Idaho Bass Fishing Kayak Series Kicks Off at Swan Falls
The Idaho Bass Fishing Kayak Series (IBFK) officially kicked off on September 26, 2026, with the Swan Falls Open at Swan Falls Reservoir, Idaho.
This event marked the first-ever Idaho Bass Fishing Kayak Series tournament and served as the beginning of what will continue as a full tournament series in 2027.
Thirteen anglers took to the water for the inaugural event, competing in a Catch-Photo-Release (CPR) format, with each angler’s best five bass counting toward their final total.
With more than 25 miles of eligible water stretching from Swan Falls Dam downriver to the Grand View boat ramp, anglers had plenty of water and a variety of ways to approach the fishery.
A Tough Day on the Water
The first event certainly didn’t hand out any easy fish.
A cold front and windy conditions made for a rough day on the water and tough fishing throughout the tournament. Anglers had to battle the elements while trying to put together a five-fish limit.
Despite the difficult bite, several anglers were able to find enough quality fish to make things competitive at the top.
Swan Falls Open Results
1st Place — Michael Mumford — 77.00 inches
Michael Mumford claimed the first-ever IBFK tournament victory with a five-fish total of 77 inches.
2nd Place — Justin Peterson — 71.00 inches
Justin Peterson put together a 71-inch limit to secure second place.
3rd Place — Ozzy Reorowicz — 69.50 inches
Ozzy Reorowicz rounded out the podium with 69.50 inches, finishing just half an inch ahead of fourth place.
Big Bass — Mare Jerusal | 16.75" Smallmouth
Mare Jerusal earned Big Bass honors with a 16.75-inch smallmouth bass, caught early in the tournament.
Just the Beginning for IBFK
The Swan Falls Open was more than just a single tournament—it was the first event for the Idaho Bass Fishing Kayak Series and the start of something we plan to continue building.
The goal of IBFK is to provide Idaho kayak anglers with an opportunity to compete, meet other anglers, explore different fisheries throughout the state, and help grow the competitive kayak fishing community in Idaho.
The Swan Falls Open gave us an opportunity to get the series on the water in 2026, and this is only the beginning. IBFK will return in 2027 as a full tournament series, with more events, more fisheries, and more opportunities for anglers to compete throughout the season.
A big thank you goes out to all 13 anglers who showed up for the first event, battled the cold front and wind, and helped make the inaugural tournament happen.
Congratulations to Michael Mumford, Justin Peterson, Ozzy Reorowicz, and Big Bass winner Mare Jerusal on their finishes.
The first IBFK event is officially in the books. Now, on to 2027.