BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The National Professional Fishing League is slated to return to Massena for the second time, this time hosting a tournament at the Massena Intake from July 23-25

The news comes as NPFL officials announced the 2026 calendar of tournaments, which will also see the professional fishing league visit Lake George as well. 

“Creating a tournament schedule is one of the toughest jobs we handle each year,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller. 

“There are a lot of moving parts—quality fishing, engaged hosts, travel challenges, and more. Ultimately, our goal is to put our anglers on great waters and to produce compelling and competitive events for our fans.”

The NPFL visited the North Country for the first time this summer, with over half of the field securing bags in excess of 20lbs each day. 

The fifth stop of the league rewrote the league's record book, establishing new top marks for total weight, heaviest average bass, and heaviest average daily catch. 

Seasoned pro Drew Cook secured a wire-to-wire victory with nearly 75lbs bagged after three days. 

Fellow heavyweight Kyle Welcher was in hot pursuit and came up just short of the victory. 

“Massena is excited to host the National Professional Fishing League again in 2026,” said Don Meissner, Director of Tourism for Fish Massena. “The event was so spectacular in 2025 that the town is eager to bring the tournament back for a second year. We take great pride in welcoming our angling friends to Massena for the best possible tournament competition anywhere in the United States.  We were so pleased with the quality of the program that NPFL staff provided to the town that we cannot wait to welcome them back to the St. Lawrence River.”

Meissner previously told NCTW he was keen to secure a date for the NPFL, saying they are one of the premier professional fishing leagues in the world. 

"They really are the best of the best and they showed that when they visited Massena. Their professionalism and dedication to the sport is something they should be proud of," he said. 

The feeling was mutual, Fuller told NCTW previously. 

"This place is incredible. It really is one of the best bass fisheries in the world and we saw that first hand," Fuller said. 

He complimented Meissner and town grant writer Linda McQuinn for their work and dedication, saying it their efforts that drew NPFL to Massena. 

"We have wanted to fish this river for a while and Don and Linda made it so inviting. They were so welcoming and supportive, so it made it an easy choice for us," Fuller previously said. 

When asked if the NPFL would like to return, Fuller said "1,000%, yes absolutely." 

"We'll keep coming back until they say we can't. This place is unbelievable and everyone has been so welcoming. We want to make Massena NPFL territory," he previously said. 

“In 2026, League anglers will have to prove themselves on some of the greatest fisheries in the nation,” said NPFL Vice President Paul Benson. 

“We’re returning to some old favorites at new times of the year and trying some new fisheries at prime times. The schedule offers a diversity of water types that will showcase a wide variety of techniques. It’s what our fans want, what our anglers want, and what our sponsors and partners have come to expect and appreciate from the NPFL.”