COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina’s Lake Murray has hosted prior MLF Cups and numerous events with Major League Fishing over the years. But the Bass Pro Tour’s arrival to Murray for Stage Three in 2023 (April 2-7) marks the tour’s first trip to the famed lake.

Lake Murray’s most recent professional event was a 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit stop. That event was also in April and was won by Bass Pro Tour rookie Matt Becker with a four-day total of 76 pounds, 5 ounces. Second place in that event was Anthony Gagliardi, who also won the 2014 Forrest Wood Cup on his home waters.

Gagliardi says that historically, the first week of April is dead center in the bass spawn.

“There will be fish spawning, but still plenty of fish that are in the prespawn mode and feeding heavily,” Gagliardi said. “It should be a fun event and there will be various ways to catch fish. The lake is in good shape and full of 3- to 5-pound fish.”

While the lake is known for the blueback herring and the nomadic bass that chase them in open water, Gagliardi believes the event’s timing will make them less of a factor.

“It’s awful early for them to be on the bluebacks,” Gagliardi said. “Anything could happen if we get a milder winter and warmer spring, but I believe most of the bass will be on the bank. You should be able to target the prespawn fish or also try to catch spawners.”