CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Oct. 9, 2025) — Chattanooga's reputation as a premier outdoor destination will be on full display the next two weekends as the seventh season of the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour features the region's world-class fisheries on Discovery Channel.
The two-hour episodes from the O'Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Chickamauga & Nickajack Lakes Presented by OPTIMA Batteries will air Saturday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 18, showcasing the world's top professional anglers competing on the Tennessee River.
Chattanooga Tourism Co. worked alongside the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Major League Fishing to bring the Bass Pro Tour's seventh season to the region, with the cooperation of key local partners including Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, the Tennessee Riverpark, and the City of Chattanooga.
"Chickamauga and Nickajack lakes have earned international recognition as world-class fishing destinations," said Barry White, CEO of the Chattanooga Tourism Co. "Having Major League Fishing showcase our waters on Discovery Channel reinforces what anglers already know — that Chattanooga offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the country. This exposure benefits our entire community by attracting visitors and highlighting the outdoor experiences that make our region special."
The Tennessee River system surrounding Chattanooga has become a must-fish destination for professional and recreational anglers alike. The region's lakes consistently produce trophy catches and have hosted numerous major fishing tournaments, contributing to the local economy and enhancing Chattanooga's identity as a gateway to adventure in the Southeast.
Chattanooga Featured Episodes:
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Oct. 11 — O'Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Chickamauga & Nickajack Lakes Presented by OPTIMA Batteries Knockout Round at 7 a.m. EDT
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Oct. 18 — O'Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Chickamauga & Nickajack Lakes Presented by OPTIMA Batteries Championship Round at 7 a.m. EDT
New season seven episodes will premiere each Saturday through mid-November on Discovery Channel. Throughout the season, anglers compete for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2026, the Bass Pro Tour championship.
For the complete television schedule and more information about Major League Fishing, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Potential Interviews:
Dennis Tumlin
Chief Customer Officer
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Donna Elle Harrison
Vice President of Engagement & Impact
Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Chris Hoover
Sales Director
Major League Fishing
About Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Chattanooga Tourism Co. is the official destination marketing organization for Hamilton County, dedicated to sustainably increasing visitation and connecting guests with authentic Chattanooga experiences. The organization aims to strengthen the local economy and enrich the community by establishing Chattanooga as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, and leisure travel. Hamilton County welcomes more than 11.1 million visitors annually, who generate $1.8 billion in economic impact. This visitor spending contributes $186 million in local and state tax revenue, saving each resident household $1,232 in taxes and supporting more than 30,000 jobs. VisitChattanooga.com
About The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing is the world's largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America's living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world's top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.
