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Nov. 5, 2025
2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series schedule announced
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has announced the schedule for the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, featuring six premier fisheries across the country as well as a championship event to be held in conjunction with the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour in Knoxville, Tenn.
“The 2026 schedule highlights some of the best and most diverse kayak fisheries in the nation,” said Steve Owens, Bassmaster Kayak Series tournament director. “From Florida vegetation to California clear water and everything in between, this trail reflects how kayak fishing continues to thrive nationwide. We’re also thrilled to once again tie our championship to the biggest stage in bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.”
GL Compton, B.A.S.S. Nation tournament manager, added, “The growth of the Bassmaster Kayak Series has been incredible. This lineup showcases the variety of fisheries that make kayak competition so exciting, including shallow river systems, deep clear lakes and everything in between. Each stop provides anglers with unique challenges and opportunities to demonstrate their skill and adaptability.”
The season kicks off February 7-8 on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Kissimmee, Fla., one of Florida’s most famous bass fisheries known for its vast vegetation, winding canals and potential for giant largemouth.
In March, qualifying anglers from the 2025 Bassmaster Kayak Series season will head to Chickamauga and Nickajack lakes in Chattanooga, Tenn., March 11-13 to compete in the Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship, which will be held alongside the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. This Tennessee River stretch is renowned for its trophy-sized bass and vibrant springtime bite.
April will bring the series to Caddo Lake and Lake Bistineau in Shreveport, La., April 18-19. These cypress-filled bayous deliver scenic beauty and challenging fishing, offering opportunities to flip, pitch and power fish through heavy cover.
The next stop will take the trail east to Santee Cooper lakes in Clarendon County, S.C., May 30-31. Santee Cooper — comprised of Lakes Marion and Moultrie — is a historic big-bass fishery known for its flooded timber, shallow flats and trophy potential.
From there, the series will head west to Clear Lake in Lake County, Calif., June 6-7. California’s largest natural freshwater lake consistently ranks among the top bass lakes in the nation, offering both numbers and size thanks to its abundant forage and complex structure.
After the summer heat sets in, competitors will test their skills on the Susquehanna River in Bloomsburg, Pa., August 1-2. This shallow, rocky river is one of the premier smallmouth bass destinations in the country, where current and positioning play key roles in success.
The 2026 season will conclude August 22-23 in Appleton, Wis., at the Wolf and Fox rivers. These interconnected systems, flowing into Lake Winnebago, offer dynamic current-based fishing and the potential for both largemouth and smallmouth bass to finish the season strong.
For more information on the Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, visit Bassmaster.com/kayak.
2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft Schedule
Feb. 7-8 — Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee, Fla.
April 18-19 — Caddo Lake/Lake Bistineau, Shreveport, La.
May 30-31 — Santee Cooper Lakes, Clarendon County, S.C.
June 6-7 — Clear Lake, Lake County, Calif.
Aug. 1-2 — Susquehanna River, Bloomsburg, Pa.
Aug. 22-23 — Wolf and Fox Rivers, Appleton, Wis.
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