Bassmaster not returning to Lake Erie in 2027
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When the Bassmaster Open returned to Lake Erie in August 2026, the fishery delivered the kind of performance that makes anglers from all around the country take notice -- and makes tournament officials want to come back.
More than 170 anglers from all around the country descended on Buffalo for the three-day Turtlebox Bassmaster Open presented by Battery Tender -- it was the final Division 1 event of the 2026 season. What followed was an extraordinary display of Great Lakes smallmouth fishing. New York's Alex Korol from nearby Rochester area, competing in his first ever Bassmaster Open, went wire-to-wire to win with 75 pounds, 9 ounces, including a remarkable 27-pound, 1-ounce limit on Day 1.
The depth of the fishery may have been even more impressive than the winning weight. Every angler in the top 10 produced at least one 23-pound-plus limit, and for the record, Day 1 produced 114 limits weighing more than 20 pounds -- the most 20-pound bags in a single event in Bassmaster history.
The tournament also showcased just how technically demanding -- and modern -- Great Lakes bass fishing has become. With forward-facing sonar permitted, competitors chased roaming smallmouth around offshore bait, using everything from drop-shot rigs and jig-head minnows to finesse presentations. Korol's winning pattern centered on a drop shot fished around tightly grouped bait balls.
For Western New York, the event was a powerful showcase. Bassmaster had not held a major tournament on this portion of Lake Erie since 2008 -- likely due to the always-changing weather factors here. Nearly two decades later, the fishing wasn’t merely good -- it was historic.
For anglers dreaming of making bass fishing a profession, the Bassmaster Opens are much more than another tournament series. They are a structured pathway toward the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers and ultimately the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, with the Bassmaster Classic also within reach for qualifying winners.
For 2027, the Bassmaster Division 1 and Division 2 competition sites are as follows: (* Forward-facing live sonar will be permitted at these events)
Division 1: Jan. 28-30 -- Harris Chain of Lakes (Leesburg, Fla.); April 1-3 -- Lake Guntersville (Scottsboro, Ala.)*; May 26-28 -- Douglas Lake (Dandridge, Tenn.); Aug. 26-28 -- Oneida Lake (Syracuse)*
Division 2: Jan. 14-16 -- Sam Rayburn Reservoir (Brookeland, Texas); Feb. 25-27 -- Lay Lake (Columbiana, Ala.)*; April 29-May 1 -- Table Rock Lake (Branson, Mo.); June 23-25 -- St. Mary's River (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.)*
The financial commitment is significant. The 2026 Opens entry fee for a professional angler was $2,000 per event -- $1,200 down and an $800 balance -- meaning a four-event division required $8,000 in entry fees, before travel, lodging, fuel, equipment and other tournament expenses. The payouts usually cover the expenses when anglers finish in the upper tier of each tournament.
That combination of opportunity, competition and expense is what makes the Opens such a serious proving ground. Anglers aren’t simply fishing for a check; they’re building a résumé, earning points and chasing a pathway to the highest levels of the sport.
Lake Erie showed exactly why it belongs on that stage. Maybe in 2028. Registration for the 2027 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Additional information regarding registration, qualification procedures, payouts, Official Practice and competition rules for the 2027 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens presented by Battery Tender will be available on Bassmaster.com.
CALENDAR
Oct. 6: Children in the Stream Youth Fly Fishing/4-H Program, Fly tying/fly fishing classes, 7-8:30 p.m., free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center at SUNY Fredonia, For info: email Alberto@albertorey.com.
Oct. 6: Niagara Musky Association, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Eldredge Club, 17 Board St., Tonawanda.
Oct. 7: Fly Tying Class, 6-8 p.m., free, Falconer Rod & Gun Club, 329 Falconer St., Jamestown; info: 716-467-0782.
Oct. 7, 9: NYS Hunter Education Course, Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, 5:30- 9:30 p.m., free, contact Gary Dudek: 716-366-3397. Must attend both nights, homework must be completed prior to class.
Oct. 10: NYSDEC Trapper Ed Course, Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club, 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Road, Stockton, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., register at: https://decals.events.east.licensing.app/em/events/513, or call 585-226-5463.
Oct. 10-12: NYS youth deer hunt, junior hunters (12-15 years old) may take deer under youth and mentor rules.
Oct. 11: Firearm Sighting-In Day, Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club, handguns 10 a.m., rifles/shotguns, noon. Paper targets at 50, 100, 150 and 200 yards. Info: Don Campbell, 716-338-2050.