Calvert City, Kentucky — June 5-8, 2025
Calvert City next week, where Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour will make its long-awaited debut on Kentucky Lake for Lowrance Stage 5 Presented by Mercury. For four days, 66 of the best bass anglers in the world will compete for a $150,000 top prize, crucial Angler of the Year points, and spots in the Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2026 championship.
Tournament Updates
Updates will be updated as they are available.
About BPT Stage 5 Kentucky Lake
This stop on the Bass Pro Tour has been highly anticipated, not only because of the high stakes on the line, but because Kentucky Lake itself is in the middle of a well-documented resurgence. After years of battling invasive species and struggling fish populations, the lake has rebounded. Subsequently, it’s drawn some of the sport’s biggest names eager to showcase what these waters now offer.
A Homecoming for Several Pros
Among the 66 pros, a handful bring deep familiarity with Kentucky Lake. Jake Lawrence, from nearby Paris, Tennessee, comes in with a pair of recent Toyota Series victories on these waters in 2023 and 2024. He’s joined by Kentucky natives John Hunter (Shelbyville) and Bradley Roy (Lancaster), both looking to leverage their home state advantage.
Lawrence, who’s having a breakout rookie season on the Bass Pro Tour with four top-10 finishes in five events, sees this stop as a chance to show the national audience what Kentucky Lake has become.
“I’m really looking forward to finally being able to showcase the new Kentucky Lake on a level like the Bass Pro Tour,” Lawrence said. “Our lake has gone through cycles over many years, and we’re currently on the high end of the upswing.”
According to Lawrence, both largemouth and smallmouth bass populations have made significant comebacks in recent years. With many fish in strong year classes, anglers will have plenty of opportunities to target quality bass throughout the tournament.
Expect Heavy Limits
The event will feature MLF’s signature catch, weigh, immediate-release format, which means anglers will see live updates on SCORETRACKER® throughout the day. Every bass must weigh at least 1 pound, 8 ounces to be deemed scorable. With so many quality fish in the system, it’s very possible we’ll see anglers approach 60-pound totals on the strongest days. Lawrence estimates 35 to 45 pounds per day will likely be the benchmark to survive each round.
In recent years, Kentucky Lake has already produced its share of big bass:
- Cole Floyd landed a 9-pound, 9-ounce giant
- Jake Lawrence himself caught an 8-8
- Matt Becker reeled in a 7-8
Those kinds of fish only fuel the excitement for what could happen during Stage 5.
Community Impact
Beyond the fishing, the event brings major economic benefit to the region. Elena Blevins, Executive Director of the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau, emphasized the importance of hosting national events like this:
“This event not only highlights our rebounding fishery on a national stage but also drives significant economic impact to our local communities. From lodging and dining to fuel and retail, every corner of our region benefits.”
Jeremy Whitmore, Executive Director of the Calloway County Tourist Commission, echoed those sentiments.
“People want to fish where these tournaments are held, and we’re excited to afford them the opportunity to catch the same fish as the pros.”
Full Fan Experience
While much of the action will play out online through MLFNOW!® livestreams and SCORETRACKER® updates at MajorLeagueFishing.com, fans will also have plenty of ways to get involved in person:
- Launch & Takeout
- Launch: 7:15 a.m. CT daily at Kentucky Dam Marina (466 Marina Drive, Gilbertsville, KY)
- Takeout: 3:45 p.m. CT at the same location
- Pre-Tournament Meet & Greet
- June 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jet-A-Marina (4616 US-62, Calvert City, KY)
- 19 pros will be onsite signing autographs and taking photos
- MLF Fan Experience & Watch Party
- June 7-8, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kentucky Dam Swim Beach (Gilbertsville, KY)
- Live coverage on the MLFNOW! big screen, food, live music, hourly giveaways, and kids’ activities
- The first 50 kids each day will receive a free Abu Garcia rod and reel
The Format
The tournament structure will feature two days of qualifying rounds. After Friday, the top angler automatically advances to Championship Sunday. Anglers ranked 2nd through 20th battle it out in Saturday’s Knockout Round, where weights are zeroed. From there, only the top nine move on to the Championship Round, where one final day of fishing will determine who takes home $150,000.
For Kentucky Lake, this is more than just a tournament — it’s a statement that one of America’s most iconic fisheries is officially back in the national spotlight.
