Bay City Lands 2027 International Youth Bass Fishing Championship on Saginaw Bay
Young anglers from five countries will compete June 28-July 2 as the defending U.S. gold-medal team welcomes the 2027 International Youth Bass Fishing Championship to Michigan.
BAY CITY, Mich. — Bay City will host an international youth bass fishing championship next summer, bringing young competitors from five countries to Saginaw Bay for five days of competitive fishing.
USAngling and the USA Bass Youth Team announced that the 2027 USA Youth Bass Fishing International Championship will take place June 28 through July 2, 2027.
The competition will include teams representing the United States, Canada, and South Africa, along with an international team featuring anglers from Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa. The DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-Riverfront will host the championship week.
The announcement gives Bay City another major fishing event and places Saginaw Bay on an international stage for youth competition.
Team USA Will Defend International Gold Medal
The American team enters the championship after winning gold at the December 2025 Tri-Nations Cup at Loskop Dam in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The U.S. squad defeated South Africa and Zimbabwe over three days of competition. Team captain Jackson Roumbanis also won an individual gold medal, while teammate Scott Miklos earned bronze.
The victory followed the American team’s third-place finish at the 2024 Tri-Nations Cup in Zimbabwe. Eric Stall, president of the USA Bass Youth Team, said the championship offers a chance to repay the hospitality American anglers experienced while competing overseas.
“Now it is our turn to welcome them to the United States,” Stall said in the tournament announcement.
The event will bring young anglers together for competition and activities intended to build international friendships through fishing.
Saginaw Bay Presents Different Challenges
Saginaw Bay offers conditions that differ considerably from the African lakes where the previous competitions were held.
As part of Lake Huron, the bay is known for its extensive bass fishery, including smallmouth bass that inhabit reefs, rocky areas, and other underwater structures. Changing weather, wind, and waves can complicate fishing on the open water.
Competitors will need to locate productive fishing areas and adjust their strategies as conditions change. Jason Uldrych, head coach of the USA Bass Youth Team, said the venue will test competitors from every country.
“Saginaw Bay is going to challenge every angler in this event,” Uldrych said.
The championship also comes as researchers examine the region’s growing bass fishery. Michigan Sea Grant is supporting research into smallmouth bass movements, spawning areas, and the possible effects of tournament fishing on fish populations.
2027 International Youth Bass Fishing Championship Adds to Bay City’s Fishing Tourism
Bay City has become a regular destination for major fishing tournaments. In August 2025, the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour returned to Saginaw Bay, bringing professional anglers and spectators to the region.
Local tourism officials have promoted fishing competitions as a way to attract visitors who support hotels, restaurants and other businesses. The international youth championship could provide another opportunity for tourism spending as participating anglers travel with coaches, family members and supporters.
Saginaw Bay’s growing reputation as a competitive fishing destination also reflects recreational fishing’s importance to the regional economy. Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials estimated that fishing activity on Saginaw Bay generated more than $60 million in economic activity during 2025.
More Championship Details Expected
USAngling has not announced the final team roster, tournament format, launch locations or competition schedule. Information about spectator access, opening and closing ceremonies, community activities and sponsorship opportunities will be released later.
The organization, formerly known as the United States Angling Confederation, is a nonprofit that supports American teams participating in international fishing competitions. Its youth bass program provides young anglers opportunities to represent the country while developing competitive fishing skills. For Bay City, the June championship will bring international competitors to one of Michigan’s busiest recreational fisheries.
Residents interested in watching the competition should follow future announcements from USAngling as organizers finalize event details.
