Final-Day Giant Pushes Thomson to Victory at Lake Chickamauga

LAKE CHICKAMAUGA, TN. — The Minn Kota Big Bass Classic presented by Fish Dayton delivered exactly what anglers have come to expect from one of the country’s premier big-bass fisheries, heavyweight largemouth, dramatic leaderboard swings, and a final-day fish that changed everything. 

When the scales closed on Championship Sunday, it was Connor Thomson who stood atop the leaderboard with a massive 9.05-pound largemouth, a fish he weighed in during hour three on the final day of competition.  

Thomson’s perfectly timed catch earned him the overall victory and the keys to a brand new Nitro Z18 powered by Mercury Marine. 

Championship Sunday Delivers 

Lake Chickamauga once again proved why it remains one of the most dangerous big-bass lakes in the country. After strong fish were weighed throughout the first two days, Thomson’s final-day giant vaulted him into the lead and ultimately sealed the win. 

The leaderboard remained packed with quality fish all weekend, with multiple anglers eclipsing the eight-pound mark. 

Top Overall Weights – Lake Chickamauga 

The event showcased the depth of Chickamauga’s fishery, with several heavyweight bass pushing the leaderboard all three days.
 
Consistent Numbers and Big Bass Action
Anglers stayed busy throughout the event, weighing a total of 417 fish with a strong 4.39-pound average.  

 
From start to finish, Chickamauga produced exactly the kind of quality and consistency that has made it a staple stop on the Big Bass Tour schedule.
 
National Reach & Economic Impact
The event drew anglers from 25 different states and Canada, reinforcing the national appeal of the Big Bass Tour and Lake Chickamauga as a bucket-list destination for competitive anglers.   

Spring Season Wraps Up
Lake Chickamauga marked the final stop of the Big Bass Tour’s spring schedule, closing out an action-packed first half of the 2026 season filled with giant bass, dramatic finishes, and memorable championship moments across the country.

The tour now shifts its focus north as anglers prepare for the next stop in La Crosse, Wisconsin, this August, where the Mississippi River will provide a completely different challenge as the race for big bass and championship glory continues.