MOSES LAKE, Wash. – The 2026 BAM Northwest Pro-Am season kicks off at Moses Lake, one of Washington state’s premier bass fishing destinations. With warming water temperatures, changing weather conditions, and multiple stages of the spawn expected to be in play, local anglers believe the event will produce strong weights and several different ways to compete at the BAM Trail Mercury / Vexus Boats Pro-Am presented by Tackle Warehouse and conservation sponsor Fisherman’s Warehouse.
Washington pros Austin Sandmann of Moses Lake, and Rich Craft of Tacoma have spent time on the water at Moses within the last month and are following conditions closely. Both anglers expect power fishing to play a major role in the three-day draw-tournament that will award the winning pro a brand new Mercury-powered Vexus 1880 prize boat.
Spawn Conditions and Moses Lake Outlook
Sandmann sees the fishery still heavily influenced by spawning activity despite warming temperatures.
“The water has been in the 60s,” he said. “Right now, it is still spawn and they’re still some on beds.”
According to Sandmann, recent weather swings have kept the fish from fully settling into a consistent pattern.
“It has been unpredictable,” he said. “It has been unseasonably warm for this time of year but also we had late rain recently which seems to have delayed the spawn even though there has already been early waves.”
By the time the tournament begins, Sandmann expects anglers to encounter bass in every phase of the spawn.
Craft expects the event could lean more toward post-spawn patterns.
He pointed to the upcoming moon phase as another possible trigger for fish moving shallow.
“The 31st is the next full moon,” he said. “We should get a small push of spawners at that time, but the dirty water will likely make the largemouth harder to see on beds.”
Multiple Patterns in Play
With a mix of healthy largemouth and smallmouth available, both anglers agree Moses offers a wide range of presentation options and cover.
“There are pencil reeds, docks, sand dunes, rocks, current, and bridges,” said Sandmann. “It is really set up for anything, and an out-of-towner could easily come in, find a pretty special place and win it all.”
Known for largemouth up to nine-pounds and seven-pound-class smallmouth, Moses Lake offers anglers multiple ways to build competitive limits.
He believes anglers who can balance both largemouth and smallmouth opportunities may have the best chance at success.
Pro and Co Lure Selection and Tournament Strategy
Sandmann plans to rely heavily on shallow-water power fishing techniques throughout the event.
“Flipping, topwater and sight fishing will be what I commit to,” he revealed. “I won’t just target smallies. I think the bigger ones may have already spawned.”
For co-anglers, Sandmann recommends versatile techniques that can cover a variety of structure and conditions.
“Tying on a Senko for any type of cover, long casts, dragging a jig or throwing a crankbait, even looking for smallies on the rock can work,” he stated.
Craft described the tournament as a power fisherman’s dream and doesn’t think FFS will be a big factor.
“I am sure I will be relying heavily on my Dobyns Rods and a Yamamoto Yamacraw in green pumpkin, “he said. “For co-anglers, I would say a spinning rod with dropshot and a Senko will do it.”
Stock up on all your Moses Lake baits at Tackle Warehouse 20% off sale this weekend
Weight Predictions and Big Bass Expectations
Both pros expect strong weights throughout the field.
“I think it will take 20 to 24 pounds the first day to make the top-10 cut,” Sandmann said. “Overall, for all three days, I think it will take an average of 20 to 21 per day for a pro to win.”
He also believes co-anglers could produce impressive bags under the right conditions.
“Behind the right pro, a co-angler could sack up a 17- to 18-pound bag,” Sandmann added. “But I would think the winning co will be at least in the range of 14 ½- to 15 ½-pounds a day.”
Craft predicts slightly lower weights, but still expects quality limits throughout the event. He feels 18 pounds average a day could take the win.
Sandmann and Craft concurred that the big bass honor would likely go to a seven-pounder
Craft also noted the fishery holds even larger bass capable of changing the tournament at any moment and reminded us there could be both eight and nine-pounders ready to eat.
Tune in to BAM social channels or the BamTrail.com website to follow the action.
BAM Trail Mercury / Vexus Boats Pro-Am presented by Tackle Warehouse
Moses Lake – Cascade Park
May 29-31, 2026
Moses Lake Event Overview
The BAM Trail Vexus Boats Pro-Am heads to Moses Lake for the first time, expanding BAM’s Northwest reach. Launching out of Cascade Park, this three-day professional bass fishing event featuring top western anglers competing for a new Mercury powered Vexus 1880 boat, cash payouts, contingencies, and chance to earn a BAM Trail victory.
Daily weigh-ins will take place at Cascade Marina Park at 3:00 PM each day and are open to the public.
Media representatives are welcome to attend to report, film, interview anglers, or cover the event. Contact: Mark Lassagne 925-787-3474 mark@bassmag.com
Tournament Schedule
Off-limits and no information to all contestants on May 25-26.
Official practice days are May 27-28 – anglers must be off the water by 4:00 PM on May 28
Official Event days May 29-31
Tournament Rules Available at www.bamtrail.com
Angler Check-In & Meeting: Cascade Park 8301 Valley Rd NE, Moses Lake, WA
Angler check-in will be held Thursday, May 28, at the BAM trailer from 4:30–5:30 PM.
The official event meeting will follow at 6:00 PM.
The public is welcome to attend the angler meeting
The BAM Moses pre-tournament meeting location offers convenient access for anglers, with trailer parking at the park. The venue has food and beverages within a short drive.
Lodging: O’Sullivan Sportsman Resort is offering RV sports for $50 a night along with some cabins. Call Jord’Enn to book you stay (509) 771-4919
Awards & Payouts
Saturday afternoon: We will crown a Scholastic Champion along with awarding the Tackle Warehouse and Black Bear contingency winners, payouts will be issued from 11th place through the final paid position.
Sunday afternoon: Professional and co-angler champions will be crowned. Awards will include a brand-new Mercury-powered Vexus 1880 $43,000 prize boat, Bass Boat Technologies $250 contingency, and payouts to the Top 10.
Full event details and rules are available at www.bamtrail.com.
About BAM Tournament Trail
The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM Trail) is the West Coast’s premier pro-level bass fishing circuit — built to showcase top anglers and connect brands directly with the fishing community.
Powered by Bass Angler Magazine’s nationwide print and digital reach, BAM offers unmatched marketing opportunities through its tournament trail, magazine, email campaigns, podcasts, social media, YouTube, and TV series — creating year-round exposure for anglers and sponsors alike.
BAM Super 60 title sponsor – Bass Boat Technologies presented by – Tackle Warehouse.
BAM Pro-Am title sponsor – Vexus Boats presented by Tackle Warehouse.
BAM Trail is honored to be associated with its host of amazing partners, Bass Boat Technologies, and presenting sponsor, Tackle Warehouse. The trail is also supported by StorQuest, Chicken Ranch Resort, Vexus Boats, Ford Fairfield, Power Pole, Mercury Outboards, Boardman Community Development, Black Bear Diner, Bridgford Foods, Bob’s Machine, Okuma Fishing USA and our conservation sponsor Fisherman’s Warehouse.
BAM TT tourism partners: Lake Don Pedro, City of Oakley, Grant County WA, City of Huntington OR, Anderson Auto Group and the City of Kennewick.
Tournament events include BAM Super 60 Pro Tour, Pro-Am, Scholastic and a Kayak Tours with an end of the year Championship. See the TV show and live weigh ins on YouTube.
Learn more here: BAM TRAIL, YouTube Facebook, Twitter, X and TikToc.
Media / Advertising Contact Mark Lassagne
#bamtrail #bassanglermagazine #bamprotour
For more information, visit www.bamtrail.com.