National Crappie League
NCL Media Contact: Bobby Brown Bobby@nationalcrappieleague.com Date: April 18, 2023
The National Crappie League (NCL) heads to West Monroe, Louisiana, the Ouachita River and Poverty Point Reservoir for an Open tournament on May 6-7, 2023, where competitors will fish for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to qualify for the NCL National Championship.
Paybacks will be 100% or more, guaranteed. All anglers are eligible to compete in NCL’s Open Division. This is a two-day tournament with a guaranteed minimum of $20,000 payback. Big Fish $2000. The highest-placing senior, adult/youth and male/female teams will be awarded at this event.
The Ouachita River has many miles of fishable water. Along with the river, it has thousands of acres of bayous loaded with black and white crappie. The river’s ever-changing conditions can test the best fishermen or be red hot with non-stop action. Poverty Point Reservoir is a 2700-acre manmade impoundment with depths reaching 20 to 30 feet.
Registration and Tournament Meeting
You must be registered by midnight, April 28. Visit www.NationalCrappieLeague.com for rules and registration. For questions, contact Bobby@NationalCrappieLeague.com. A meeting will be held May 5th at the Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe, LA 71201. Sign in at 5:00-6:00 pm, meeting at 6:00 pm. At the meeting, there will be a seafood banquet catered by Catfish Charlie’s, and will include catfish, crawfish boil, shrimp and trimmings.
Fishable Waters, Fishing Hours and Off-Limits
All legal waters are from South Lock and Dam #4 at Riverton to North Lock and Dam Felsenthal. You may not go into any area posted with no trespassing signs. Also, legal waters include Poverty Point Reservoir, located approximately 60 miles east of Monroe, LA. Fishing hours are 6:30 am to 2:30 pm. Practice is April 29 through May 5 until 4:00 pm.
Launch and Weigh-In Site
No shotgun launch. Teams may launch at any public ramp available to all. Live well check at Forsythe Recreation Area Boat Ramp. Weigh-in will be at Forsythe Recreation Area Boat Ramp, 2201 Riverside Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. Teams must be in the weigh-in line by 4:00 pm.
Free Kids Rodeo
A free Kids Rodeo will be held May 6, 2023, at Forsyth Area Boat Ramp. Registration is from 8:00 am- 9:00 am. Fishing is from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. This is for kids 12 and under, accompanied by parent or guardian. Bring your pole and bait. Enjoy the fun and prizes.
Sponsor and Host Lodging
West Monroe Convention and Visitors Center would like to welcome all NCL anglers and their guests to the area. They invite everyone to enjoy the fishing and visit the area attractions. For more information, visit https://www.monroe-westmonroe.org/, phone 318-387-5691.
Host Hotel, Woodspring Suites West Monroe 318-582-1610, https://www.woodspring.com/.
National Sponsors
NCL national sponsors include CarZone USA; Crappie Monster; Grenada Lake Resorts; H&H Rods and Reels; Fisherman’s Haven; Power-Pole; Rockport Rattler; Outlaw Lithium Batteries; Pro Controll; O’Reilly Auto; Team Crappie; Everharts Outdoors; Crappie Brakes; Ludwig Marine; Morris Marine; Charlie Brewer Slider; B’n’M Poles; Crappie Magnet; Jenko Fishing; Midsouth Super Jigs; SoreMouth Tackle; Quality Plumbing N Heating; Millennium Marine; Snacky Lures; CrappieNOW; Crappie.com; Prodezigns; Crappie Customs; Swamp Gear; Hook & Bullet; Slab Crazy Outdoors
Upcoming Open Events for 2023
May 6-7, Ouachita River, West Monroe, LA
June 3-4, Sardis Lake, Sardis, MS
June 24-25, Toledo Bend, Many, LA
Dec 9-10, Lake D’Arbonne, Farmerville, LA
Upcoming Division 1 Events for 2023
May 13, Salamonie & Mississinewa, Wabash, IN
Aug 12, Truman Lake, Clinton, MO
Sept 9, Lake of the Ozarks, Gravois Mills-Laurie, MO
Oct 7, Rough River Lake, Fall of Rough, KY
Oct 14, Lake D’Arbonne, Farmerville, LA
National Championship & Expo
March 2024 – TBA
