Texas angler Riley Harris has taken the lead on Day 1 of the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender with a total of 36 pounds, 15 ounces.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
Feb. 19, 2026
Harris’ mega bag leads Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir
JASPER, Texas — The water is low, but Riley Harris’ spirits were high when he weighed in a 5-bass limit of 36 pounds, 15 ounces to lead Day 1 of the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender.
After an action-packed first round produced a dozen bags over 25 pounds, Harris leads Jace Lindsay by 6-3.
Drought conditions have dropped the Sam Rayburn water level by approximately 9 feet. This decline has left many of the normally productive area drained and unproductive, but Harris said he entered the event comfortable with the situation.
“Honestly, you just have to trust yourself,” said the pro from Orange, Texas. “I’ve fished out here for a long time and I kinda had an idea where they would be. They’ve been there and I’m super thankful to have these fish.”
Harris said the key to catching a mega sack was rotating through groups of fish. Securing a limit around 10 o’clock, he worked on upgrading throughout the rest of his day.
“I just had some schools and then I caught some roamers,” Harris said. “I ran around a good bit today and once I had a good bag, I started trying to fish for a really big one.”
Harris’ big opportunity came late in the day when a huge bite delivered a game-changing upgrade.
“Around 2:15, I pulled up to one of my spots where I had caught one that was about 5, and I was able to get my biggest fish,” Harris said. “I was able to cull out one that I really wanted to get rid of. I culled one that was about 4 1/2 with an 11-14.
“It was kind of a blur. I was reeling my bait back in and I had two fish shoot up off the bottom and she was the one that got it.”
Harris kept his bait details under wraps, but he described a junk fishing day built on versatility. Ultimately, seven different baits produced keepers today.
“I think I had 20 rods on the deck and it was one of those things where one might work one day and one might not the next,” he said. “That was kinda the case in practice. I had a couple of baits that I really thought (would produce), but they didn’t want it, so I picked up some other stuff and they ate it.
“I was really trying to be at 30 pounds or a little above and I knew I had it with that one that was just under 12.”
Harris said he entered the event with an aggressive plan and no regrets.
“I fished for big ones today and I didn’t want to do anything else,” Harris said. “If I zero and I’m still fishing for big ones trying to win, I’m okay with that. We fished for big ones today and it worked out.
“There is the potential for the same weight tomorrow, but it’s super hard to replicate something like that. I know they’re there, but it’s just about getting them to react. We may only catch 10 pounds tomorrow, but we’re gonna go try to do the same thing.”
Hailing from Beckville, Texas, Lindsay is in second place with 30-12. Anchoring his limit with two 7 1/4-pounders, Lindsay said he saw several of what he called the “mega giants” on his sonar, but he could not get those big fish to commit.
Lindsay attributed his success to local knowledge — specifically, knowing the depth zone Rayburn fish prefer this time of year.
“These fish like a certain depth range and you just have to stay in that depth range,” he said. “They’re gonna pull back to that depth range, no matter how the water fluctuates and you just have to keep you boat in that range.
“I was in the areas where these prespawners are gonna be right before they pull up. I know where they’re gonna go to spawn, so I’m just trying to pick them off before they get there.”
Lindsay caught his fish on what he caught “subtle reaction” presentations. The fish he’s targeting are highly pressured, so he had to strike the right balance of stealth and enticement.
“I caught two that I weighed in early this morning, and then I upgraded all throughout the day,” Lindsay said.
Rylan Hamlin of Jackson, Mich., is in third place with 28-5. Hamlin anchored his bag with a milestone catch.
“That 11-7 was my personal best,” Hamlin said. “My previous personal best was also in last year’s Open here. I beat it by 2 ounces.
“On my first cast of the morning, I lost one as big as that one. It was hard to shake that one off, but a cast or two after that one, I caught that 11-7. That made me feel a little better.”
Hamlin targeted big schools of bass holding over hard bottom spots, where he rotated through crankbaits and jigs. He caught his big fish on a hair jig.
Harris holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead with his 11-14.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT at Umphrey Family Pavilion. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 3 p.m.
Jasper Development District No. 1 is hosting this event.
2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Battery Tender 2/19-2/21
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper TX.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Riley Harris Orange, TX 5 36-15 200
Day 1: 5 36-15
2. Jace Lindsay Beckville, TX 5 30-12 199
Day 1: 5 30-12
3. Rylan Hamlin Jackson, MI 5 28-05 198
Day 1: 5 28-05
4. Fisher Anaya Eva, AL 5 28-03 0
Day 1: 5 28-03
5. Pake South Winnsboro, TX 5 28-01 0
Day 1: 5 28-01
6. Colby Bryant Houston, TX 5 26-06 197
Day 1: 5 26-06
7. Kollin Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 25-15 196
Day 1: 5 25-15
8. Doug Chapin Tigerton, WI 5 25-13 195
Day 1: 5 25-13
9. Ethan Fields Carlyle, IL 5 25-05 194
Day 1: 5 25-05
10. Dillon Falardeau Hixson, TN 5 25-04 193
Day 1: 5 25-04
10. Brody Robison Dawson, AL 5 25-04 193
Day 1: 5 25-04
12. Aaron Jagdfeld Rochester Hills, MI 5 25-01 0
Day 1: 5 25-01
13. Erik Brztowski Lemont, IL 5 24-08 191
Day 1: 5 24-08
14. Lane Stephens Owasso, OK 5 23-14 190
Day 1: 5 23-14
15. James Chandler Liberty, TX 5 23-11 189
Day 1: 5 23-11
16. Yui Aoki Minamitsurugun JAPAN 5 23-09 188
Day 1: 5 23-09
17. Hunter Crossland San Angelo, TX 5 23-02 187
Day 1: 5 23-02
18. Cole McAusland Tuscaloosa, AL 5 23-00 186
Day 1: 5 23-00
18. Zane Parker Kingwood, TX 5 23-00 186
Day 1: 5 23-00
20. Tommy Dickerson Orange, TX 5 22-15 184
Day 1: 5 22-15
20. Anthony Garcia Los Angeles, CA 5 22-15 184
Day 1: 5 22-15
22. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 5 22-12 182
Day 1: 5 22-12
23. Grant Neubauer Medford, WI 5 22-07 181
Day 1: 5 22-07
24. TJ Edwards Jr Tremont, MS 5 22-05 180
Day 1: 5 22-05
25. Michael Harlin Osage Beach, MO 5 22-04 179
Day 1: 5 22-04
26. Andrew Jones Trussville, AL 5 22-03 178
Day 1: 5 22-03
26. Brock Reinkemeyer Warsaw, MO 5 22-03 178
Day 1: 5 22-03
28. Dylan Wright Murfreesboro, TN 5 21-10 0
Day 1: 5 21-10
29. Chris Hellebuyck White Lake, MI 5 21-07 176
Day 1: 5 21-07
30. Andrew Behnke Fond Du Lac, WI 5 21-04 175
Day 1: 5 21-04
30. Bailey Gay Union, KY 5 21-04 175
Day 1: 5 21-04
30. Adam Rasmussen Sturgeon Bay, WI 5 21-04 175
Day 1: 5 21-04
33. Dylan Fogarty Mechanicsburg, PA 5 21-01 172
Day 1: 5 21-01
34. Dalton Head Moody, AL 5 20-13 171
Day 1: 5 20-13
35. Dave Parsons Yantis, TX 5 20-10 170
Day 1: 5 20-10
36. Peyton Harris Birmingham, AL 5 20-09 169
Day 1: 5 20-09
37. Brennan Flick West Monroe, LA 5 20-08 168
Day 1: 5 20-08
38. Sam Hanggi Knoxville, TN 5 19-15 0
Day 1: 5 19-15
39. Frank Scalish Mount Gilead, OH 5 19-11 167
Day 1: 5 19-11
40. Casey Scanlon Eldon, MO 5 19-08 166
Day 1: 5 19-08
41. Sam Ausbrooks Loogootee, IN 5 19-06 165
Day 1: 5 19-06
42. Jack York Emory, TX 5 19-01 164
Day 1: 5 19-01
43. Brian Post Janesville, WI 5 19-00 163
Day 1: 5 19-00
44. Garrett McWilliams Florence, MS 5 18-11 162
Day 1: 5 18-11
45. Jamie Bruce Kenora Ontario CANADA 5 18-08 0
Day 1: 5 18-08
46. Colby Dark West Monroe, LA 5 18-07 161
Day 1: 5 18-07
46. Hayden Marbut Birmingham, AL 5 18-07 161
Day 1: 5 18-07
48. Dakota Ebare Brookeland, TX 5 18-02 0
Day 1: 5 18-02
48. Jordan Knutson Saint Croix Falls, WI 5 18-02 159
Day 1: 5 18-02
48. Jay Przekurat Plover, WI 5 18-02 0
Day 1: 5 18-02
48. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 18-02 159
Day 1: 5 18-02
52. Ian Waterer East Selkirk CANADA 5 17-15 157
Day 1: 5 17-15
53. Jonathan Pimentel Camdenton, MO 5 17-14 156
Day 1: 5 17-14
54. Ty Faber Pagosa Springs, CO 5 17-13 155
Day 1: 5 17-13
55. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 5 17-11 154
Day 1: 5 17-11
56. Chris Johnson Farmington, AR 5 17-10 153
Day 1: 5 17-10
56. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 17-10 153
Day 1: 5 17-10
58. Cameron Mattison Benton, LA 5 17-08 151
Day 1: 5 17-08
59. Hugh Cosculluela Spring, TX 5 17-06 150
Day 1: 5 17-06
60. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 17-05 149
Day 1: 5 17-05
61. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 17-02 148
Day 1: 5 17-02
62. Harmon Marien Eagle River, WI 5 17-00 147
Day 1: 5 17-00
62. Jacob Welch Roach, MO 5 17-00 147
Day 1: 5 17-00
64. Billy Gilbert Hamburg, NY 5 16-14 145
Day 1: 5 16-14
65. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 5 16-13 144
Day 1: 5 16-13
66. Seiji Kato Forney TX JAPAN 5 16-09 143
Day 1: 5 16-09
66. Clark Reehm Elm Grove, LA 5 16-09 143
Day 1: 5 16-09
68. Tommy Parker Delano, MN 5 16-07 141
Day 1: 5 16-07
68. Nathan Reynolds Nashville, TN 5 16-07 141
Day 1: 5 16-07
70. Matt Stefan Junction City, WI 5 16-05 139
Day 1: 5 16-05
71. Chris Beaudrie Princeton, KY 5 16-03 138
Day 1: 5 16-03
72. Travis Pogue Peterborough CANADA 5 16-02 0
Day 1: 5 16-02
73. Darold Gleason Leesville, LA 5 16-00 137
Day 1: 5 16-00
74. Brock Bila Republic, MO 5 15-14 136
Day 1: 5 15-14
74. Trey Schroeder Theodosia, MO 5 15-14 136
Day 1: 5 15-14
74. Kenji Yamada Chattanooga, TN 5 15-14 0
Day 1: 5 15-14
77. Trace Freeman Northport, AL 5 15-13 134
Day 1: 5 15-13
78. Nick Marsh White Lake, MI 5 15-12 133
Day 1: 5 15-12
79. Jason Bonds Lufkin, TX 5 15-10 132
Day 1: 5 15-10
79. John Branch Magnolia, KY 5 15-10 132
Day 1: 5 15-10
81. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 15-09 130
Day 1: 5 15-09
82. Ryan Michl Newton, IL 5 15-08 129
Day 1: 5 15-08
83. Andy Newcomb Camdenton, MO 5 15-07 128
Day 1: 5 15-07
83. Daylon Smith Frazier Park, CA 5 15-07 0
Day 1: 5 15-07
85. Wesley Baxley Conroe, TX 5 15-06 127
Day 1: 5 15-06
86. Grae Buck Green Lane, PA 5 15-04 126
Day 1: 5 15-04
86. Trevor McKinney Noble, IL 5 15-04 126
Day 1: 5 15-04
88. Chris Lewis Hallsville, TX 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Wyatt Marler Oldfield, MO 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Ish Monroe Oakdale, CA 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Dylan Welton Middleville, MI 5 15-03 124
Day 1: 5 15-03
88. Josh Wiesner Fon du Lac, WI 5 15-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-03
94. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 15-00 119
Day 1: 5 15-00
95. Joseph Hardy China Spring, TX 5 14-15 118
Day 1: 5 14-15
96. Chris Miller Spirit Lake, IA 5 14-14 117
Day 1: 5 14-14
97. Matt Pangrac Shawnee, OK 5 14-13 116
Day 1: 5 14-13
98. Chris Whitson Louisville, TN 5 14-12 115
Day 1: 5 14-12
99. Riley Nielsen Salt Lake City, UT 5 14-11 114
Day 1: 5 14-11
100. Lonnie Cochran Section, AL 5 14-10 113
Day 1: 5 14-10
100. Laker Howell Guntersville, AL 5 14-10 113
Day 1: 5 14-10
102. Evan Kung Pickering Ontario CANAD 5 14-08 0
Day 1: 5 14-08
103. Jordan Hartman Benton, KY 5 14-06 0
Day 1: 5 14-06
103. Jeremy Lawyer Sarcoxie, MO 5 14-06 111
Day 1: 5 14-06
105. Rick Pierce Mountain Home, AR 5 14-05 110
Day 1: 5 14-05
106. Evan Cox-VanVliet Loveland, CO 5 14-04 109
Day 1: 5 14-04
106. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 14-04 109
Day 1: 5 14-04
108. David Boelkins Waukesha, WI 5 14-03 107
Day 1: 5 14-03
108. Kyle Palmer Elora, TN 5 14-03 107
Day 1: 5 14-03
110. Keith Brashers Rogers, AR 5 14-02 105
Day 1: 5 14-02
111. Bo Thomas Edwardsburg, MI 5 14-00 104
Day 1: 5 14-00
112. Rick Harris Jr Carlsbad, NM 5 13-14 103
Day 1: 5 13-14
113. Niko Romero Coldspring, TX 5 13-13 102
Day 1: 5 13-13
114. Steve Tennison Lexington, OK 5 13-12 101
Day 1: 5 13-12
115. Chase Clarke Virginia Beach, VA 5 13-11 100
Day 1: 5 13-11
115. Brad Jelinek Lincoln, MO 5 13-11 100
Day 1: 5 13-11
115. Jeremiah Kindy Benton, AR 5 13-11 100
Day 1: 5 13-11
115. Dylan Mayo Athens, TX 5 13-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-11
115. Hunter Muncrief Brookeland, TX 5 13-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-11
120. Nickolas Lawler Ava, MO 5 13-10 97
Day 1: 5 13-10
120. Ryan Thompson Seymour, MO 5 13-10 97
Day 1: 5 13-10
122. Jim Dillard West Monroe, LA 5 13-09 95
Day 1: 5 13-09
122. Alex Heintze Denham Springs, LA 5 13-09 95
Day 1: 5 13-09
124. Easton Lindus Woodville, WI 5 13-08 93
Day 1: 5 13-08
125. James Campise Brookeland, TX 5 13-07 92
Day 1: 5 13-07
126. Justin Latham Reelsville, IN 5 13-06 91
Day 1: 5 13-06
126. Ryan Salzman Huntsville, AL 5 13-06 91
Day 1: 5 13-06
126. Mikey Weems Hull, TX 5 13-06 91
Day 1: 5 13-06
129. Tristan McCormick Bon Aqua, TN 5 13-05 88
Day 1: 5 13-05
130. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 5 13-02 87
Day 1: 5 13-02
130. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 13-02 87
Day 1: 5 13-02
130. Wyatt Wisian Ardmore, OK 5 13-02 87
Day 1: 5 13-02
133. Nate Caldwell Fort Collins, CO 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
133. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
133. Kyle Metzger Pearl River, LA 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
133. Joey Punko Broomfield, CO 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
133. Yukihiro Sawamura Harker Heights, TX 5 13-01 84
Day 1: 5 13-01
138. Blaine Bunney Claremore, OK 5 13-00 79
Day 1: 5 13-00
138. Anthony Johnson Excelsior Springs, MO 5 13-00 0
Day 1: 5 13-00
140. Brandon Ackerson Afton, OK 5 12-15 78
Day 1: 5 12-15
140. Byron Hill Clermont, FL 5 12-15 78
Day 1: 5 12-15
140. Lucas Toliver Paw Paw, MI 5 12-15 78
Day 1: 5 12-15
143. John Mark Berry Mount Olive, MS 5 12-12 75
Day 1: 5 12-12
143. Mike McClelland Blue Eye, MO 5 12-12 75
Day 1: 5 12-12
143. Isaac Peavyhouse Monroe, TN 5 12-12 75
Day 1: 5 12-12
146. Sho Egawa Osaka JAPAN 5 12-11 72
Day 1: 5 12-11
147. Eddie Carper Valliant, OK 5 12-09 71
Day 1: 5 12-09
147. Zachary Ward Cabot, AR 5 12-09 71
Day 1: 5 12-09
149. Josh Giroldi Beachville Ontario CANA 5 12-08 69
Day 1: 5 12-08
149. Jim Moynagh Outing, MN 5 12-08 69
Day 1: 5 12-08
151. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 5 12-07 67
Day 1: 5 12-07
151. Darrell Ivey Lebanon, MO 5 12-07 67
Day 1: 5 12-07
151. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 5 12-07 67
Day 1: 5 12-07
154. Andy Beloat Montgomery, TX 5 12-05 64
Day 1: 5 12-05
155. James Biggs Comanche, TX 5 12-04 63
Day 1: 5 12-04
155. Connor Cunningham Springfield , MO 5 12-04 63
Day 1: 5 12-04
155. Satoshi Egawa Belton, TX 5 12-04 0
Day 1: 5 12-04
155. Luke Kerstetter Seymour, TN 5 12-04 63
Day 1: 5 12-04
159. Brien Vaughn Lampe, MO 5 12-03 60
Day 1: 5 12-03
160. Jacob Lang Winona, TX 5 12-02 0
Day 1: 5 12-02
161. Bryan Partak Marseilles, IL 5 12-00 59
Day 1: 5 12-00
161. Tyler Wolf Creston, IA 5 12-00 59
Day 1: 5 12-00
163. Josh Pladies Lees Summit, MO 5 11-14 57
Day 1: 5 11-14
164. Dylan Minch Stevens Point, WI 5 11-12 56
Day 1: 5 11-12
164. Tanner Visco Antioch, IL 5 11-12 56
Day 1: 5 11-12
166. Blake Schroeder Bullard, TX 5 11-11 54
Day 1: 5 11-11
167. Nic Rand Paw Paw, MI 5 11-09 53
Day 1: 5 11-09
167. Cory Williams Greenville, KY 5 11-09 0
Day 1: 5 11-09
169. Clay Henderson Purdy, MO 5 11-07 52
Day 1: 5 11-07
170. Scott Nielsen Murray, UT 5 11-06 51
Day 1: 5 11-06
171. Anastasia Patterson Sumter, SC 5 11-04 50
Day 1: 5 11-04
171. Nathan Thompson Eagan, MN 5 11-04 50
Day 1: 5 11-04
173. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 11-02 48
Day 1: 5 11-02
173. Kristine Fischer Weeping Water, NE 5 11-02 48
Day 1: 5 11-02
173. Joe Wieberg Freeburg, MO 5 11-02 48
Day 1: 5 11-02
176. David Brand Dittmer, MO 5 10-12 45
Day 1: 5 10-12
177. John Engler III Vinton, IA 5 10-11 44
Day 1: 5 10-11
178. Brad Ragsdale Fairland, OK 5 10-10 43
Day 1: 5 10-10
179. Danny Ramsey Trinidad, TX 5 10-09 42
Day 1: 5 10-09
180. Joey Hanna Corsicana, TX 5 10-08 41
Day 1: 5 10-08
181. Samuel Culver Carlsbad, NM 5 10-07 40
Day 1: 5 10-07
182. Timmy Reneau Richland Springs, TX 5 10-06 39
Day 1: 5 10-06
182. Kyle Zacharuk Keswick Ontario CANADA 5 10-06 39
Day 1: 5 10-06
184. Wade Denney Nampa, ID 5 10-05 37
Day 1: 5 10-05
185. Teb Jones Yalaha, MS 5 10-04 36
Day 1: 5 10-04
186. Matt Keezer Kirkland Quebec CANADA 5 10-03 35
Day 1: 5 10-03
187. Wyatt Wimberley Broaddus, TX 5 10-02 0
Day 1: 5 10-02
188. Chris Bailey Eddy, TX 5 09-13 34
Day 1: 5 09-13
189. Neal Gilmore Magnolia, TX 5 09-10 33
Day 1: 5 09-10
190. Tim Sprouse Clarksville, TN 5 09-07 32
Day 1: 5 09-07
191. Dean Gilbert Jr. Sherman, TX 5 09-05 0
Day 1: 5 09-05
192. Brent Shores Savannah, TN 4 09-03 31
Day 1: 4 09-03
193. Ty Kenyon Dodgeville, WI 5 09-00 0
Day 1: 5 09-00
194. Gary Hall Wardville, OK 3 07-09 30
Day 1: 3 07-09
195. Ken Day Kennewick, WA 3 07-07 29
Day 1: 3 07-07
196. Jaron Burr Bowling Green, KY 4 06-12 28
Day 1: 4 06-12
197. Clay Dyer Fayetteville, TN 3 05-15 27
Day 1: 3 05-15
198. Bj Miller Adams, NE 3 05-12 26
Day 1: 3 05-12
199. Frank Mixon Abilene, TX 2 04-07 25
Day 1: 2 04-07
200. Lance Owen Greer, SC 2 04-04 24
Day 1: 2 04-04
201. Justin Blackert Olathe, KS 2 04-01 23
Day 1: 2 04-01
202. Johnny Grice Arp, TX 2 03-10 22
Day 1: 2 03-10
203. Steven Doolittle Chelsea, OK 2 03-06 21
Day 1: 2 03-06
204. Jason Pruess Haysville, KS 1 02-02 20
Day 1: 1 02-02
205. Tracy Mitchell Springfield, MO 1 02-00 19
Day 1: 1 02-00
206. Jason Adams Guthrie, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Bryan Hoffman Andrews, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Naohiro Maruo Ayagawa Town Ayauta Kag 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. A.J. Menssen Bloomington, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Ace Outhier Fulshear, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
206. Jeremy Simmons Warsaw, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 192 992 3143-13
———————————-
192 992 3143-13