sports

Leech Lake to Host 2026 Bassmaster College Championship

The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society has announced that Leech Lake in Walker, Minnesota will host the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship, marking the first time the prestigious collegiate event will visit the storied fishery.

The tournament will take place August 20-22, 2026, on Minnesota's third-largest lake. College anglers from across the country will compete for a national title, with full tournament details including takeoff and weigh-in locations to be announced at a later date. Fans can follow the action through live coverage, daily weigh-ins and updates on Bassmaster.com.

'Leech Lake is an incredible fishery that will challenge every team in the field and reward anglers who can adapt,' said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. Tournament Manager. 'With water temperatures typically warm and vegetation at its peak, largemouth bass are often found relating to thick grass, docks and shallow cover, while smallmouth bass may group up on rock structure, mid-lake humps and points.'