Wisconsin pro angler Pat Schlapper has claimed his second Bassmaster Elite Series trophy of the season, winning the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Elite at the Upper Mississippi River. Schlapper totaled 66 pounds, 5 ounces, edging fellow Wisconsin angler Caleb Kuphall by nearly three pounds.
The win earns Schlapper $101,000 and a spot in the 2026 Bassmaster Classic — though his prior qualification passes that berth to rookie Dakota Ebare.
Schlapper credited his local knowledge of Pools 7 and 8 of the Mississippi and said the victory was especially sweet on waters he knows well. His Championship Sunday catch of 18 pounds, 7 ounces sealed the heaviest winning weight ever at a Bassmaster Elite event on the Mississippi.
Other highlights: Cory Johnston of Canada finished third, while Texas pro Lee Livesay earned the “Monster Bag” award with a 21-11 haul. Chris Johnston captured Angler of the Year, becoming only the fourth in history to win back-to-back titles, and Tucker Smith of Alabama was named Rookie of the Year.
The event wrapped up the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series, hosted by Explore La Crosse.