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Young anglers will get the chance to fish some of the country’s most legendary bass fisheries and emerging trophy lakes as B.A.S.S. announces the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series and Bassmaster Junior Series schedules. The College Series season will once again feature both the Legends Trail and the Lunkers Trail, spotlighting iconic lakes and big-bass waters while offering a pathway for youth and collegiate anglers to grow within the sport.
“I’m really excited about the 2026 schedule, especially with a couple of new bodies of water we’ll be fishing this season,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager for the College, High School and Junior Series. “A new season means fresh water and fresh chances. I challenge every angler: rise early, cast hard and let the season tell your story. Good luck and tight lines!”
The Legends Trail will showcase some of the sport’s most historic venues. Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Fla., has long been considered one of the premier trophy bass lakes in the country, and Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas is a perennial favorite on Bassmaster’s 100 Best Bass Lakes list. The trail will conclude at Kerr Reservoir in Oklahoma, a fishery that rewards versatility with its mix of structure and cover.
Meanwhile, the Lunkers Trail highlights lakes famous for producing giant bass. The season will begin on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee, one of the most recognized big-bass factories in the world. Anglers will then head to South Carolina’s Santee Cooper Lakes, which recently ranked No. 7 on Bassmaster’s 2025 100 Best Bass Lakes list, before finishing at Virginia’s James River, a tidal system that adds a unique and challenging element to the season.
The High School and Junior Series will share a four-event schedule that takes competitors from Florida grass lakes to massive Texas reservoirs before heading to Santee Cooper for a springtime slugfest and finally wrapping up at Oklahoma’s Kerr Reservoir. Each stop offers a distinct test of skill, from flipping heavy cover to finessing clear-water smallmouth.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of the 2026 Bassmaster College, High School and Junior schedule,” said Jane Powell, executive director of Santee Cooper Country. “The Santee Cooper Lakes were named No. 7 on Bassmaster’s 100 Best Bass Lakes list this year, so these young anglers should really enjoy their time here fishing and hopefully catch a personal best. We are looking forward to seeing them here this spring.”
“Along with our partners at Experience Kissimmee, we are proud to welcome the College, High School and Junior Series to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes for the very first time,” said President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission Jason Siegel. “This collaboration highlights our commitment to showcasing Osceola County and Central Florida as world-class sports destinations, and we are excited to provide the anglers and fans with an unforgettable experience on one of the country’s most renowned fisheries.”
“Hosting the College, High School and Junior B.A.S.S. tournaments is going to be an incredible experience for our entire community,” said Gena Woods, executive director of the Oklahoma Ozarks Tourism Association. “Getting to watch these young anglers compete with such skill, passion and sportsmanship reminds us why the future of this sport is so bright. Beyond the excitement on the water, the event will bring a tremendous economic boost to our local businesses, restaurants and lodging — a benefit that will be felt long after the final weigh-in. We are proud to play a part in creating memories that will inspire the next generation of bass fishing champions.”
“We are excited to welcome the Bassmaster College, High School and Junior Series to Kissimmee, alongside our partners at the Greater Orlando Sports Commission,” said Executive Director of the Kissimmee Sports Commission Jessica Beers. “The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes is a world-renowned bass fishing spot and has produced numerous prize-winning bass that keep anglers coming back again and again. We love hosting anglers and spectators in our destination. They help support our local community and businesses.”
The Bassmaster College, High School and Junior Series continue to spotlight the sport’s brightest young talent while providing unforgettable opportunities on world-class fisheries. Events are covered live on Bassmaster.com and across B.A.S.S. social and digital platforms...
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