Mercury B.A.S.S. Championship Set for Green Pond in November
Observer Reports
Hartwell Lake and Anderson County’s signature tournament facility, Green Pond Landing, will once again take the national spotlight this fall as the site of the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance. The event, set for November 18–21, will bring hundreds of anglers, fans, and media from across the country to Anderson for one of bass fishing’s premier grassroots championships.
Competition each day will launch from Green Pond Landing—the crown jewel of Anderson County’s outdoor recreation development and one of the Southeast’s foremost venues for major fishing events. Top anglers from across the United States and abroad will compete not only for the B.A.S.S. Nation title but also for a shot at advancing to the sport’s highest professional level.
The overall champion earns an invitation to the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, and the top three finishers will qualify for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, often considered the Super Bowl of bass fishing.
“Lake Hartwell has repeatedly proven itself as a world-class championship fishery, and Green Pond Landing provides an outstanding experience for our anglers and fans,” said B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer Phillip Johnson. “The B.A.S.S. Nation Championship represents the heart and soul of our organization—the dedicated club anglers who dream of reaching the Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic. We’re thrilled to return to Anderson and showcase these competitors on a national stage.”
Lake Hartwell’s deep, clear waters straddle the border between South Carolina and Georgia, forming a 56,000-acre playground beloved by anglers for its healthy largemouth and spotted bass populations. The lake’s diverse structure—deep timber, rocky points, docks, and wide creek arms—consistently delivers competitive weights and dramatic finishes.
For local leaders, the championship marks another opportunity to highlight Anderson County’s investment in Green Pond Landing, which has become a cornerstone for sports tourism and economic development.
“We’re very excited to welcome the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship back to Anderson County, Green Pond Landing and Lake Hartwell,” said Neil Paul, executive director of Visit Anderson. “The leadership of Anderson County has continued to invest in Green Pond Landing, giving us a facility capable of hosting some of America’s premier fishing championships. This will be the fourth time the B.A.S.S. Nation has been decided here, and we’re proud to once again roll out our best hospitality for anglers, families, and fans.”
The championship draws qualifiers from B.A.S.S. Nation events across the United States and internationally, representing the culmination of years of club-level competition. The influx of anglers, families, and event personnel is expected to bring a significant tourism boost for Anderson County hotels, restaurants, and businesses in what’s typically a quieter time of year.
Additional event details, including takeoff and weigh-in schedules, will be announced later on Bassmaster.com.
With Elite Series invitations and coveted Bassmaster Classic berths on the line, the 2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship promises another memorable week on the waters of Lake Hartwell—right from the familiar docks of Green Pond Landing.
