The 2026 Minn Kota Tennessee Big Bass Classic on Lake Chickamauga proved once again why Fish Dayton and Rhea County are becoming one of the nation’s premier bass fishing destinations.

The event brought in:

$1,415,782 Total Estimated Economic Impact

$439,684 in Direct Visitor Spending

28.3 Jobs Supported

$113,263 in State & Local Tax Revenue

736 Verified Participants

Anglers traveled from 25 different states and Canada to compete on our world-class fishery, generating packed hotels, busy restaurants, fuel stops, retail shopping, and increased tourism activity across the region.

The data shows:

61.3 percent of participants traveled more than 50 miles

42.7 percent traveled over 100 miles

Nearly $2,000 economic impact per verified participant

The event’s marketing reach included:

4.9 million+ paid advertising views
Hundreds of thousands of organic social media impressions
Large exposure for Lake Chickamauga, Dayton, and Rhea County nationwide

Connor Thomson took home the championship with a 9.05 pound largemouth, earning the keys to a brand new Nitro Z18 powered by Mercury Marine.

Alex Fine, Rhea County director of tourism, said, "These events continue to prove that outdoor tourism and fishing tourism are major economic drivers for our community.

Thank you to all partners, sponsors, anglers, volunteers, businesses, and supporters who help make these events possible."