SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Association of Collegiate Anglers announces the schedule for the 2026 season on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series.
March 28-29, 2026 – Hartwell Slam: Lake Hartwell – Anderson, SC
May 21-22, 2026 – Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops: Pickwick Lake – Florence, AL
September 19-20, 2026 – Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley – Kentucky Lake – Paris, TN
October 10-11, 2026 – AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open: Lake Dardanelle – Russellville, AR
The 2026 season of the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series will mark the 21st season for the Association of Collegiate Anglers. The tournament schedule will consist of three major double points tournaments, plus the triple points Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Each tournament will be a no-entry-fee event, with anglers not having to pay a membership or entry fee to compete. All events will boast extensive media coverage on a variety of streaming platforms, live coverage, social media promotions and is nationally televised on several networks.
In 2026, teams will again be able to earn automatic qualification into the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops via top finishes at ACA regular season events. Anglers finishing in the Top 15 at the 2026 Hartwell Slam will qualify to compete in the 2026 Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. The Top 10 finishing anglers at the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley will earn a spot in the 2027 ACA National Championship. The Top 10 finishing anglers/teams at the 2026 AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open will also earn automatic qualification into the year-end tournament in 2027. Stay tuned for additional details on this and other incentives for each event.
The ACA will also continue to reward anglers for being named to the collegiate All-Academic Team presented by Yamaha. Three anglers will be nominated at each ACA major event, with an Academic All-American presented by Yamaha being named at the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro shops.
The 21st season in 2026 promises to be another great year out on the collegiate trail as the Association of Collegiate Anglers competes at several of the top fisheries in the nation. Stay up to date on all things college fishing to see additional announcements in the future, as well as learn about exciting new programs and ways to promote & grow college fishing!
Photo at Paris Landing by Garry Mason.