World’s top professional bass anglers to compete on legendary St. Lawrence River, with free fan activities throughout the weekend
CLAYTON, NY — The excitement of professional bass fishing returns to the 1000 Islands as the 2026 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River comes to Clayton, New York, August 27–30, 2026.
The four-day tournament will bring some of the world’s top professional bass anglers to one of the sport’s most celebrated fisheries, with tournament activities centered at the Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina, 301 Webb Street.
Each competition day will begin with takeoff at 7:00 a.m., followed by the official weigh-in at 3:00 p.m.
Fans are invited to come out, watch the anglers launch onto the St. Lawrence River and return in the afternoon to see who brings the biggest bags of smallmouth bass to the scales.
The St. Lawrence River has earned an international reputation as one of the premier smallmouth bass fisheries in the world. Its clear, deep waters have produced extraordinary tournament catches, including Canadian pro Cory Johnston’s 102-pound, four-day total during the 2024 Elite Series event — placing him in Bassmaster’s exclusive smallmouth Century Club.
The Clayton tournament will also serve as the final regular-season event of the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series, adding even more excitement as the season reaches its conclusion in the 1000 Islands.
Bassmaster Weekend Extends Through Monday
The excitement continues with the Bassmaster Randy Moss Pro Football Hall of Fame Pro-Am presented by Lippert.
On Sunday, August 30, Pro Football Hall of Fame members participating in the Pro-Am are scheduled to appear for an autograph session during the Weekend Expo.
Then, on Monday, August 31, Hall of Fame members and anglers will take to the St. Lawrence River for the special Pro-Am tournament, followed by an official weigh-in in Clayton.
Fishing fans who can’t make it to Clayton can follow the tournament live throughout the event on Bassmaster.com. On Saturday, August 29, live television coverage will also air nationally on FS1 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. ET, showcasing the competition and the St. Lawrence River to viewers across the country.
For additional event details, please visit 1000islands-clayton.com/bass