A cool breeze moves steadily through the trees as the morning birds commence their melodious chats. Amid this pleasant time of tranquility, your mind starts to gently drift when the sound of rippling water catches your attention. Calmly, you begin to turn the reel, eager to see what’s hooked on the end of your line. Emotions are churned, and a strong desire to win develops as the fierce battle rages on. With victory in sight, you make the final pull — colorful scales burst forth from the water, shimmering brilliantly against the sunlight. On April 7 and 8, 2018, experience the tremendous excitement of fishing for rainbow trout in the 20th Annual Smoky Mountain Spring Trout Tournament — the largest trout tournament in Tennessee!
When and Where
Let the fishing games begin along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and its tributaries — Roaring Fork, LeConte Creek, and Dudley Creek — properly stocked for this exciting event with over 10,000 fish! From the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary in Gatlinburg to the Sevierville City Park bridge downstream (North), the tournament water perimeters will provide plenty of opportunities for you and your family and friends to snag a whopper, or 10 — dream big.
Be sure to get a nutritious and tasty breakfast before the start of the competition, which will begin 30 minutes before sunrise (around 7:00 a.m.) each day of the tournament — Saturday, April 7, and Sunday, April 8, 2018. Attend a thrilling dinner show in town after 4:00 p.m., when the competition comes to a temporary halt on Saturday. Grab a juicy steak, a slice of gourmet pizza, or a seafood platter (keeping with the day’s theme, of course) for a late lunch after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, when the tournament officially ends.
Prizes and Drawings
Hosted by Rocky Top Outfitters, a well-established fishing and hunting guide service in the Smokies since 1994, the Smoky Mountain Spring Trout Tournament will not only create a memorable outdoor experience for the whole family but also offer multiple chances to enter drawings (held at each weigh-in) and win prizes — the best kind of souvenirs!
Reel in the largest or the smallest trout (must be at least 7 inches) as each will receive a reward of $500! Who else hopes they catch them both? While gift certificates, fishing equipment, amusement passes, and more will be up for grabs, perhaps the greatest of these event prizes will be the trophies, made to remember your epic fishing tournament moments for years to come.
Remember
All trout must be at the weigh-in station at Patriot Park (at traffic light #7) in Pigeon Forge by 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The total weight of the 2-day tournament will determine winners (ONLY fresh rainbow trout weighed). To win, you must be present at the weigh-ins!
Rules and Regulations
With every friendly fishing competition comes an official set of rules and regulations. While it’s important to keep these guidelines in mind, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy nature, too. Most importantly, be certain to pick up a TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) fishing license!
- Only one handheld rod with a single hook will be allowed.
- There will be a limit of 5 fish per participant.
- Fishing will not be allowed on the Friday (April 6, 2018) before the event.
- Tournament participants will not be allowed to fish with individuals who are not entered in the competition.
- All Gatlinburg and state regulations observed
- All competitors subject to polygraph test
- Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament officials will reserve the right to disqualify any participant.
Registration
How can you participate in this top-notch tournament? Bring on the nitty-gritty details! Each entrant must complete a registration form with Rocky Top Outfitters online, by phone, or in person at Smoky Mountain Angler Gatlinburg and pay an entry fee of $25 to participate for a single day or $40 for both Saturday and Sunday. (Note: Group registrations will not be accepted online.) Make sure to choose your proper fishing divisions: Adult or Child (15 and under) and Tourist or Local. Also, late registration (cash only) will be offered on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. in person only at Riverside Motor Lodge in Pigeon Forge.
Online/Phone Registration
Rocky Top Outfitters
(865) 661-FISH/3474
In Person Registration
Smoky Mountain Angler Gatlinburg
469 Brookside Village Way
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-8746
Late Registration
Riverside Motor Lodge
3575 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-5555
(800) 242-TENN/8366