With this event being in August, smallmouth should be in their summer pattern and putting on a little more weight each day that passes. On the flip side, even in forward-facing sonar events, largemouth are often part of the winning strategy. Tournament history shows that a hybrid approach is normally a viable option, but in 2023, in a full FFS event, the Champlain Elite Series event was dominated by smallmouth. In 2026, Champlain will have no forward-facing sonar allowed. I would balance your lineup for a mixed bag approach and sprinkle in anglers that have experience on Champlain.
With two events left to go, if you are near the top, it might be time to play it safe with a few calculated risks. If you are below 90%, it is time to take some serious gambles and go big or go home with some risk-taking on lower percentage anglers. That being said, I am going to keep picking the way I have all season but will give you a couple sneaky anglers to consider if you feel like you need to take some low-percentage gambles. I definitely think building your team around smallmouth scoping specialists is the safer play, but if you need a big move, maybe a largemouth guy or two will surprise us.
BUCKET A: PRZEKURAT
You will find a theme in my picks of anglers from the upper Midwest that hail from regions where their home fisheries are set up similar to Lake Champlain. Much of Wisconsin has water similar to Lake Champlain, so no surprise Jay Przekurat has often found success on this famed New York venue.
Under the radar
Jordan Lee does not have a long resume of Champlain finishes due to his stint with another pro league, but I got a feeling he will have a strong event. He has shown flashes of brilliance at other northern venues.
BUCKET B: FEIDER
For years, I have always thought Seth Feider would hoist his first blue trophy at Lake Champlain. With this being a non-scope event, he is even more likely to be a contender come championship Sunday. Being from Minnesota, Seth finds comfort all over Champlain.
Similar Story
Much like fellow Minnesota anglers Felix and Feider have established a strong track record, I would expect Easton Fothergill to start his own record of consistency at Lake Champlain.
BUCKET C: FELIX
Austin Felix has some work to do if he wants to be fishing the 2027 Hartwell Bassmaster Classic. Felix has a very strong track record at Champlain and has proven to catch them with technology or not. Parts of Champlain set up like fisheries that Felix is used to back in Minnesota as well.
Return to old form
Prior to the explosion of smallmouth chasing in the inland sea, Brandon Palaniuk was a consistent contender on Champlain. This will be a great event to see if BP returns to form.
BUCKET D: SCHMITT
Bryan Schmitt has been a force on Lake Champlain for seemingly decades and without having to split a practice plan with FFS and not, Schmitt should be a threat to be fishing all the way to Championship Sunday.
Slump Buster
Prior to 2024, Luke Palmer had a very consistent track record on Lake Champlain. Hopefully a simplified approach allows him to get back to the model of fantasy fishing consistency he once was.
BUCKET E: SUMRALL
Caleb Sumrall is not having an amazing season, but he has plenty of Lake Champlain experience and he has three top 20s in the last three Bassmaster Elite Series visits to Champlain and with no temptation of FFS, he can focus on power fishing for a mixed bag.
Northern Rookie
Aaron Jagdfeld has struggled to find his rhythm in his rookie season, but being from Michigan should find Champlain to be in his comfort zone. He had a solid event in the Bassmaster EQ event last fall which was full FFS, but I feel like he should bounce back and get a check in this event.
Falcon Rods Bassmaster Drain the Lake Challenge
Only two events remain for the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Drain the Lake Challenge. This additional Fantasy Fishing game not only offers a fresh way to play the game, but a completely separate prize pool. Drain the Lake is an elimination or survivor-style game where you can only use an angler once all season.
Did you have enough good anglers left on your roster to hold on???
Bob Downey
Seth Feider
Austin Felix
Jeff Gustafson
Aaron Jagdfeld
Brandon Palaniuk
Bryan Schmitt
Caleb Sumrall
