BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will take place on Cherokee Lake July 10-12 in Jefferson City, Tenn. Visit Jefferson County TN will host the prestigious event, which will showcase the country’s best up-and-coming student anglers.
“Jefferson County is beyond excited to host the Bassmaster College Series National Championship in 2025 on the beautiful Cherokee Lake,” said Lauren Hurdle, director of tourism for Visit Jefferson County TN. “This event not only highlights the incredible fishing opportunities our area has to offer, but also brings together a community passionate about the sport and the great outdoors. We’re proud to welcome anglers, families and visitors from all over, and we look forward to showcasing the natural beauty and hospitality that make our region truly special.”
B.A.S.S. last visited Cherokee Lake in a College Series event held there in 2023. The picturesque lake located in east Tennessee is a reservoir of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and features 28,000 acres of largemouth water surrounded by 400 miles of shoreline. Takeoffs and weigh-ins will be at Cherokee Dam Boat Ramp on Renfro Road in Jefferson City.
As many as 160 teams of anglers representing universities across the nation will compete for the title of national champions. Teams qualify through two divisions — Legends and Lunkers — with each division offering three tournaments throughout the season. The divisions were created in 2024 to allow more teams to qualify for the National Championship and Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s.
For 2025, the Legends Division features stops at Harris Chain of Lakes in Florida, Smith Lake in Alabama and Oklahoma’s Lake Eufaula. The Lunkers Division schedule visits Florida’s Lake Okeechobee, Buggs Island Reservoir in Virginia and Chickamauga Lake in Tennessee.
“I’m super-excited about this event,” said Glenn Cale, B.A.S.S. tournament manager for the College, High School and Junior Series. “Not only is the national title on the line, but the championship will fill the remaining four spots in the College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s and determine an overall Team of the Year.
“We are truly watching the best anglers in the country in the Bassmaster College Series grow into future pros. Sharing the stage with these young men and women has truly blessed me and our brand.”
For more information about the 2025 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, please visit Bassmaster.com.