Top National Collegiate Fishing Teams Compete in Bemidji | News

Bemidji State University was a host for the Bassmaster College Series National Championship, held Aug. 10-12 on Lake Bemidji and connecting waters. This event, co-hosted by the Visit Bemidji tourism marketing organization and the city of Bemidji, featured the 90 best collegiate teams from across the nation. Among them were a pair of two-person teams from BSU, one of which placed ninth and the other 35th.

A team from Bryan College in Tennessee was in first place all three days of the tournament.

Mitch (left) and Thor Swanson of BSU prepare for weigh-in on Day 3, Aug. 12.

President Faith Hensrud opened the tournament Aug. 10 with a ceremonial first cast.

The two qualifying teams for Bemidji State, Mitch (left) and Thor Swanson and Luke Gilland and Robby Troje, pose with the team boat at an Aug. 7 Meet the Teams event at Bemidji State.

A pair of competitors try their luck in the Mississippi River Aug. 11.

The Aug. 9 pre-tournament banquet at BSU.

A boat heads towards Lake Irving Aug. 11.

Thank you to the tournament’s local sponsors: