2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Schedule
• April 10-12 — Cherokee Lake, Jefferson City, Tenn.
• April 22-24 — Toledo Bend, Many, La.
• May 8-10 — Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wis.
• July 31-Aug. 2 — Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
* B.A.S.S. Nation Championship — To be announced
Registration Dates
• State Nation Early Entry Codes — Jan. 6, 2026 at 9 a.m. CT
• State Nation members zoned for each Qualifier — Jan. 13, 2026 at 9 a.m. CT
• All Nation members — Jan. 20, 2026 at 9 a.m. CT
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has unveiled the 2026 B.A.S.S. Nation schedule, with four qualifying events centralized in the U.S. and a championship location yet to be announced. The B.A.S.S. Nation trail offers everyday anglers the opportunity to fish their way from the grass-roots level to the Bassmaster Classic.
The trail begins April 10-12 on Cherokee Lake in Jefferson City, Tenn., a deep, clear reservoir nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Known for its strong populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass, Cherokee offers challenging conditions that reward versatility and precision.
From there, competition shifts to Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, La., April 22-24. As one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country, Toledo Bend has long been a bucket-list destination for bass anglers. With thousands of acres of hydrilla and abundant cover, it consistently produces heavy bags and record-class bass.
The Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wis., May 8-10, offers an entirely different challenge. Anglers will navigate backwaters, wing dams and current-driven main-river channels, where shallow-water power fishing and adaptability are often the keys to success.
The regular-season finale will be held July 31-Aug. 2 on Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Nestled along the Adirondack Coast, Champlain is revered for its world-class smallmouth fishing and the chance for anglers to also chase trophy largemouth.
Through the B.A.S.S. Nation program, grass-roots anglers have the opportunity to advance from their local clubs to regional championships, then to the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. From there, top performers can earn a berth in the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic.
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Platinum Sponsors: Progressive, Toyota
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Triton Boats, VMC, Yokohama