Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
Wisconsin angler Caleb Kuphall may not know Smith Lake well enough to be considered a favorite this week, but he does know largemouth bass. With Smith playing host to both species — and largemouth expected to make a big impact — Kuphall is set up well in what’s shaping up to be a grinder, where a couple big bites can make all the difference.
In 2019, Kuphall won a Bassmaster Open on this fishery relying on a mix of both species. So far at the 2026 Epic Baits Championship, he’s doing something right, sitting on 13.5 pounds anchored by two “big fish” by Smith Lake standards.
Behind Kuphall, Bill Lowen is reporting 11.5 pounds on the Fishing Chaos Catch Track with one big bite. Derek Lehtonen is over 11 pounds, and Todd Goade, Corey Casey, and Kyle Welcher are all showing more than 10 pounds. In tenth place, Jason Meninger has around 9.5 pounds.
Coming into the event, former Championship winner Brandon Perkins noted how difficult it would be to crack double digits. So far, that’s proving to be true.
Rainy, Overcast, Slow N’ Steady
While warmer weather is on the way, today is taking its time. Add in overcast, stormy conditions, and it’s fishing differently than it did on the final day of practice Tuesday. Only six limits are in double digits, around ten limits total have been reported, and just 31 of the 41 anglers in the field have logged a bass so far.
Anglers are targeting docks across different sections of the lake, mixing finesse and power techniques. On Live Coverage, we’ve seen fish caught on crankbaits, topwater, jigs, and more.
On-the-water reports show the water is clearing. During practice, many anglers found success in slightly dirtier water where getting bites was easier. Now, with the lake cleaning up, it’s moving anglers around. As you get closer to the dam, the water appears generally clearer overall.
As we move into the afternoon hours, the bite is expected to pick up. Plenty of big bass have already been caught, and a few more this afternoon could really shake things up. Catch the Live Weigh-In starting at 3:15 CST from Smith Lake Park with Big Al and the crew.
How to Watch
Tune in daily to watch the action from Smith Lake and the beautiful City of Cullman. Check out the daily LIVE Leaderboard, LIVE Blog, and on-the-water photo galleries and blogs of the anglers for the NPFL Championship.
Catch the LIVE Coverage with Luke Dunkin and FatCat at TNPFL.com will run all three days, starting today @ 8:00AM CST through Saturday.
Under the Go Live Tab, choose LIVE Broadcast or check out the real-time leaderboard on the Fishing Chaos Catch Track with estimated weights entered by the anglers on the water and join us for the LIVE Weigh-ins, here!
