The BAM Pro Tour is heading back to the Sierra foothills, with anglers set to compete at the Thermalito Afterbay in Oroville, California, this weekend. This marks the final stop on the pro circuit before the much-anticipated 2024 Tournament of Champions (TOC), making it a crucial event for competitors seeking to secure their spot in the finals.
Presented by Tackle Warehouse and supported by the Oroville Chamber of Commerce and Gold Country Casino, the three-day tournament kicks off on September 20th and runs through the 22nd. Oroville’s event is the 4th and final opportunity for anglers to rack up points on the BAM Pro Tour, which has drawn some of the top names in western bass fishing.
The Oroville event poses a unique challenge, as a 31-day off-limits period and fluctuating water levels on the Thermalito Afterbay could disrupt typical fishing patterns. Strike King Pro Billy Hines, who excelled in a previous Oroville event, said the ever-changing conditions make it a strategic battle for anglers. “It kind of reminded me of the Delta,” he noted. “With water levels changing by feet, the bite will be about who adapts best.”
A Tough Challenge Amid Heat and Water Swings
With the current heat advisory expected to lift just in time for blast-off, competitors will need to adjust to Oroville’s shifting conditions. Temperatures, combined with fluctuating water levels, create dynamic currents and unique challenges. Hines, reflecting on his time on the Afterbay, emphasized the unpredictability: “You can get under the causeway one day, but the next, water levels may keep you out. Grass can be just above or below the surface depending on the time of day.”
The Thermalito Afterbay is often referred to as an “angler’s haven” due to its multi-species habitat. Hines predicts success will come to those who can adapt, noting that fish can be caught “all kinds of ways – flippin’, pitchin’, punchin’,” or using topwater lures like the Strike King Sexy Frog. This versatility will be essential, as anglers seek out ideal patches of tules and underwater structures.
Oroville: The Final Push to Championships
This weekend’s tournament is more than just a stop on the tour—it’s a crucial race towards the 2024 Tournament of Champions. Only the top-performing anglers from this Oroville stop will qualify for the TOC, to be held later this year on the tidal waters of the California Delta.
With big stakes on the line, BAM Pro Tour competitors are expected to pull out all the stops. Hines predicts that a daily 15- to 18-pound bag could keep competitors in the running, though a 20-pound sack may be necessary to clinch the win. “Someone could get on a really good patch and pull ahead. It’s all about timing and location,” he said.
Fans can follow the action live, either in person at Monument Hill Boat Ramp, where the daily weigh-ins begin at 3 PM, or via live streams and updates on the BAM Trail website, Facebook, and YouTube. Hosted by tournament commentators Mark Lassagne and Big Ed Everhart, the pre-game show and live weigh-ins will offer fans a front-row seat to the tournament’s high-stakes excitement.
The event is made possible thanks to support from the Oroville Chamber of Commerce, Gold Country Casino, and sponsors like Fisherman’s Warehouse.
Sierra Locals on the BAM Trail
This season has been an exciting one for Sierra Nevada natives like Mark Pilgrim, Hayden Lee, and Luke Johns, who continue to battle on the BAM Pro Tour. At the Early summer Lake Almanor event in Plumas County, Pilgrim, from Chester, CA, finished fourth with a total weight of 15.29 lbs, earning $4,286. Hayden Lee of Angels Camp, CA, secured seventh with 14.16 lbs, taking home $3,334, and Luke Johns from Folsom, CA, placed tenth with 12.13 lbs, earning $2,619.
After Lake Almanor, the tour moved to the Columbia River, where the Sierra locals once again put up a strong fight, leaving them in their current standings as they prepare for the next challenge. With just one event left, the pressure is on as they head to a more familiar body of water, the California Delta, where they’ll compete for a spot in Championship Week, set for October 25-27.
Heading into this final leg, Colby Pearson leads the standings with 306 points, followed by Ish Monroe at 292 points. Mark Pilgrim sits in 7th place with 277 points, while Hayden Lee is tied for 8th with 276 points, and Luke Johns holds 14th place with 259 points. With everything on the line, these Sierra locals are ready to make their mark on home waters, fighting for a shot at the championship.
Watch the Race to Championships Unfold
As the final event before the Tournament of Champions, the Oroville Afterbay stop is a can’t-miss event for pro bass anglers and fans alike. With temperatures cooling off, the bite is expected to heat up as anglers battle it out on one of California’s most unpredictable and exciting fisheries. For real-time coverage and to cheer on your favorite anglers, follow BAM Tournament Trail on Facebook and YouTube, and tune in for daily updates.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a casual fan, the BAM Pro Tour at Oroville promises to deliver thrilling fishing action and a glimpse at the elite talent vying for championship glory.
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This article highlights the exciting BAM Trail Tournament at Lake Oroville, showcasing the beauty of both the event and the surrounding natural environment. The combination of competitive spirit and the stunning scenery of Lake Oroville provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers alike. It’s great to see how events like this not only promote recreation but also contribute to the local economy and bring attention to the natural resources of the region. The tournament also fosters a sense of community, connecting people with the outdoors in a meaningful way. It’s a wonderful reminder of the recreational opportunities that California’s landscapes offer!