The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) has scheduled its six regular season tournament events for 2026 for what they believe will be the most exciting and competitive season in League history. An announcement for the 2026 Championship will be coming soon.
“Creating a tournament schedule is one of the toughest jobs we handle each year,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller. “There are a lot of moving parts — quality fishing, engaged hosts, travel challenges, and more. Ultimately, our goal is to put our anglers on great waters and to produce compelling and competitive events for our fans.”
The NPFL 2026 season includes six regular season events and the third annual NPFL Championship. Here are the six regular season stops:
1. Florida, March (specific location and dates to follow)
Central Florida is home to sunshine and lunker bass, so there’s no better place for The League to kick off the season and no better time than when some of the biggest bass in the country will be shallow and aggressive. Expect more than one double-digit Florida bass at this event.
The specific location, host, and dates will be announced very soon.
2. Wright Patman Lake (Texas), April 23-25
Wright Patman Lake was the site of the second ever NPFL tournament in 2021 and another event in 2023, so it’s a League and angler favorite. The first event was a slugfest. The second presented weather challenges as more than two inches of rain fell on Day 2. But that’s what competitive fishing is all about—adapting to changing conditions and finding a way to succeed.
In 2026, no one knows what the conditions will be on any of the scheduled fisheries, but Wright Patman will provide plenty of action and all the challenges any fan or angler could want.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the National Professional Fishing League back to Texarkana in 2026,” said Texarkana, Texas Mayor Bob Bruggeman. “Having such talented anglers on our lake is the highest compliment to our fishery. To the pros and the families who support them, we’re proud to be part of the journey next season.”
3. Lay Lake (Alabama), May 21-23
Alabama’s Lay Lake is no stranger to big-time competitive fishing events and in 2026 the NPFL will add to that legacy. At 12,000 surface acres, it’s the smallest stop of the season, but the waters are packed with largemouth and spotted bass, including some big ones!
“We are very excited to be able to host the NPFL in our area and have the weigh-in right here in Clanton, Alabama,” says Chilton County Commissioner Roger Perkins. “We know the huge economic impact an event like this brings and we look forward to having all the pros, their families and spectators visit our great county. “
4. Logan Martin Lake (Alabama), June 25-27
In the past two seasons, the NPFL has started the year at Logan Martin (2024) and finished the year at Logan Martin (2025). Each time the lake produced strong numbers and tight competition. In 2026 The League returns to Lincoln’s Landing—one of the premier tournament facilities in the nation—at the season’s midpoint. There will be bass action in the shallows, in the depths, and in-between all on a variety of baits and using a multitude of methods.
“The City of Oxford is proud to once again partner with the National Professional Fishing League and looks forward to hosting them for a third time in 2026,” said Oxford Mayor Alton Craft. “This group of talented anglers not only have a positive economic impact but also make a lasting impact through their outreach. Their visits to Hope Christian Academy and Rainbow Omega brought encouragement, joy, and inspiration to students and residents alike. We are pleased to welcome back this positive, family-friendly organization that brings together good sportsmanship, faith, community spirit, and the fun of fishing. Oxford looks forward to rolling out the welcome mat for the NPFL.”
5. St. Lawrence River (New York), July 23-25
In 2025, the NPFL’s stop at the St. Lawrence River out of Massena, New York rewrote the League record book, establishing new top marks for total weight, heaviest average bass, and heaviest average daily catch—and the fish are smallmouths! How do you not go back to such an amazing fishery?
“Massena is excited to host the National Professional Fishing League again in 2026,” said Don Meissner, Director of Tourism for Fish Massena. “The event was so spectacular in 2025 that the town is eager to bring the tournament back for a second year. We take great pride in welcoming our angling friends to Massena for the best possible tournament competition anywhere in the United States. We were so pleased with the quality of the program that NPFL staff provided to the town that we cannot wait to welcome them back to the St. Lawrence River.”
6. Lake George (New York), September 17-19
The final stop of the season continues the New York state of mind. Along with Lay Lake, Lake George is new to the NPFL’s list of tournament waters. But unlike Lay, Lake George has not been a regular stop on the major tournament trails.
That ends in 2026! The NPFL field of anglers will show the nation the tremendous largemouth and smallmouth fishing to be had at this 28,000-acre Empire State gem. A national spotlight is all it needs to be revealed as one of the country’s best fisheries, and the NPFL will provide that stage.
“Lake George has a lot to offer—to residents, to visitors, and particularly to anglers,” said Ray Perry, Mayor of the Village of Lake George. “We have everything bass anglers and fishing fans could want, and we’re excited to put it on display for and through the NPFL. We feel there’s no better destination for family, fishing and fun.”
Summing It All Up
“In 2026, League anglers will have to prove themselves on some of the greatest fisheries in the nation,” said NPFL Vice President Paul Benson. “We’re returning to some old favorites at new times of the year and trying some new fisheries at prime times. The schedule offers a diversity of water types that will showcase a wide variety of techniques. It’s what our fans want, what our anglers want, and what our sponsors and partners have come to expect and appreciate from the NPFL.”
