Canadian Cory Johnston off to solid start in Elite Series opening event

SCOTTSBORO — Canadian Cory Johnston is off to a solid start to the 2026 Elite Series season.

Johnston, of Cavan, Ont., took the lead after the first round of the circuit’s opening event on Lake Guntersville on Thursday. Johnston’s five-fish limit weight 24 pounds, nine ounces, leaving him three ounces ahead of American Bryant Smith.

Conditions were hardly ideal as the temperature at takeoff was -4C while the water temperature was around 1C, resulting in slow retrieves.

“I didn’t catch a ton of fish, just one here and there throughout the day, Johnston said. “One or two off each spot.

“I ran a ton of water so (Friday) I’m just basically do the same thing, run some new water and hopefully we can keep it rolling here.”

Johnston is chasing a third career Elite Series tournament title.

Canadians Evan Kung and Jeff Gustafson also came in with solid opening limits.

Kung, of Pickering, Ont., stood fifth overall at 23 pounds, six ounces while Gustafson, of Kenora, Ont., was eighth at 22 pounds, one ounce.

Chris Johnston, of Peterborough, Ont., stood 50th at 17 pounds, four ounces, just one ounce ahead of Cooper Gallant, of Bowmanville, Ont. The top-50 competitors following action Friday will make the cut for Saturday’s round.

Chris Johnston, Cory Johnston’s younger brother, is chasing a third straight Elite Series overall crown.

The top-10 anglers after Saturday’s round will advance to Sunday’s final.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 5, 2026.