2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN
| Lake | Date | Location | Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarks Hill Reservoir | Jan. 23-25 | Evans, GA | Division 1 |
| Sam Rayburn Reservoir | Feb. 13-15 | Jasper, TX | Division 2 |
| Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley | March 6-8 | Paris, TN | Division 2 |
| Norfork Lake | April 3-5 | Mountain Home, AK | Division 2 |
| Tombigbee River | April 16-18 | Columbus, MS | Division 1 |
| Upper Chesapeake Bay | July 23-25 | North East, MD | Division 1 |
| St. Lawrence River, | July 31-Aug. 2 | Waddington, NY | Division 1 |
| Leech Lake | Aug. 14-16 | Walker, MN | Division 2 |
The 2025 Bassmaster Opens season is set to deliver action-packed competition as anglers aim for a spot in the Bassmaster Elite Series and the coveted Bassmaster Classic. This year’s schedule includes eight thrilling events, with anglers competing in two divisions. The stakes are high, and the diverse fisheries will push every competitor to their limits.
What’s New in 2025?
The season kicks off with Division 1 at Clarks Hill Reservoir (Evans, GA) from January 23-25. Known for its sprawling waters and a healthy largemouth population, Clarks Hill presents an exciting early-season challenge. Winter fishing can be tough, but those who can locate the fish in deeper, warmer waters might score big.
Next up is Sam Rayburn Reservoir (Jasper, TX) from February 13-15, launching Division 2. As one of the most iconic bass lakes in the U.S., Sam Rayburn is a consistent favorite on the circuit. Anglers will face prime pre-spawn conditions, making it a crucial event for anyone chasing the top spots.
Following this, Division 2 heads to Kentucky Lake/Lake Barkley (Paris, TN) from March 6-8. These Tennessee River impoundments are massive, with a blend of shallow flats, creek channels, and deeper ledges. Anglers will need to stay versatile, adjusting their strategies to track the movements of bass as they transition into spawn.
Norfork Lake (Mountain Home, AR) is next, running from April 3-5. Also part of Division 2, Norfork’s clear waters are known for their deep largemouth and spotted bass fishing. Success here will likely come from anglers who can use their electronics effectively to fish deep water, with finesse techniques likely to play a major role.
In Division 1, the Tombigbee River (Columbus, MS) will host an event from April 16-18. This river system offers unique challenges with its shallow, muddy water and abundant vegetation. Anglers who can navigate the narrow waterways and find bass in the backwaters should fare well.
The season picks up again in the summer with a Division 1 stop at Upper Chesapeake Bay (North East, MD) from July 23-25. As a tidal fishery, the bay requires anglers to account for constantly changing conditions. Largemouth bass will likely be hiding in and around grass beds, docks, and creek channels. Those who can adapt to the fluctuating tides and target key ambush spots will have an advantage.
Another Division 1 event follows immediately after on the St. Lawrence River (Waddington, NY) from July 31-August 2. As one of the world’s premier smallmouth fisheries, the St. Lawrence River offers deep, clear waters with strong currents, making finesse tactics essential. Anglers will need to rely on light lines, drop-shot rigs, and other precision techniques to catch trophy smallmouth.
The final Division 2 stop takes place at Leech Lake (Walker, MN) from August 14-16. Known for its northern smallmouth and largemouth populations, Leech Lake offers a blend of rocky points, islands, and weedy flats. Late summer fishing here will require a diverse range of tactics, from shallow-water flipping to deep-structure fishing.
New Opportunities with the Elite Qualifier (EQ) Format
In 2025, the Bassmaster Opens will once again follow the EQ format, where anglers competing in all eight Opens events can qualify for the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series. The top nine EQ anglers in the overall points standings will punch their ticket to the Elites for the 2026 season. This format rewards consistency, making every event crucial.
Anglers who qualify for the Bassmaster Opens Championship, which follows the regular season, will have a shot at advancing to the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate goal for any competitive angler. The enhanced schedule offers plenty of opportunities for new faces to rise in the sport, while veteran anglers will need to bring their A-game to remain at the top.
Enhanced Format for 2025
In 2025, the Bassmaster Opens will continue to follow the EQ (Elite Qualifiers) format, where anglers competing in all nine tournaments are eligible to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series. The top nine anglers in the Elite Qualifier points standings will secure their spot on the Elite Series for 2026. Additionally, anglers who perform well at the Opens Championship, which will be held at the conclusion of the regular season, can punch their ticket to the 2026 Bassmaster Classic, the sport’s most prestigious event.
Why the New Format Matters
The enhanced 2025 format is a game-changer for anglers looking to advance their careers. With the EQ system in place, consistency across all nine events is crucial. Anglers no longer need to win an individual event to qualify for the Elites; instead, they must demonstrate their ability to perform consistently throughout the season. This shift puts more emphasis on overall skill and adaptability, rewarding those who can fish effectively across a wide variety of conditions and locations.
According to B.A.S.S. tournament officials, “The new format is designed to identify the best of the best. Anglers who compete in all nine Opens and perform well across the diverse fisheries will have truly earned their place on the Elite Series.”
Don’t Miss a Minute of the Action
The 2025 Bassmaster Opens season promises to be a thrilling ride from start to finish. Whether you’re a dedicated bass angler or just a fan of the sport, the new schedule and enhanced format ensure that there will be plenty of drama, excitement, and world-class fishing to watch.
So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable season of Bassmaster Opens action!
