By Paul Switzer

The Maple Bassmasters launched their 2026 season on March 22 with a challenging early-spring showdown on the Des Plaines River, after a last-minute change of plans forced anglers off Braidwood Lake due to anticipated high winds.

Fourteen anglers battled classic early-season conditions—water temperatures in the low 50s, stained to heavily stained water, and a cold, persistent wind that only worsened as the day went on. If anyone showed up expecting a hero bite… they left with a finesse rod in hand and a new appreciation for patience.

Cold Front, Wind, and a Tough Bite

Conditions featured falling temperatures and steady wind throughout the morning and into the afternoon, creating difficult boat control and forcing anglers to slow presentations dramatically. The cold front positioned fish shallow and tight to cover, but unwilling to chase—making every bite earned.

Top Finishers

● 1st Place – Joe Adam 5 fish, 8.81 lbs (Big Bass: 2.59 lbs)

● 2nd Place – Mike Utermark 3 fish, 4.92 lbs

● 3rd Place – Joe Barthelt 3 fish, 3.59 lbs

● 4th Place – Brian Barthelt 2 fish, 3.50 lbs

A key storyline: Joe Adam and Brian Barthelt fished together, with Barthelt as the boater. The duo dialed in productive shoreline stretches, putting both anglers in the top four. And timing definitely paid off for the duo as Mike Towe and Paul Switzer fished the area thoroughly first thing in the morning but came up empty.

Winning Patterns & Baits

● Joe Adam (1st): Ned rig and dead-stick wacky presentations

● Mike Utermark (2nd): 1/8 oz unpegged sinker with green pumpkin, blue Ultra Zibe Speed Craw

● Joe Barthelt (3rd): Dead-sticking a Chigger Craw

● Brian Barthelt (4th): Black/blue Senko

Most bites came within inches to a few feet of shore, reinforcing a clear shallow-water pattern.

The Pattern

● Fish held shallow and tight to cover

● Bottom-contact finesse baits dominated

● Patience outperformed power fishing

If you moved your bait too fast, you were basically practicing casting.

Up Next

The club heads to the Cal Sag on Sunday, April 19.

2026 Tournament Schedule

DATES & LOCATIONS (2026)

• ​ Sunday, March 22 – Braidwood (changed to Des Plaines River)
• Sunday, April 19 – Cal Sag
• Sunday, May 3 – Mississippi River- LaCrosse
• Sunday, May 17 – Kalamazoo River
• Sunday, June 7 – Lake Wisconsin
• Saturday, June 20 – Lake Delavan
• Sunday, June 28 – Green Lake
• Sat/Sun, July 25–26 – Sister Bay (Door Co)
• Sunday, Aug 16 – Spring Lake (Michigan)
• Sunday, August 23 – Lake Michigan (East Chicago)
• Sat/Sun, Aug 29–30 – Lake of Egypt (State Practice)
• Sunday, September 20 – St. Joe River
• Sat/Sun, September 26–27 – Classic (TBD)

With one event in the books, the 2026 season is already shaping up to reward patience, adaptability, and execution under pressure.

Join the Club

The Maple Bassmasters are currently welcoming new members for the 2026 season.

We are an Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation club competing in a full tournament schedule, with anglers earning points toward yearly standings and qualification opportunities. Members also compete in the IBN State Championship Tournament—set for Lake of Egypt in September 2026.

All IBN members automatically qualify to fish the IBN Team Series, providing additional competitive opportunities throughout the season.

We are currently looking for both boaters and non-boaters.

• Learn more about the club: https://maplebassmasters.com/
• Learn more about Illinois Bass Nation: https://www.illinoisbassnation.com/

Whether you’re a seasoned tournament angler or just looking to get started, it’s a great way to compete, learn, and spend more time on the water.