Leech Lake out of Walker, Minn., will host the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops Aug. 20-22.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
Feb. 16, 2026
Leech Lake to host 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today that the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will be held Aug. 20-22 on Minnesota’s famed Leech Lake in Walker, marking the first time the prestigious collegiate event has visited the storied fishery.
College anglers from across the country will compete for a national title on one of the Upper Midwest’s premier bass fisheries, adding a new chapter to the championship’s history while showcasing the continued growth of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Located in north-central Minnesota, Leech Lake is the third-largest lake entirely within the state, spanning more than 112,000 acres with 195 miles of shoreline. Known for its diverse structure — including expansive weed beds, rocky points, sand flats and large bays — Leech Lake offers a dynamic playing field for anglers. While widely recognized as a world-class walleye destination, the lake also features a strong and growing largemouth and smallmouth bass population, making it an ideal venue for a late-summer championship event.
“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 for the College, High School and Junior Series. “We are excited to bring the College Championship to Minnesota for the first time and to showcase Leech Lake to a national audience. This will be the first College tournament held on Leech Lake, and we believe it will provide a memorable and competitive championship experience for these student-anglers.”
The Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops features the top teams from across the nation who have advanced through the Bassmaster College Series. Throughout the season, teams compete in qualifying events in both the Legends and Lunkers Divisions to earn points toward a berth in the championship, where a national title and coveted opportunity to advance to the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s are on the line.
In August, competitors can expect classic northern patterns to come into play. 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. The expansive nature of Leech Lake will reward teams who can manage long runs, locate productive areas and adjust to changing wind conditions, which can play a significant role on the broad, open basins.
Walker, Minn., located on the shores of Leech Lake, offers a welcoming host community with a strong outdoor heritage. The area has extensive experience hosting major fishing events and provides convenient access, ample lodging and fan-friendly viewing opportunities.
Full tournament details, including takeoff and weigh-in locations, will be announced at a later date. Fans will be able to follow the action through live coverage, daily weigh-ins and updates on Bassmaster.com.
With a national championship on the line and a legendary northern fishery awaiting, the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops promises three days of intense competition and an unforgettable experience for the next generation of bass fishing stars.
Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting this event.