Bassmaster Elite Series Closes at St. Lawrence River

Project Healing Waters offers veterans a unique therapeutic outlet through fly fishing. Daisy Hargrave, a Field Support Specialist with the program, highlights its origins at Walter Reed Medical Center in 2005. It’s a space for peer support and community among recovering service members. Fly fishing acts as a healing activity, connecting veterans with shared experiences.

CLAYTON, NEW YORK — Evan Kung’s name stands proudly on the tournament trophy from the St. Lawrence River event. However, the real story emerging from Clayton this week surrounds the young competitors. The recent Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River concluded the 2026 Elite Series regular season. This event also decided the season-long Angler of the Year and Rookie of the Year titles. These awards are determined by cumulative points across all nine regular-season events, not just this singular tournament.

Championship Sunday carried significant weight in determining the results. Trey McKinney arrived at the season finale after witnessing Chris Johnston claim the Angler of the Year title for two consecutive years. McKinney’s runner-up finishes demonstrated his consistent top-two standing in the Angler of the Year race.

McKinney’s celebration marked his Bassmaster Angler of the Year victory.

At the age of 21, McKinney became the youngest Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year, breaking a record held by Kevin VanDam since 1992. This accomplishment capped a week during which McKinney set another record by boating the heaviest five-fish smallmouth limit ever weighed in Bassmaster history at 30 pounds, 11 ounces on Day 2. He also earned his own Century Belt.

McKinney’s journey to victory wasn’t without challenges. He finished the tournament in second place, just two pounds behind Kung. However, McKinney focused entirely on winning the Angler of the Year title.

The final hours on the water proved to be the most nerve-wracking McKinney had ever experienced in his fishing career.

I was more nervous today than I’ve ever been in my whole life,” McKinney said.

The critical moment came when McKinney landed a 6-pounder, edging him closer to victory.

McKinney attributed his achievement to three years of hard work paying off, with his mom expressing gratitude on stage for the support they received throughout his journey.

As McKinney wrapped up his tournament, the Rookie of the Year race unfolded from the shore. Caleb Hudson led the rookie points race for most of the season but didn’t advance to Championship Sunday at St. Lawrence. Fisher Anaya became the sole remaining contender for the title. Anaya needed a top-six finish on the final day, but he finished ninth, securing the Rookie of the Year title for Hudson without Hudson making a single cast that day.

Hudson described the experience as nerve-wracking, yet he expressed satisfaction with an outstanding season.

Having won the Rookie of the Year title, Hudson also received a $10,000 bonus from Pro Guide Batteries. He acknowledged the significance of the day, as it coincided with his mom’s birthday.

Anaya nearly missed the title, discussing the lost opportunities he faced during those critical days.

The St. Lawrence River finale presented a series of memorable moments. The event highlighted young athletes destined to shape the future of the sport.