COLUMBIA, S.C. — Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) has announced a lineup of nationally recognized fishing tournaments coming to Lake Murray during the 2026-27 season.
The events will bring professional bass anglers, kayak competitors and amateur fishermen to the Midlands, along with spectators and outdoor enthusiasts. The tournaments are expected to showcase Lake Murray as a major freshwater fishing destination while providing an economic boost to area hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses.
Known for its bass fishery and 50,000-acre reservoir, Lake Murray has a history of hosting competitive fishing events and attracting tournament organizations from across the country.
“Lake Murray has earned a national reputation as one of the country’s premier bass fishing destinations,” said Vickie Davis, executive director of CCLMC. “We’re thrilled to welcome these prestigious tournaments to our region and showcase everything that makes Lake Murray a world-class destination.”
2026 Tournament Schedule
Major League Fishing Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament
September 19-20
The Major League Fishing Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Tournament returns to Lake Murray September 19-20.
Daily takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m., with weigh-ins beginning at 3 p.m. at Dreher Island State Park, 3677 State Park Road, Prosperity. Spectators are encouraged to attend the daily weigh-ins.
Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship
October 15-17
Lake Murray will host a first-of-its-kind event when B.A.S.S. brings the inaugural stand-alone Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft to South Carolina.
Previously held alongside the Bassmaster Classic, the 2026 championship will be the first time the event is held as a stand-alone competition, giving the nation’s top kayak anglers an opportunity to compete for a national championship.
Lake Murray’s largemouth and spotted bass populations provide competitors with a diverse fishery featuring offshore ledges, docks, standing timber and shallow cover.
The championship will feature qualifying kayak anglers who earned their spots through Bassmaster Kayak Series events, Angler of the Year standings, College Kayak Series competitions and qualifying B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series State Championships.
2027 Tournament Schedule
Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit
February 18-20
Major League Fishing will return to Lake Murray with the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, featuring professional anglers competing over three days.
Additional event details, including daily schedules and spectator information, will be announced closer to the tournament.
Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour
April 30-May 2
The Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour will return to Lake Murray for three days of competition. The tournament gives amateur anglers an opportunity to compete for cash prizes based on the largest bass caught during designated hourly weigh-in periods.
“Lake Murray isn’t just a great fishery. It’s one of the best tournament destinations in the country,” said Scott Gordon, Big Bass Tour tournament director. “From incredible bass fishing to the exceptional hospitality provided by Capital City/Lake Murray Country, everything comes together to create a world-class tournament experience.”
After celebrating its 15th year on Lake Murray in 2026, the Big Bass Tour will return in 2027 as part of the region’s growing tournament schedule.
The Big Bass Tour attracts anglers from across the country and provides spectators with a weekend of fishing action. Additional event information will be released as the tournament approaches.
“As we continue to attract nationally recognized fishing tournaments, Lake Murray reinforces its position as one of America’s top outdoor recreation destinations,” Davis said. “These events not only celebrate the incredible fishing opportunities our lake offers but also create meaningful economic benefits for our local businesses, restaurants, hotels and communities.”
