BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The road to the 2026 Bassmaster Classic will wind through the scenic Appalachian Mountains this fall as B.A.S.S. announces Watauga Lake in Carter County, Tenn., as the host site for the 2025 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket. The event will take place on the clear, deep waters of Watauga Lake, a highland reservoir nestled within the Cherokee National Forest.
The Bassmaster College Classic Bracket is the ultimate test of collegiate bass fishing excellence, where the top four teams from the Bassmaster College National Championship are split up and will compete head-to-head as eight individual anglers in a bracket-style, elimination tournament. The stakes couldn’t be higher: The winner earns a berth in the 2026 Bassmaster Classic, a coveted invitation to fish the 2026 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN in both divisions and the use of a fully rigged Nitro boat and Toyota Tundra for the season.
“Super-excited to be sharing this moment with each of these anglers as they chase their dreams,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager for the College, High School and Junior Series. “Best of luck to all of them.”
Watauga Lake, which spans 6,430 acres, offers a unique challenge for competitors with its deep, clear water and abundance of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. As part of Tennessee’s Bill Dance Signature Lakes program, Watauga has seen continued investment to enhance habitat and access, making it one of the state’s premier fishing destinations.
“Carter County Tourism is excited to showcase the scenic beauty and incredible fishing of Watauga Lake with the 2025 Bassmaster College Bracket Tournament,” said Director of Tourism for the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce Luke Freeman. “We look forward to having these anglers experience firsthand all that Carter County has to offer.”