Nina Taylor 
Bass fishing fans have a date to circle. The biggest event in the sport returns to the Southeast in 2027. Many people ask where it will happen, which lake will host it, and where fans can watch. This guide answers those questions in plain words. It also covers the history, the venue plans, and tips for your trip.
The short answer is simple. The 2027 Bassmaster Classic will run March 19–21, 2027. The anglers will fish Lake Hartwell near Greenville, South Carolina. Fans will gather in Greenville and nearby Anderson for the weigh-ins and the expo. However, organizers have not shared every venue detail yet. Read on to learn what we know today.
Quick Facts: Where and When the Event Happens
Before we dig deeper, here is a snapshot. The table below lists the key facts in one place.
| Detail | Information |
| Event | 2027 Bassmaster Classic (presented by Under Armour) |
| Dates | March 19–21, 2027 |
| Competition lake | Lake Hartwell |
| Host city | Greenville, South Carolina |
| Host groups | VisitGreenvilleSC and Visit Anderson |
| Winner’s prize | $300,000 |
| Takeoff and weigh-in sites | Not yet announced |
Note that the Classic always ends with a Sunday finale. Therefore, plan to arrive by Thursday or Friday if you want the full experience.
The Lake: Why Lake Hartwell?
Where the lake sits
Lake Hartwell sits on the border of Georgia and South Carolina. It covers about 56,000 acres. The water spreads across parts of the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca rivers. Because of its size, anglers can run for miles and still find new water to fish.
Greenville lies roughly an hour from the northern end of the lake. Anderson sits much closer to the shoreline. As a result, both cities work well as a base camp for fans and anglers alike.
What lives in the water
Hartwell holds largemouth bass and spotted bass. Spotted bass often stay deep and relate to rocks and ledges. Largemouth bass prefer shallow cover such as docks, brush, and stumps. Additionally, the lake holds plenty of blueback herring, which bass love to chase. This mix creates a puzzle for the pros. Each angler must pick a pattern and trust it for three days.
Why the pros like it
Several traits make Hartwell a strong tournament lake. First, it has clear water in many areas. Second, it offers many ways to catch fish. Third, it has produced heavy weights in the past. Finally, it sits close to lodging, restaurants, and airports. Consequently, the sport’s top leaders keep returning to it.
Why Greenville and Anderson Share the Spotlight
Two tourism groups host the event. VisitGreenvilleSC leads on the Greenville side. Visit Anderson leads on the lake side. Together, they promise a full week of fan fun.
Greenville brings a lively downtown. It has walkable streets, a famous river park, and a long list of restaurants. Anderson brings the lake itself. It offers boat ramps, waterfront parks, and quiet shoreline views. Therefore, fans can enjoy both city life and lake life in one trip.
Local leaders have spoken proudly about the news. The head of Visit Anderson noted that Hartwell will become the first fishery in the world to host the Classic five times. That record says a lot about the lake and the community around it.
Venue Guide: Takeoff, Weigh-In and Expo
What organizers have confirmed
Organizers have confirmed the lake, the host cities, and the dates. They have also confirmed that the week will include an outdoors expo, fan festivals, sponsor events, and community activities in Greenville and around Lake Hartwell.
What remains unannounced
Organizers have not yet named the exact takeoff site, the weigh-in arena, or the expo hall. They plan to share those details later. Therefore, check the official tournament website and social media pages for updates before you book tickets or tours.
A clue from the last visit
In 2022, the weigh-ins took place at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville. Fans packed the seats each afternoon to watch the anglers carry their fish across the stage. The 2027 plan could follow a similar pattern. However, treat this as a guess until officials confirm it.
How the three days usually work
The format stays the same from year to year. Here is a simple overview.
- Day one and day two: The full field of anglers leaves at sunrise. They return in the afternoon for the weigh-in.
- Day three: Only the top anglers fish the final round. The winner takes the trophy that evening.
- All week: The expo opens its doors to fans with gear, demos, food, and games.
Takeoffs happen early, often before dawn. Weigh-ins usually start in the afternoon. Therefore, plan your days around those two big moments.
A Look Back: Past Classics on Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell has a rich Classic history. The lake has hosted four championships so far. The 2027 event will make five. The table below shows each winner and the winning weight.
| Year | Winner | Winning weight |
| 2008 | Alton Jones | 49 lb, 7 oz |
| 2015 | Casey Ashley | 50 lb, 1 oz |
| 2018 | Jordan Lee | 47 lb, 1 oz |
| 2022 | Jason Christie | 54 lb, 0 oz |
Each result tells a story. Alton Jones held off the field in 2008 with a lead of just over one pound. Casey Ashley came from behind on the last day in 2015. Jordan Lee jumped from sixth place to win in 2018. Then Jason Christie posted a huge final day in 2022 and took the crown.
Notice how the winning weights moved up over time. The 2022 total of 54 pounds stands well above the earlier results. Consequently, fans may expect another heavy week in 2027, although weather will play a big role.
The Money and the Crowd
The winner of the 2027 event will earn $300,000. That prize makes the Classic the richest payday in bass fishing. Beyond the cash, the champion also earns a place in the sport’s history books.
The crowds matter just as much. In 2022, about 154,932 fans came to Greenville during Classic week. The event also generated more than $25.5 million in economic impact. Those numbers rank among the largest in the history of the event. Hotels, restaurants, and shops all saw the benefit.
Local businesses likely expect a similar boost in 2027. Therefore, book early. Rooms in the Greenville and Anderson areas can fill fast once the week approaches.
What to Expect During Classic Week
The outdoors expo
The expo works like a giant fishing store and festival in one. Brands show off rods, reels, lures, boats, and electronics. Fans can test gear, meet anglers, and join fun contests. Additionally, kids can try casting games and learn the basics of the sport.
Fan festivals and community events
Greenville and the lake region plan fan festivals, sponsor events, and community gatherings. Expect live music, food trucks, and photo spots. These events often run alongside the main tournament, so you can enjoy them between weigh-ins.
Watching the action live
You have three main ways to follow the Classic.
- Attend the weigh-in in person and see the fish up close.
- Watch the live coverage online or on television.
- Follow the live leaderboard and social media updates on your phone.
In addition, some fans rent a boat or watch from public ramps to see the anglers launch at dawn. Always keep a safe distance from tournament boats.
Trip Planning Tips for Fans
Getting there
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport serves the region with flights from many major hubs. Atlanta also sits within a few hours’ drive. Once you land, rent a car. The lake, the host cities, and the main venues spread across a wide area, so you will want your own wheels.
Where to stay
Downtown Greenville offers hotels within walking distance of restaurants and entertainment. Anderson offers lakeside lodging, cabins, and campgrounds. If you want to be near the water, stay in Anderson. If you want nightlife and dining, stay in Greenville. Either way, reserve your room as soon as the dates fit your plans.
What to pack
March weather in the Carolina Upstate can swing from chilly mornings to mild afternoons. Therefore, pack in layers. A warm jacket helps at sunrise. A light shirt works by midday. Bring comfortable shoes, rain gear, sunscreen, and a hat. Furthermore, a small folding chair makes long days easier.
Money-saving ideas
- Book flights and rooms early.
- Share a rental car with friends.
- Check for free fan events during the week.
- Eat at local spots outside the busiest downtown blocks.
What the Anglers Will Face on the Water
March offers a special challenge. Water temperatures sit in a tricky range. Bass may start to move toward spawning areas, yet cold snaps can push them back into deeper water. As a result, the winning pattern could change from day to day.
Anglers may fish crankbaits, jigs, jerkbaits, and swimbaits. Some will search for spotted bass along deep points. Others will probe shallow pockets for big largemouth. Therefore, the final weights depend on timing, skill, and a bit of luck.
Meanwhile, the pros will spend weeks before the event learning the lake. Official practice rules limit time on the water in the days before the start. Still, many anglers scout early and take careful notes.
Things to Do Near Lake Hartwell
Classic week leaves some free time, so plan a few side trips. The region has plenty to offer, even for people who do not fish.
- Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville: Walk across a curved bridge with a view of a waterfall in the heart of downtown.
- Swamp Rabbit Trail: Rent a bike and ride a scenic path that links Greenville with nearby towns.
- Lake Hartwell State Park: Enjoy shoreline trails, picnic spots, and quiet views of the water.
- Downtown Anderson: Stroll through local shops and cafes after a long day at the lake.
Additionally, the Blue Ridge foothills sit just north of Greenville. If you have an extra day, a short drive brings you to mountain trails and overlooks.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
This may be your first Classic. If so, a few simple habits will help you enjoy it more.
- Arrive early for takeoff if you want a front-row view of the boats.
- Get to the weigh-in early. The best seats fill up quickly, especially on the final day.
- Keep your phone charged. You will want photos, videos, and live scores.
- Talk to the anglers. Many of them love to chat with fans and sign autographs.
- Respect the rules at the lake. Give the boats plenty of space and follow all posted signs.
How to Stay Updated Before the Event
Details will keep rolling out between now and March. First, follow the official tournament website. Second, join the email list for fan news. Third, check the pages of the two host tourism groups, since they often post local updates. Finally, follow the social media accounts of your favorite anglers. They often share lake reports and travel news as the week gets close.
Ticket and schedule information usually appears closer to the event. Therefore, check back often. Early planners usually find the best prices on rooms and flights.
Conclusion
Here are the main points to remember. The 2027 Bassmaster Classic will take place March 19–21, 2027, on Lake Hartwell near Greenville, South Carolina. VisitGreenvilleSC and Visit Anderson will host the week. The lake spans about 56,000 acres and holds largemouth and spotted bass. This will mark the fifth time the Classic visits Hartwell, a record for any single venue.
Organizers have not yet named the takeoff site, the weigh-in arena, or the expo location. Therefore, watch the official channels for news. In the meantime, start planning your travel, book a room, and pack for changing weather. With a $300,000 prize and huge crowds expected, the week promises plenty of excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the 2027 Classic being held?
The championship will take place on Lake Hartwell near Greenville, South Carolina. Greenville and Anderson will host the fan events.
2. What are the dates for the 2027 event?
The event runs March 19–21, 2027. Anglers fish three days, and the winner takes the trophy on the final day.
3. Which lake will the anglers fish?
They will fish Lake Hartwell. The reservoir covers about 56,000 acres along the Georgia and South Carolina border.
4. How many times has Lake Hartwell hosted the Classic?
Hartwell hosted the event in 2008, 2015, 2018, and 2022. The 2027 event will make it five times, a record for any single venue.
5. Where will the weigh-ins happen?
Organizers have not named the 2027 weigh-in site yet. In 2022, the weigh-ins took place at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville. Check official updates for confirmation.
6. Who hosts the event?
VisitGreenvilleSC and Visit Anderson serve as the host groups. They work with the tournament organizers, B.A.S.S.
7. How much does the winner earn?
The champion will earn $300,000. That makes the Classic the top payday in bass fishing.
8. Who won the last Classic held at Lake Hartwell?
Jason Christie won in 2022 with 54 pounds even over three days.
9. How many fans attended the 2022 event in Greenville?
About 154,932 fans attended Classic week in 2022. The week also brought more than $25.5 million in economic impact.
10. What kind of fish live in Lake Hartwell?
The lake holds largemouth bass and spotted bass. It also has plenty of blueback herring, which bass often eat.
