champion Mariah Maslanka! Big fish honors went to Team Olson with a 4.70 lb smallmouth.

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Spiritwood Showdown

Spiritwood Lake Tournament 2023

12 teams competed at Spiritwood Lake, a premier smallmouth fishery. The shallow bite targeting perch-heavy areas dominated, setting up an exciting finish at the Classic Championship.

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Club Camping Weekend

Club Camping Weekend Map

The club camping weekend is scheduled for September 16th & 17th at Rim Rock Area Loop A, coinciding with the 2-day Classic Championship.

Camping Information: Campsites are reserved for a two-night stay (Friday 15th to Sunday 17th). Cost per site: $48, paid to the club.

Event Details: North Shore Boat Ramp, Team Entry Fee: $160, Registration: 5:45 a.m. CT, Start: 6:30 a.m. CT, End: 2:30 p.m. CT.

Lake Sakakawea Tournament

Lake Sakakawea Tournament 2023

14 teams enjoyed the nicest weather in club history at Lake Sakakawea. Next stop: Lake Isabel, SD!

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Lake Sakakawea Tournament Update

Lake Sakakawea Tournament Update

Date: July 22nd

Location: Dakota Waters Resort

Schedule: Registration: 5:45 a.m. CT, Rules: 6:00 a.m. CT, Start: 6:30 a.m. CT, End: 2:30 p.m. CT

Entry Fee: $80/team (max 3 per team)

Support Dakota Waters Resort for their generosity in allowing us to use their ramp.

Lake Oahe Results

Lake Oahe Tournament Results 2023

July 8th, Indian Creek State Park:

  • 1st: Mike Reid & Richard Mollison - 11.77 lbs
  • 2nd: Team Bullinger - 11.61 lbs
  • 3rd: John, Gayla & Cordell Wadsworth - 10.44 lbs
  • 4th: Team Reinbold, Paul - 10.13 lbs
  • 5th: Bob & Matt - 7.25 lbs
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Froelich Dam Tournament Moved

Due to poor road conditions, the Froelich Dam tournament was moved to East Park Lake (New Johns).

Nelson Lake Recap

Nelson Lake Tournament Results 2023

The Nelson Lake event was postponed to April 23rd due to icy roads. Despite tough conditions, 15 teams competed, with most securing a 5-bass limit.

Full Recap

2023 Ice Bowl

2023 Ice Bowl at Lake Nelson

March 25th, 2023, was one of the coldest Ice Bowls in club history. 14 anglers competed, with Colton Blomberg and John Lancaster taking top honors with 88 inches.

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Member Authored Bass Fishing Articles