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Photos: 2026 Opens schedule

The stage is set for 2026 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN season as anglers will compete in the two-division format that spans across eight different states.

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The stage is set for the 2026 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN season as anglers will compete in the two-division format that spans across eight different states. The wide variety of playing fields will be a test for all competitors. Additionally, B.A.S.S. has announced new changes to the Live Sonar rules for the 2026 Opens season where half of the events will allow the use of Live Sonar (forward-facing sonar) and the other half will prohibit the use of Live Sonar. Those tournaments are reflected in the photos below. Click here to learn more about the rule changes for the 2026 season.
Kissimmee Chain, Jan. 29-31 – Kissimmee, FL
Division 1
NO FFS
The 2026 Opens season kicks off at the legendary Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The coveted Florida fishery has a tendency to produce heavy bags and exciting fish catches. The Opens last visited in 2022, where Brandon Lester won his first B.A.S.S. event with a three-day total of 51 pounds, 2 ounces.
Sam Rayburn, Feb. 19-21 – Jasper, Texas
Division 2
FFS
Another world-famous body of water is primed for Division 2’s inaugural event. With forward-facing sonar in play, it’s sure to take massive wewights to claim the title. The Opens visited in 2025 but extreme conditions limited the event to a one-day shootout. Chris Miller took the win with 28 pounds, 10 ounces.
Lake Eufaula (Ala.), Apr. 1-3 – Eufaula, Ala.
Division 1
FFS
The southeastern Alabama reservoir claims the next stop scheduled from prime prespawn, spawn and postspawn bites. A 2024 B.A.S.S. Nation event here saw Adam Rasmussen run away with the tournament in February with a three-day total of 62 pounds, 5 ounces.
Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Apr. 23-25 – Grove, Okla.
Division 2
NO FFS
Grand Lake is no stranger to big events and dramatic finishes having hosted multiple Elite and Classic events. Last year’s Nation Championship was held here where Blake Capps claimed his Bassmaster Elite Series invitation by landing a three-day total of 42 pounds, 14 ounces. This event in late April is sure to see some substantial weights.
Lake Norman, Apr. 30-May 2 – Charlotte, N.C.
Division 1
NO FFS
Lake Norman, a clear highland reservoir just outside of Charlotte, N.C., will be especially interesting to watch with no forward-facing sonar in play. It could be a very fun spawning tournament, but regardless, Norman will show out. The 2022 College Series event here was won by Erskine College duo Garrett Smith and Avery Hammock with a two-day total of 31 pounds even.
Pickwick Lake, May 20-22 – Counce, Tenn.
Division 2
FFS
The Opens anglers find themselves back on the Tennessee River for an early summer smackdown. Fish should be all over the place with big bags coming deep and shallow. A 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation tournament showed Pickwhick in full force as Dylan Nutt took the title with an astounding 77 pounds, 6 ounces. With fish moving towards summer haunts next year, we are sure to see a continuation of the trend.
Upper Mississippi River, June 18-20 – La Crosse, Wis.
Division 2
NO FFS
The Upper Mississippi River continues to be a fish factory and one of the most visually thrilling venues. Both largemouth and smallmouth play a huge factor, and it is won in different ways each visit. Pat Schlapper won the Elite Series finale there this year with a four-day total of 66 pounds, 5 ounces.
Lake Erie, Aug. 20-22 – Buffalo, N.Y.
Division 1
FFS
The Great Lake of Lake Erie is the finale desination for the 2026 Opens regular season. This past year, the B.A.S.S. Nation was on the other side in Monroe, Mich. Aaron Jagdfeld took home the victory in the one-day shootout with 23 pounds, 5 ounces. A full three-day Opens event in 2026 is set up for some spectacular smallmouth fishing.

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