2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule
February 5-8, Scottosboro, Ala., Lake Guntersville
February 12-15, Alexander City, Ala., Lake Martin
March 13-15, Bassmaster Classic, Knoxville, Tenn., Tennessee River
March 26-29, Columbus, Miss., Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
April 16-19, Muskogee, Ark., Arkansas River
May 7-10, Columbia, S.C., Lake Murray
May 14-17, Clarendon County, S.C., Santee Cooper Lakes
June 11-14, Elizabeth City, N.C., Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound
August 13-16, Plattsburgh, N.Y., Lake Champlain
August 27-30, Clayton, N.Y., St. Lawrence River
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bass fishing’s biggest stage has been set for 2026 with the return of the Bassmaster Elite Series, featuring a dynamic schedule that will test the world’s best anglers on some of the nation’s most storied waters — and a few that haven’t hosted an Elite event in years. However, none are in the Western U.S.
The 2026 slate includes nine regular-season events across six states, plus the Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn., March 13-15.
The season kicks off February 5-8 on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro. Known for its sprawling grass mats Guntersville is a perennial favorite among anglers.
A week later, the Elite Series heads south to Lake Martin in Alexander City, Ala., February 12-15. Tucked into the foothills of the Appalachians, this deep, clear reservoir offers a contrast in styles with its spotted bass population and finesse-focused tactics.
The Bassmaster Classic returns to Knoxville, Tenn., March 13-15, where the Tennessee River weaves through the heart of downtown.
After the Classic, the Elites will venture to Columbus, Miss., and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway from March 26-29. A diverse and winding stretch of water, the Tenn-Tom offers tricky navigation, backwater hideaways and a healthy bass population. This will be a brand-new fishery for the Elites to tackle.
In April, the tour heads to Muskogee, Okla., and the Arkansas River, April 16-19. Known for its changing water levels, lock systems and heavy cover, the Arkansas River is a test of adaptability.
Come May, the Elites roll into Lake Murray in Columbia, S.C., May 7-10. A blueback herring fishery that rewards those who can keep up with fast-moving bass,
The following week, May 14-17, the circuit stays in South Carolina for a return to Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County. Santee Cooper is a bucket-list destination for many anglers.
In June, the tour journeys to Elizabeth City, N.C., for a showdown on the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound, June 11-14. A blackwater fishery teeming with cypress trees, lily pads, and tidal influence, the Pasquotank presents a shallow-water playground.
After a midsummer break, the Elites travel north for two marquee events in New York. First up is Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, August 13-16. Straddling the border of New York and Vermont, Champlain is renowned for its dual threat of quality smallmouth and largemouth fishing.
The regular season concludes August 27-30 in Clayton, N.Y., on the St. Lawrence River. This deep, clear waterway is home to some of the biggest smallmouth on the planet.
The 2026 season blends familiar power-fishing strongholds with tactical finesse fisheries, while ensuring tournament anglers won't have to travel out west to test unfamiliar waters.