NPFL to return to Massena for St. Lawrence River tournament in 2027
The National Professional Fishing League will hold a bass tournament in Massena from Sept. 16-18, 2027, marking its third consecutive year on the St. Lawrence River.
By Avery Lyons, ClickNNY Sports Desk
The National Professional Fishing League will return to Massena for a St. Lawrence River bass tournament Sept. 16-18, 2027. The event is expected to bring professional anglers and visitors to the St. Lawrence County community for the league’s third consecutive year in the North Country.
The 2027 schedule lists the City of Massena as the host. Anglers who want to compete must apply by midnight Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, according to the league’s schedule announcement.
The tournament will follow two summer NPFL events in Massena. The 2025 event was held July 9-11 at the Massena Intake and was won by Drew Cook, who received a $100,000 prize. Zack Birge won the 2026 event, held July 23-25, also taking a $100,000 prize.
The league said its 2025 St. Lawrence River event established records for total weight, heaviest average bass and heaviest average daily catch. NPFL officials described the river as a strong candidate for the league’s heaviest catches again in 2027, while noting that the September timing will bring different fishing conditions from the previous July tournaments.
Massena Sport Fishing Director Don Meissner has said the event benefits the broader county as anglers use local restaurants, hotels and campgrounds. He also said the league supports local charities, nonprofits, civic organizations and small businesses. Some visitors stay outside Massena when local lodging capacity is limited.
The NPFL’s 2027 season includes six regular-season events and a championship at Lake Mitchell, Alabama, March 4-6. The league draws anglers from multiple professional circuits, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Major League Fishing’s Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and the Bass Pro Tour.
The 2027 Massena tournament will run Sept. 16-18. Anglers can apply through the NPFL website, which also provides league information and updates. The Town of Massena and Massena Sport Fishing are additional local contacts for event information.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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