The Bassmaster Elite Series is the NFL of bass fishing. One hundred of the best bass anglers travel around the country for a season of nine events, competing to win each and collect overall points for the Angler of the Year (AOY) title. While seven of the nine events take place in the southern half of the country, the final two are always held up north. This segment of the Elite Series has been deemed “the northern swing”. Everything is on the line at this point in the season. Many anglers flourished throughout the year and sit high up in the AOY points standings, but if they fail to succeed up north, they can easily fall from grace and anglers lower in the standings can rocket to the top. Last year, Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence River were the chosen northeast locations, and we saw some great fishing in crunch time that lead to a dramatic finish to the season. This year, the final events will be held at Lake St. Clair (Michigan) and the Mississippi River (Wisconsin).
Lake St. Clair is one of the most unique fisheries in the country. Some call it the “Smallmouth Okeechobee” due to its seemingly-endless shallow flats. It’s one of the nation’s top-ranked bass fisheries. The smallmouth are big, and the stakes will be high. Elites last visited in 2023, when Joey Cifuentes III crushed it with a four-day total of 91 pounds, 8 ounces. Experts expect even heavier bag weights this season, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive weekend.
Timing is everything. Lake St. Clair’s smallmouth pattern is peaking right now. Though a cold spring delayed it, the transition from spawning to summer feeding habitats means bass are concentrated and aggressively feeding in shallow water. We can expect anglers to battle the elements and adjust strategies in real time.
The high-stakes environment will play a large role in the event’s turnout. Competitors launch daily from Brandenburg Park in Chesterfield Township, where spectators will enjoy live weigh-ins, a full weekend fest, and even fireworks on Friday evening. This is more than just a tournament—it’s a community celebration.
This round will be an intense one, with Angler of the Year points riding high and a Classic slot on the line leveling the competitive intensity for both front-runners and dark horses.
Tyler Williams is an angler to watch out for going into this event. The Maine native is familiar with chasing big bags of shallow-water smallmouth. Look for him to be fishing his favorite jigs around the many rockpiles in the lake. Tyler is currently in 12th place overall in AOY standings, and he is no stranger to the top of the leaderboard in northern lakes. All told, expect big fish, tough conditions, strategic intrigue, and community flair. It’s set to be a can’t-miss event.
The 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series will wrap up in dramatic fashion on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, from August 21–24, and all signs point to an exciting finale. With the season’s final Elite points and coveted Bassmaster Classic berths on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Each cast could make or break a career-defining moment.
The Mississippi River has a history of producing thrilling finishes, including the unforgettable 2022 event, when Bryan Schmitt edged out Chris Johnston by just four ounces. This fishery is known for its dynamic conditions ranging from powerful current to thick vegetation, which forces competitors to adjust quickly and showcase a full range of tactics, from punching grass mats to finesse fishing along current seams. The river’s potential for aggressive topwater bites also adds to the excitement, often delivering explosive action at the surface.
Fans can expect comprehensive coverage through Bassmaster.com and FOX Sports, with morning takeoffs from Copeland Park and weigh-ins at Loggers Stadium drawing strong community support.
With intense competition, unpredictable conditions, and the Classic within reach, the Mississippi River promises a high-stakes, action-packed conclusion to the Elite Series season.
