Bass fishing enthusiasts in the Twin Lakes area can look forward to a major event next month as the Bassmasters Elite Qualifiers series returns to Lake Norfork. The 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmasters Elite Qualifier, presented by Bass Pro Shops, will take place over three days, from Saturday, Sept. 23, through Monday, Sept. 25.
The tournament is one of three key competitions where top anglers compete for a shot at the Bassmasters Elite Series. The top 10 performers across the Elite Qualifiers earn invitations to join the Elite Series, the highest level of professional bass fishing. Additionally, the winner of this event will secure a direct berth to the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic.
Several Arkansas anglers will be competing in this prestigious event, including Stetson Blaylock of Benton, Beau Browning of Hot Springs, and Joey Cifuentes III of Clinton. The festivities will begin with daily take-offs at 6:15 a.m. at Buzzard Roost Boat Dock, located at 4769 Buzzard Roost Road in Mountain Home. Daily weigh-ins, free and open to the public, will also take place at Buzzard Roost. In previous years, tournaments at Lake Norfork have sometimes used Arkansas State University-Mountain Home as a secondary location. However, all weigh-in activities for this event will be centered at Buzzard Roost.
Lake Norfork, known for its deep, clear waters and finesse fishing techniques, provides a challenging setting for elite anglers. The tournament is also designed to engage fans, both in person and digitally, with live broadcasts available on Bassmasters.com. Fans attending the weigh-ins will have the opportunity to view the day’s catches and meet professional anglers.
This event serves as a pivotal step for competitors aiming to reach the highest echelons of professional fishing. For the Twin Lakes community, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant culture of bass fishing and showcase one of the region’s prized lakes.