The 2026 WON Bass U.S. Open on Lake Mead commenced October 9, 2026, with Kevin Hugo of Canyon Lake, California, taking the lead after day one. Hugo and his AAA partner Matthew Keats weighed in a total of 14.90 pounds. Following closely in second place were Sean Coffey of Mesa, Arizona, and Tom Warren of Maricopa, Arizona, with 14.83 pounds. Of particular interest to local residents, past U.S. Open Champion Justin Kerr of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and his AAA partner Dean Simpson III from Sun City, Arizona, secured fourth place with 12.89 pounds.
The event, presented by Ranger Boats and Mercury, saw 178 pros and their AAA partners launch from Calville Bay Marina, located near Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite earlier concerns about low water levels at Lake Mead, anglers experienced excellent conditions for controlled fishing during the opening round. Rounding out the top five, Brandon Kuehl of Peoria, Arizona, and Terry Peterson of West Jordan, Utah, placed fifth with 12.63 pounds, while Mike Steckel of Las Vegas, Nevada, and William Penrod of Salome, Arizona, held third position after day one with a total weight of 13.37 pounds.
The opening round experienced bright and sunny conditions with light breezes that intensified as the day progressed. The competition is fierce for significant prizes. The professional winner will receive a 2026 Ranger Z520R powered by a Mercury ProXS250, valued at $85,000, along with a $70,000 cash prize. In the AAA Division, competitors are vying for an $8,000 winner’s share and a Honda Fourtrax ATV.
Anglers are keenly aware of the historical average of 11 to 12 pounds per day needed to win the U.S. Open on Lake Mead. However, the prospect of severe weather, including high winds that could potentially cancel day three of the competition, is influencing current strategies. The National Park Service may cancel day three, with forecasts predicting 20 to 30 mile per hour winds and gusts up to 60 miles per hour. Day two is expected to see 10 to 15 mile per hour winds, with gusts potentially reaching 25 miles per hour.
Tournament leader Kevin Hugo confirmed this strategic shift, noting he "leaned on my areas and caught what I could" due to the possibility of a shortened event. Hugo and his partner slowly covered water, adjusting their presentations to match the changing conditions, ultimately catching ten keepers. He reported using a variety of baits and techniques, fishing finesse presentations in direct sun and horizontal baits during cloud cover or windier periods. He plans to continue with his approach, believing his deliberate pace provides an advantage.
Sean Coffey, who previously led day two of the 2025 U.S. Open, described making a 20-minute run in the morning to target baitfish around grass with shad-colored moving baits. He adjusted strategies throughout the day, going deeper later to land his biggest fish when conditions slowed midday. Coffey also stated his intention to push things on day two, given the potential for the event to conclude after two days.
The 2026 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mead is the culmination of the 2026 WON Bass Western Opens Series. This series included five events across California, Arizona, and Nevada. Earlier events in the year were held at Clear Lake in January and April, Lake Shasta in February, and Lake Havasu in May. The Lake Havasu event, held from May 7 to 9, 2026, was won by Cody Steckel, who weighed in 50.24 pounds.
Daily takeoffs and weigh-ins for the U.S. Open occur at Calville Bay Marina. The event is supported by numerous sponsors including Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Bridgford Foods, AFTCO, and Power Pole, among others.
