sports

2026 Bassmaster College Championship to Leech Lake

B.A.S.S. has selected Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota, to host the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship, marking the first time the prestigious collegiate event will visit the storied fishery.

The 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will take place August 20-22 on Minnesota's third-largest lake. College anglers from across the country will compete for the national title, with full tournament details including takeoff and weigh-in locations to be announced later.

With water temperatures typically warm and vegetation at its peak in August, competitors can expect largemouth bass to relate to thick grass and shallow cover, while smallmouth bass may group on rock structure and mid-lake humps. The expansive nature of Leech Lake will challenge teams to manage long runs and adapt to changing wind conditions.