BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) announced today the schedule for the 2026 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN, featuring eight tournaments across two divisions that promise to challenge competitors on some of the most renowned fishing venues in the United States.
The Opens have historically provided a critical stepping stone for those looking to ascend to professional status in the world of bass fishing. "Year after year, the Bassmaster Opens provide some of the most exciting and diverse competition in bass fishing," said Chase Anderson, B.A.S.S. CEO. With destinations ranging from Florida's grass lakes to the smallmouth-rich waters of the North, the 2026 lineup aims to deliver an eclectic mix of fishing environments.
**Division 1 is set to kick off on:** - Jan. 29-31 at Kissimmee Chain, Kissimmee, Fla. - Apr. 1-3 at Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Ala. (*Foward-facing live sonar permitted*) - Apr. 30-May 2 at Lake Norman, Charlotte, N.C. - Aug. 20-22 at Lake Erie, Buffalo, N.Y. (*Foward-facing live sonar permitted*)
**Meanwhile, Division 2 will begin with:** - Feb. 19-21 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper, Texas (*Foward-facing live sonar permitted*) - Apr. 23-25 at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Grove, Okla. - May 20-22 at Pickwick Lake, Counce, Tenn. (*Foward-facing live sonar permitted*) - June 18-20 at Upper Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wis.
This year's competitions continue to present high stakes for anglers, offering a path to qualify for the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier Series (EQs), culminating in access to the prestigious Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series. The competition serves as a proving ground, with recent champions making significant impacts in the Elite Series and the coveted Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic.
Easton Fothergill epitomizes this journey, having won two Opens events in 2024 before qualifying for the Elite Series and clinching the 2025 Bassmaster Classic. "The 2026 slate offers anglers the same opportunity to prove their skills and take the next step in their careers," stated B.A.S.S. officials.
In a bid to balance traditional fishing methods with modern technology, B.A.S.S. has introduced several regulatory updates for 2026. Limited use of forward-facing live sonar (FFS) will be allowed, as it is set to feature in only two tournaments per division. This approach allows for alternating tournament formats, with FFS permitted at specific locations. The inclusion of FFS at Lake Eufaula and Lake Erie, as well as Sam Rayburn Reservoir and Pickwick Lake, reflects B.A.S.S.'s effort to integrate innovation within the sport.
Entries and payouts for the Opens will remain consistent with previous years, yet new incentives are amplifying the competitive edge. Anglers who emerge as Anglers of the Year (AOY) in the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens will secure entry into the EQs at no cost—a move designed to encourage participation at every level. "In addition to qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic, if an angler enters all four tournaments in a division and wins one, they will also earn a guaranteed berth into the EQs," B.A.S.S. continued.
With the excitement building for the 2026 season, both competitors and fans can anticipate a thrilling combination of challenges and opportunities. The introduction of FFS regulations, along with updated qualifications, signals that B.A.S.S. is committed to both tradition and innovation as they continue to shape the landscape of competitive bass fishing for years to come.