National competition will bring 150 top anglers to the region October 15-17
Lake Murray will welcome approximately 150 of the nation’s top kayak anglers October 15-17 for the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft.
Hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC), the three-day championship will bring qualified competitors from across the country to compete for the national title.
This year’s event marks the first stand-alone championship for the Bassmaster Kayak Series. Previously held in conjunction with the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, the championship will have its own dedicated stage and media coverage, giving the sport’s top competitors a national platform.
“The Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship on Lake Murray represents the pinnacle of competitive kayak fishing, bringing together the most accomplished anglers from across the country to compete on one of the nation’s premier fisheries,” said GL Compton, B.A.S.S. tournament manager for Nation and Kayak.
“We’re excited to showcase not only the incredible talent within our sport, but also the outstanding hospitality and world-class fishing opportunities that Lake Murray and the surrounding community provide.”
Lake Murray previously hosted a Bassmaster Kayak Series event in 2024 that set an attendance record with 256 anglers competing. The 50,000-acre reservoir is nationally recognized for its healthy populations of largemouth and spotted bass, along with diverse fishing opportunities ranging from offshore structure and docks to timber and shallow cover.
The championship also highlights the continued growth of competitive kayak fishing. The Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft provides national-level tournament opportunities for anglers who use electric motor-powered kayaks and rely on skill, strategy and adaptability to navigate different fisheries.
“This event brings national exposure to our region and welcomes 150 anglers to Lake Murray Country for more than three nights, creating a meaningful economic impact for our hotels, restaurants and small businesses,” said Vickie Davis, executive director of CCLMC. “Capital City/Lake Murray Country is proud to help reinforce why our region continues to be recognized as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the country.”
Anglers qualify for the championship through several pathways, including top finishes in Bassmaster Kayak Series national events, Angler of the Year standings, College Kayak Series events and select B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series state championships.
The event will give visitors and fishing enthusiasts an opportunity to watch top kayak anglers compete while exploring the restaurants, attractions and outdoor recreation available throughout the four-county Lake Murray Country region, which includes Lexington, Richland, Newberry and Saluda counties.
For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.
