Complete 2026 National Professional Fishing League Calendar — NPFL Dates, Venues & Viewing Guide
The 2026 NPFL (National Professional Fishing League) schedule features seven total events — six regular-season qualifying tournaments plus a No-Entry-Fee Championship — spanning the entire continental United States from Florida to New York. The season kicks off with the Epic Baits 2026 NPFL Championship at Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, Alabama (February 26–28), followed by six regular-season stops running from March through September 2026. With 130 professional anglers competing across premier bass fisheries, live-streamed weigh-ins with the full field every day, and two brand-new venues on the circuit, this is genuinely the most ambitious season the league has put together.
If you’ve been searching for a single place to find every date, location, launch point, and weigh-in detail for the 2026 NPFL season, you’re in the right spot. Whether you’re planning to attend in person, follow the live streams, or just need a quick reference to bookmark, this guide covers every stop — what to expect from each fishery, who’s involved, and how this year’s circuit compares to past seasons. Keep reading, because the details on Stop 5 alone (hint: it broke records in 2025) are worth your time.
📅 2026 NPFL Tournament Schedule at a Glance
The table below gives you every confirmed event in chronological order. This is the fastest way to see the full picture before we break each stop down individually.
| Event | Location | Dates | State | Bass Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | Lewis Smith Lake (Cullman) | Feb 26–28 | Alabama | Largemouth & Spotted |
| Stop 1 | Harris Chain of Lakes (Leesburg) | Mar 19–21 | Florida | Largemouth |
| Stop 2 | Wright Patman Lake (Texarkana) | Apr 23–25 | Texas | Largemouth |
| Stop 3 | Lay Lake (Clanton) | May 21–23 | Alabama | Largemouth & Spotted |
| Stop 4 | Logan Martin Lake (Oxford) | Jun 25–27 | Alabama | Largemouth & Spotted |
| Stop 5 | St. Lawrence River (Massena) | Jul 23–25 | New York | Smallmouth |
| Stop 6 | Lake George (Lake George) | Sep 17–19 | New York | Largemouth & Smallmouth |
Note: The Championship precedes the regular season in the calendar year. The Championship at Lewis Smith Lake concluded the 2025 competitive season, serving as the formal opening event in February 2026 before the new regular-season kicks off in March.
What Is the NPFL? A Quick Background
The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) is one of the fastest-growing professional bass fishing organizations in the United States. Founded in Wilkesville, Ohio, the league operates on a model that sets it apart from older circuits like B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing. Here’s what defines the organization:
- No Entry Fee for the Championship — qualified anglers compete at no additional cost
- Full-field live weigh-ins streamed across all three competition days
- Live in-studio and on-the-water coverage on Day 2 and Day 3 of each event
- 130 professional anglers in the 2026 field
- Direct community engagement at each host city, including school and charity outreach
- Diverse fishery selection — the schedule intentionally includes different water types, sizes, and species to test the full range of angling skill
As NPFL President Brad Fuller put it: “Creating a tournament schedule is one of the toughest jobs we handle each year. 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.”
For those who track fishing season calendars across multiple states, you can also explore regional fishing timelines at State Outdoors – Fishing Season Guides to complement your tournament-watching calendar.
2026 NPFL Championship — Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama
The season’s crown jewel event has already taken place, setting the tone for the entire 2026 campaign.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Epic Baits 2026 NPFL Championship |
| Location | Lewis Smith Lake, Cullman, AL |
| Dates | February 26–28, 2026 |
| Takeoff Site | Smith Park Boat Launch |
| Weigh-In Venue | Smith Lake Park, 403 Co Rd 386, Cullman, AL |
| Daily Takeoff Time | 6:00 AM CST (or safe light) |
| Daily Weigh-In Time | 3:15 PM CST |
| Live Coverage | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM CST, Thu–Sat |
| Streaming Platform | NPFL GO LIVE & YouTube Channel |
| Sponsor | Epic Baits |
| Owner Support | Yamaha SHO, Bass Cat Boats, Power-Pole |
Lewis Smith Lake is regarded as one of Alabama’s finest clear-water reservoirs. It offers deep, rocky structure with significant populations of largemouth, spotted, and striped bass. The Championship here was a statement event — the NPFL chose it because it demands genuine versatility and rewards the most well-rounded anglers in the field.
Stop-by-Stop 2026 NPFL Regular Season Breakdown
🐟 Stop 1 — Harris Chain of Lakes, Leesburg, Florida | March 19–21, 2026
Central Florida is exactly where a professional bass fishing season should open. The Harris Chain of Lakes is a connected system of 13 lakes in Lake County, offering dense vegetation, shallow flats, and largemouth bass that can push well over 10 pounds during the spring spawn.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Location | Leesburg, Florida |
| Launch Site | Ski Beach Boat Ramp and Park |
| Weigh-In Site | Ski Beach Boat Ramp and Park |
| Primary Species | Largemouth Bass |
| Water Characteristics | Shallow, vegetated, interconnected lakes |
| Competition Window | Pre-Spawn / Spawn period |
| Key Techniques | Flipping mats, topwater, swim jigs |
Why it matters: Florida in late March means aggressive, shallow bass. The NPFL expects — and has historically delivered — double-digit bass at this event. This stop is a fan favorite for exactly that reason: big numbers on the board and even bigger individual fish.
🐟 Stop 2 — Wright Patman Lake, Texarkana, Texas | April 23–25, 2026
Wright Patman Lake holds a special place in NPFL history. The league has visited this Texas reservoir twice before — in 2021 (the second-ever NPFL event, a true slugfest) and again in 2023. Both events delivered competition that tested every angler’s ability to adapt.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Location | Texarkana, Texas |
| Launch Site | Sportsman’s Cove |
| Weigh-In Site | Spring Lake Park |
| Primary Species | Largemouth Bass |
| Water Characteristics | Shallow backwaters, timber-lined coves |
| Competition Window | Late spring, post-spawn |
| Key Techniques | Spinnerbaits, swim baits, jig fishing |
“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.”
🐟 Stop 3 — Lay Lake, Clanton, Alabama | May 21–23, 2026
At just 12,000 surface acres, Lay Lake is the smallest stop on the 2026 circuit. But don’t let the size fool you — the Coosa River impoundment is loaded with both largemouth and spotted bass, and its relatively compact size often creates more concentrated, intense competition.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Location | Clanton, Alabama (Chilton County) |
| Launch Site | Beeswax Creek Park |
| Weigh-In Site | TBD (to be confirmed) |
| Primary Species | Largemouth & Spotted Bass |
| Surface Acreage | ~12,000 acres |
| Competition Window | Early summer, post-spawn |
| Key Techniques | Drop shot, finesse techniques, crankbaits |
Chilton County Commissioner Roger Perkins expressed genuine excitement: “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.”
Lay Lake is brand new to the NPFL circuit in 2026, making this a debut event on a proven tournament fishery with a fresh competitive history yet to be written.
🐟 Stop 4 — Logan Martin Lake, Oxford, Alabama | June 25–27, 2026
Logan Martin Lake is arguably the most familiar water on the 2026 roster. The NPFL opened its 2024 season here and closed its 2025 season here — meaning the pros know this lake well. But familiarity doesn’t guarantee results. The diversity of techniques required here (deep structure, shallow banks, mid-depth transitions) keeps competition unpredictable every time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Location | Oxford, Alabama |
| Launch Site | Lincoln’s Landing |
| Weigh-In Site | Lincoln’s Landing |
| Primary Species | Largemouth & Spotted Bass |
| Facility | Lincoln’s Landing (premier tournament facility) |
| Competition Window | Early summer |
| Key Techniques | Deep crankbaits, Carolina rigs, topwater |
Oxford Mayor Alton Craft described the NPFL’s community impact as extending well beyond the tournament itself: “This group of talented anglers not only have a positive economic impact but also make a lasting impact through their outreach.”
🐟 Stop 5 — St. Lawrence River, Massena, New York | July 23–25, 2026
This is the stop that made headlines in 2025, and it’s back for good reason. When the NPFL visited the St. Lawrence River last season, the event rewrote the league’s record books — setting new all-time marks for total weight, heaviest average bass per angler, and heaviest average daily catch. And the fish responsible? Smallmouth bass.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Location | Massena, New York |
| Launch Site | Massena Intake Boat Launches |
| Weigh-In Site | Massena Intake Boat Launches |
| Primary Species | Smallmouth Bass |
| Notable Feature | Broke all-time NPFL weight records in 2025 |
| Competition Window | Peak summer, mid-season |
| Key Techniques | Drop shot, tube baits, Ned rig |
Don Meissner, Director of Tourism for Fish Massena, captured the local enthusiasm perfectly: “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.”
This stop is unique on the circuit because it’s the only event where smallmouth bass dominate the competition. Expect massive bags, daily drama, and performances that will likely challenge those 2025 records all over again.
🐟 Stop 6 — Lake George, Lake George, New York | September 17–19, 2026
The season closes in style. Lake George is the NPFL’s other new venue for 2026, and it’s arguably the most visually stunning water on the entire circuit. Sitting in the Adirondack foothills of upstate New York, this 28,000-acre lake is renowned for its clarity and its both largemouth and smallmouth populations — yet it has rarely appeared on major professional fishing tournament trails. That changes in 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Location | Lake George, New York |
| Launch Site | Million Dollar Landing |
| Weigh-In Site | Million Dollar Landing |
| Primary Species | Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass |
| Surface Acreage | ~28,000 acres |
| Competition Window | Early fall, post-summer |
| Key Techniques | Jerkbaits, topwater, deep structure presentations |
Ray Perry, Mayor of the Village of Lake George, was unequivocal: “We have everything bass anglers and fishing fans could want, and we’re excited to put it on display for and through the NPFL.”
2026 NPFL Season — Key Numbers and Format Details
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Field Size | 130 professional anglers |
| Regular Season Stops | 6 qualifying tournaments |
| Championship Format | No-Entry-Fee (earned qualification) |
| Live Weigh-In Format | Full field, all three competition days |
| Streaming | NPFL GO LIVE platform + YouTube |
| Daily Launch Time | 6:00 AM CST (or safe light) |
| Daily Weigh-In Time | 3:15 PM CST |
| New Venues in 2026 | Lay Lake (AL) and Lake George (NY) |
| Record-Breaking Stop | St. Lawrence River (NY) — 2025 records |
| States Covered | Florida, Texas, Alabama (×3), New York (×2) |
| Championship Sponsor | Epic Baits |
How the 2026 NPFL Compares to Other Major Bass Circuits
Understanding where the NPFL fits within the broader professional angling landscape helps put the 2026 season in proper context.
| League | Format | Entry Fee Model | Field Size (approx.) | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPFL | Qualifying + Championship | No entry fee for Championship | 130 | Full-field live stream, all days |
| MLF Bass Pro Tour | Catch-Shoot-Score | Entry-based/sponsored | ~80 pros | MLF NOW! streaming |
| Bassmaster Elite | Traditional weigh-in | Entry-based | ~100 pros | Bassmaster.com live |
| Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit | Traditional weigh-in | Entry-based | ~180 | MLF streaming |
The NPFL’s no-entry-fee Championship model is a significant differentiator. Anglers earn their way to the Championship entirely through performance — no check required to compete for the title. This structure aligns financial incentive with pure competitive merit.
For anglers who also track state-specific fishing regulations, licensing requirements, and seasonal opportunities alongside the pro circuit calendar, State Outdoors – Fishing Resources is a practical reference for planning around each tournament destination.
How to Watch the 2026 NPFL Tournaments Live
The NPFL has built one of the more accessible live viewing experiences in professional bass fishing. Here’s exactly how to follow along:
| Platform | What’s Covered | When |
|---|---|---|
| NPFL GO LIVE (website) | Full live stream, all 3 days per event | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM CST daily |
| YouTube (@TNPFL) | Live weigh-ins, highlights, full-event coverage | During and after events |
| Angler Roundtable | Pre-event analysis with host Ken Duke | 7:30–8:30 PM CST (Sun–Tue before events) |
| Daily Weigh-In Stream | All 130 anglers weigh in live | 3:15 PM CST each competition day |
One thing worth noting: the NPFL broadcasts every angler’s weigh-in on every single day of competition. That’s a commitment most circuits don’t make — and it’s one of the primary reasons fan engagement has grown considerably year over year.
What Makes the 2026 Season Historically Significant
Several factors separate this season from previous NPFL campaigns:
- 130 anglers represents a full and competitive field — the largest the league has put on the water with the current format
- Two brand-new fisheries (Lay Lake and Lake George) expand the league’s geographic reach
- The return to the St. Lawrence River after a record-breaking 2025 performance creates genuine anticipation
- Alabama hosts three stops — more than any other state — reflecting the state’s unmatched tournament infrastructure and passionate bass fishing community
- The schedule deliberately spans both smallmouth and largemouth fisheries, demanding a broader skillset from competing anglers
- NPFL VP Paul Benson confirmed the intent: “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.”
According to Wired2Fish, one of the most respected voices in competitive bass fishing media, the NPFL continues to position itself as a serious alternative to the legacy circuits, and the 2026 schedule reflects that ambition directly.
Attending an NPFL Event in 2026 — What Fans Should Know
| Aspect | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Admission | Weigh-ins are typically free and open to the public |
| Best Time to Arrive | By 3:00 PM CST to secure a good viewing spot for weigh-in |
| Parking | Available at launch/weigh-in sites; arrive early for major events |
| Family Friendly | Yes — the NPFL emphasizes family atmosphere at all events |
| Merchandise | NPFL branded gear typically available on-site |
| Angler Access | Anglers often engage with fans before and after weigh-ins |
| Photography | Allowed at weigh-in venues |
| Local Amenities | Each host city provides nearby restaurants, lodging, and attractions |
If you’re planning a road trip around the circuit, Alabama’s three events (Lay Lake, Logan Martin, and the Championship at Lewis Smith Lake) make it possible to see multiple stops within a single region without extensive travel between venues.
2026 NPFL Event Locations — Geographic Overview
| Region | Events Hosted | Stops |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast (Alabama) | 3 regular + Championship | Championship, Stop 3, Stop 4 |
| South (Texas) | 1 regular | Stop 2 |
| Southeast (Florida) | 1 regular | Stop 1 |
| Northeast (New York) | 2 regular | Stop 5, Stop 6 |
The geographic distribution tells an interesting story. Alabama’s tournament infrastructure, combined with its diversity of fishery types, makes it the backbone of this season. The New York double-header in summer and fall brings the national spotlight to waters that have been underrepresented on professional circuits — and that alone should generate significant fan interest and media coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the 2026 NPFL regular season start?
The 2026 NPFL regular season opens with Stop 1 at Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida on March 19–21, 2026. The Championship at Lewis Smith Lake in February is technically a separate event concluding the prior qualification cycle.
Q: How many events are on the 2026 NPFL calendar?
There are 7 total events — 6 regular-season qualifying stops and the No-Entry-Fee NPFL Championship.
Q: Where is the 2026 NPFL Championship being held?
The Epic Baits 2026 NPFL Championship was held at Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, Alabama from February 26–28, 2026.
Q: What lakes are on the 2026 NPFL schedule?
The confirmed stops are: Lewis Smith Lake (AL), Harris Chain of Lakes (FL), Wright Patman Lake (TX), Lay Lake (AL), Logan Martin Lake (AL), St. Lawrence River (NY), and Lake George (NY).
Q: Is the NPFL Championship free to attend for anglers?
Yes — one of the NPFL’s defining features is that qualified anglers compete in the Championship without paying an entry fee. They earn their berth through regular-season performance.
Q: Can fans watch NPFL 2026 events online for free?
Yes. The league streams all events, including daily weigh-ins, through the NPFL GO LIVE platform on their website and via their YouTube channel (@TNPFL).
Q: What species do anglers primarily target in NPFL tournaments?
Most stops focus on largemouth bass, with Stop 5 at the St. Lawrence River being the standout smallmouth bass event. Lake George (Stop 6) offers both species.
Q: Are there new venues on the 2026 NPFL circuit?
Yes — Lay Lake in Alabama and Lake George in New York are making their NPFL debuts in 2026.
Q: How many anglers compete in the NPFL?
The 2026 field is set at 130 professional anglers — a full competitive roster that makes each event among the most competitive in professional bass fishing.
Q: Where can I find state-specific fishing season information near NPFL venues?
For regional fishing regulations and season details near tournament locations, check resources like State Outdoors – Fishing Season Calendars for up-to-date state-by-state information.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 NPFL season is genuinely well-constructed. The schedule moves intelligently through the calendar — targeting each fishery at the right time of year, whether it’s Florida largemouths in the spring spawn, Texas bass in late April, or New York smallmouths at peak summer. Two new venues keep things fresh. Two returning Alabama favorites provide competitive benchmarks. And the St. Lawrence River stop carries the weight of record-breaking expectations from 2025.
For fans, anglers, and anyone interested in where professional bass competition is heading, this league is worth watching closely. The full-field, full-stream approach to transparency, combined with a no-entry-fee Championship model, separates the NPFL from the pack in ways that matter to both competitors and audiences alike.