Canadian Angler Cory Johnston Claims Second Bassmaster Elite Title on St. Lawrence River

Canadian pro angler Cory Johnston secured his second Bassmaster Elite Series victory of the season, winning the Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a four-day total of 102 pounds. The triumph earned Johnston a $100,000 prize and his second entry into the prestigious Bassmaster Century Club.

Johnston's consistency throughout the tournament was key to his success. He started strong with 25 pounds on Day 1, improved to 27-7 on Day 2, maintained momentum with 24-14 on Day 3, and sealed the victory with 24-11 on the final day. His strategy focused on a productive 80-yard stretch in Lake Ontario, where he battled challenging wind conditions to target big smallmouth bass in 33 feet of water.

"It was a lot of hard work; I put a lot of time into this," Johnston said. "I've said it 100 times, this is my favorite place to come, this is my favorite crowd with all my family and friends, all the Canadian support — and it's a short drive home."

Johnston's victory was made even sweeter by his brother Chris Johnston's achievement. Chris clinched the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, becoming the first Canadian to earn this prestigious accolade in Bassmaster Elite Series history.

Rookie Robert Gee of Knoxville, Tennessee, finished a close second with 100-7, also earning a Century Club entry. Gee focused on a community hole between Carleton Island and the main channel of the St. Lawrence River, using a jighead minnow rig to great effect.

Trey McKinney of Carbondale, Illinois, secured third place with 98-9 and won the Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year title. McKinney primarily fished in the river using a jighead minnow rig with a Strike King Z-Too.

The tournament showcased the St. Lawrence River's world-class smallmouth bass fishery, with multiple anglers praising the quality of the fishing grounds. As the Bassmaster Elite Series continues to highlight top fishing destinations, events like this demonstrate the high level of competition and the incredible resources available to anglers in North America.