Columbia, S.C. – Lake Murray will welcome approximately 150 of the nation’s top kayak anglers Oct. 15–17 for the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft, marking a significant milestone for one of B.A.S.S.’s fastest-growing competitive platforms.

Hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC), the three-day championship will bring qualified anglers from across the country to Lake Murray to compete for the Bassmaster Kayak Series national title.

The 2026 event will be 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, providing the sport’s top competitors with a national platform to compete for the title.

“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, 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. This championship is a celebration of the growth of kayak fishing and a testament to the passion and dedication of the anglers who have earned their place in this event.”

Lake Murray has a strong history with the Bassmaster Kayak Series. In 2024, the lake hosted a Bassmaster Kayak Series event 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 and offers a diverse mix of offshore structure, docks, timber and shallow cover.

The championship will also showcase the continued growth of competitive kayak fishing. The Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft provides national-level tournament opportunities for kayak anglers across the country, with competitors using electric motor-powered vessels and relying on skill, strategy and adaptability to navigate the fishery.

“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 will qualify for the 2026 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship through multiple pathways, including top finishes in Bassmaster Kayak Series national events, the Angler of the Year standings, College Kayak Series events and select B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series State Championships.

For visitors and fishing enthusiasts, the championship offers an opportunity to see some of the country’s top kayak anglers compete on Lake Murray while exploring the communities, restaurants, attractions and outdoor recreation throughout the four-county region of Lexington, Richland, Newberry and Saluda counties.

Fans can follow the competition through Bassmaster’s digital and media coverage as the championship approaches. Additional information, including the event schedule, angler information and details for fans, will be available through Bassmaster.com.

Event Details

Event: 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft. Dates: October 15–17, 2026. Location: Lake Murray, Columbia, S.C. Host: Capital City/Lake Murray Country. Title Sponsor: Newport. Presenting Sponsor: Native Watercraft

For more information about the championship and the Bassmaster Kayak Series, visit Bassmaster.com.