Canadian fisherman Chris Johnston Eying repeated Bassmaster Elite Series Crowns
Chris Johnston is not giving up his Bassmaster Elite Series title without a fight. The Canadian angler, hailing from Peterborough, Ont., is currently tied for the lead with American Trey McKinney in the overall standings with 690 points after the recent tournament on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisc. Johnston made history last year by becoming the first Canadian to win the championship, and now he has his sights set on becoming just the fourth angler to win back-to-back titles.
Despite a somewhat uncharacteristic season in 2025, where he has yet to secure a tournament victory or a top 10 finish, Johnston remains optimistic about his chances. He acknowledges that this year has been more about consistency than standout performances, but he is determined to make a statement in the final tournament of the season.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been a fantastic year by any means, just consistent,” Johnston remarked. “Normally I have a few top 10 finishes, but I haven’t even had one this year, so hopefully I can change that in this tournament.”
The competition is fierce, with McKinney posting five top 10 finishes, including a victory at Lake St. Clair in August. Johnston knows he needs a strong finish in the last tournament to secure the overall title, but he is focused on fishing his best and aiming for the win.
If Johnston can pull off the back-to-back championship, he will join a select group of legends in the sport who have achieved this feat. With names like Kevin Vandam, Roland Martin, and Guido Hibdon on that list, Johnston is eager to etch his name alongside them.
This tournament on the Mississippi River holds special significance for Johnston, who has fished there twice before. While he has had mixed results in the past, he feels confident in his abilities to tackle the challenges of the river.
The upcoming season promises to be a busy one for Johnston, with multiple stops across the US and the prestigious Bassmaster Classic in Fort Worth, Texas. He recently tasted victory at a Major League Fishing Tournament in Massena, NY, and shared the podium with his brother and father, who also had successful outings in their respective competitions.
As the competitive fishing season draws to a close, Johnston is looking forward to some downtime with his family and shifting gears to focus on hunting season. But before he hangs up his fishing rod for the year, he is determined to give it his all and make a run at another championship title.
