BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today the 2027 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft schedule, featuring seven regular-season tournaments across the country and a championship event that will be announced at a later date.
The 2027 schedule will take kayak anglers to a diverse collection of fisheries, from the expansive waters of Santee Cooper Lakes in South Carolina to the legendary bass fishing destinations of Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas and Clear Lake in California. With stops spanning the Southeast, Midwest, West Coast and Northeast, the series will challenge competitors to adapt to a variety of fishing conditions while showcasing some of the nation’s premier bass fisheries.
The season will begin Feb. 13-14 at Santee Cooper in Clarendon County, S.C., before traveling to Lake Lanier in Forsyth County, Ga., March 6-7. From there, competitors will head west for tournaments at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Jasper, Texas, April 3-4, and Clear Lake in Clearlake, Calif., April 17-18.
The schedule continues May 15-16 at Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo., followed by a June 12-13 event on the James River in Henrico County, Va. The regular season will conclude July 24-25 at Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y., setting the stage for the 2027 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft.
“This is one of the most exciting and diverse schedules we’ve put together for the Bassmaster Kayak Series,” said Steve Owens, B.A.S.S. Kayak Series tournament director. “We’ve got a tremendous mix of fisheries that will test every aspect of an angler’s abilities, from navigating expansive reservoirs to breaking down river systems and adapting to different seasonal patterns. Each stop offers something unique, and that’s what makes this series so special. We’re also excited to bring our anglers to communities that truly embrace bass fishing and recognize the impact these tournaments can have. I believe 2027 is going to be another outstanding year for competitive kayak fishing.”
The 2027 schedule features several destinations with rich bass fishing traditions, providing competitors with opportunities to target a variety of bass species and experience different fishing styles throughout the season.
The season-opening tournament at Santee Cooper will introduce anglers to the renowned South Carolina fishery known for its abundant aquatic vegetation, cypress trees and potential for trophy largemouth bass. Hosted by Destination Clarendon, the event will provide an early-season test as competitors navigate the expansive lake system in search of quality fish.
Lake Lanier will follow in March, offering a different challenge with its deep, clear water and strong populations of spotted and largemouth bass. Located northeast of Atlanta, the reservoir is recognized for its diverse structure and competitive fishing opportunities.
“We are excited to welcome a national Bassmaster Kayak tournament to Lake Lanier and Forsyth County! This event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our beautiful lake, outdoor recreation, and everything our community has to offer to anglers and their families from across the country,” said Missy Roberts, director of tourism development for Forsyth County. “We are especially grateful to our co-host, Pelican Pete’s at Port Royale Marina, for partnering with Discover FoCo to bring this event to our community. We look forward to welcoming competitors and introducing them to all that Forsyth County has to offer.”
April will feature back-to-back tournaments at two of the country’s most recognized trophy bass destinations. Sam Rayburn Reservoir, a longtime favorite among tournament anglers, is known for its extensive grassbeds, submerged timber and exceptional largemouth bass fishing. Two weeks later, competitors will travel to California’s Clear Lake, a fishery celebrated for its productive shallow-water habitat and reputation for producing giant bass.
“The City of Clearlake is excited to welcome B.A.S.S. Kayak anglers to Clear Lake in 2027! We are fortunate to have one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country right here in our community, and we look forward to sharing it with anglers from across the nation,” said Charlotte White, recreation and events coordinator II for the city of Clearlake. “Hosting an event like this is a wonderful opportunity to support our local businesses, bring visitors to the area, and showcase all that Clearlake has to offer. We look forward to welcoming the anglers, their families, and everyone who comes out to enjoy this exciting event.”
The May tournament at Table Rock Lake will bring anglers to the Ozarks, where the combination of clear water, rocky shorelines and diverse bass populations creates a challenging environment for kayak competition. The scenic reservoir is home to largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, requiring competitors to adjust their strategies as conditions change.
In June, the series will visit the James River in Virginia, presenting a river-fishing challenge that will reward anglers who can effectively navigate current, tidal influences and changing water conditions. The event will showcase a different side of competitive kayak fishing as anglers search for productive areas throughout the historic waterway.
The regular season will conclude at Lake Champlain in July. Situated along the New York-Vermont border, the expansive fishery is renowned for its outstanding smallmouth and largemouth bass populations. With a wide variety of productive habitats and fishing opportunities, Lake Champlain will provide a fitting conclusion to the seven-event regular season.
The Bassmaster Kayak Series continues to provide a national platform for kayak anglers to showcase their skills while competing on some of the best bass fisheries in the country. The series emphasizes strategy, versatility and individual decision-making, with competitors relying on their ability to identify productive water and adapt to changing conditions.
Additional details regarding tournament registration, competition rules and the 2027 championship will be available on Bassmaster.com.
2027 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft schedule
Feb. 13-14: Santee Cooper Lakes, Clarendon County, S.C.
March 6-7: Lake Lanier, Forsyth County, Ga.
April 3-4: Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper, Texas
April 17-18: Clear Lake, Clearlake, Calif.
May 15-16: Table Rock Lake, Branson, Mo.
June 12-13: James River, Henrico County, Va.
July 24-25: Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Championship: Date and location to be announced
