2026 Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship

The 2026 Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship takes place July 31 through August 2, 2026, at Wildwood Park on Clarks Hill Lake in Evans, Georgia, drawing high school anglers from across the nation to compete on one of the Southeast’s premier bass fishing destinations. Daily takeoffs at 6:30 am send young competitors onto the 71,000-acre reservoir, while weigh-ins at 2:30 pm bring the excitement back to shore where families, friends, and fishing enthusiasts can witness the day’s catches and cheer on their favorite teams. Clarks Hill Lake consistently ranks among the top twenty bass fishing lakes in the Southeast, and watching these emerging anglers test their skills against largemouth, hybrid, and striped bass populations provides a compelling introduction to competitive fishing.

Wildwood Park serves as the ideal host venue, offering multiple beaches, a disc golf course, and RV and tent camping sites that let families extend their stay beyond tournament hours. The park regularly hosts fishing derbies and outdoor events, making it a familiar gathering place for the angling community. Beyond the competition grounds, Clarks Hill Lake rewards exploration with 1,200 miles of shoreline straddling the Georgia-South Carolina border. The Missouri Department of Conservation stocks the waters heavily, and the variety of habitat—from deep creek channels to shallow coves—means anglers and spectators alike can find quiet corners for fishing, swimming, or simply watching herons and the occasional bald eagle patrol the banks.

Elijah Clark State Park sits on the lake’s western shore and offers an accessible fishing pier, boat ramps, sandy swimming beach, and rental cottages perched at the water’s edge. The park honors the Revolutionary War frontiersman with a replica log cabin displaying period furniture and tools, open weekends from April through November. Visitors can also view the graves of Clark and his wife Hannah, adding a touch of history to any lakeside getaway. For paddlers, the Little River Water Trail winds through scenic coves perfect for kayaking and birdwatching, while the Serene18 Paddle Trail offers routes like The Dam Route and Betty’s Branch for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

The Augusta area brings diverse dining options within easy reach of the tournament grounds. Ironwood Tavern has earned a devoted following for its brick-oven pizzas, fish and chips, and house-made desserts. Sconyer’s BBQ has served old-fashioned pit barbecue since 1956 in a log cabin setting where servers in period dress deliver generous portions at remarkable speed, making it perfect for families with hungry young anglers. Goolsby’s in Evans offers cafeteria-style Southern comfort food with fresh preparations and reasonable prices. For something different, Abel Brown delivers refined Southern cuisine with a focus on oysters and locally sourced ingredients, while Cucina 503 in nearby Martinez serves scratch-made Italian pasta that locals consider among the region’s best. Old McDonald Fish Camp draws crowds Thursday through Saturday for fried fish dinners, all-you-can-eat grits and hushpuppies, and a pond where kids can feed farm animals before dinner.

Between tournament activities, families can cool off at designated swimming beaches around Clarks Hill Lake or rent boats, kayaks, and paddleboards from local outfitters like Keg Creek Watersports. The Big Hart and Raysville campgrounds provide waterfront sites for those who want to fall asleep under the stars and wake to morning mist rising off the water. Mistletoe State Park adds additional cabin rentals, RV sites, and hiking trails for visitors seeking extended outdoor time.

Whether your group includes aspiring young anglers studying the techniques of their peers, families seeking outdoor adventure, or fishing enthusiasts who appreciate watching the next generation compete, this championship weekend delivers memorable lakeside experiences. Book your vacation rental on Lake.com and settle into a waterfront retreat where world-class bass fishing, Southern hospitality, and summer memories come together on the shores of Clarks Hill Lake.