Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament

An annual trout tournament known nationwide, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is the largest trout tournament in the Smokies! Each year, this annual fishing tournament stocks local streams with thousands of fish, welcoming visitors, adults, children, and tourists to compete for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes! 

More than 10,000 trout are stocked in 20+ miles of cool streams in the Great Smoky Mountains for the 2-day event, ensuring some great fishing opportunities over the weekend. Fishers of all ages can compete for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, including fishing equipment, trophies, gear, and more. 

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament 
Open to both locals and visitors with categories for adults and children, the competition is diverse, fun, and interesting! Don’t feel intimidated if you are not a local or avid fisher – for many people, this is their first competition or even their first time fishing at all! There are prizes for the largest trout ($250) and the smallest trout ($250), so everyone has a great chance to win! 

A few things to keep in mind…

  • Gear Up. Nothing is provided during the tournament, so be sure to bring whatever gear and attire you’ll need for the weekend. 
  • Follow the rules. All Tennessee fishing laws will be observed during the tournament, so read up before heading out. You will also need to have a fishing license and ID. 
  • Get registered. You can register online ahead of time, register by phone (865-661-3474), register in person at Smoky Mountain Angler, or register on Friday before the tournament from 6 PM – 11 PM at the Riverside Motor Lodge – cash only. 
  • Wake up! The tournament begins 30 minutes prior to sunrise on Saturday and goes until 4 PM that day. It picks up again 30 minutes before sunrise on Sunday and ends at 2 PM on Sunday. 

Rules for the Tournament 

  • Fishers are allowed 1 hand-held rod (single hook only).
  • There is a 5-fish limit. 
  • All trout must have clear eyes and red gills and be fresh. 
  • Fishing is not allowed on the Friday before the event. 
  • Rainbow trout will be weighed only. 
  • Fish up for the smallest trout category must be 7 inches. 
  • Tournament participants can only fish with others entered in the tournament. 
  • Weigh-ins are only held at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge (traffic light #7). They will draw for prizes at each weigh-in. 
  • Weigh-ins must be completed by 4 PM on Saturday and 2 PM on Sunday, and participants must be present. 
  • Weight is determined by total across 2 days. 

*Participants are subject to polygraph tests. 

Where to Fish
The Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament invites participants to cast their lines in the West Prong of Little Pigeon River (starting from the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg) and downstream to the Sevierville City Park bridge and tributaries. This includes Roaring Fork, Dudley Creek, and LeConte Creek. 

What to Wear
Weather can rapidly change in the mountains, particularly in spring. Check local weather conditions ahead of time so you’ll be prepared – and dress accordingly. And remember, even when it’s nice and warm outside, the water temperature will be much cooler than the air temperature. And if you’ll be fishing with kiddos, you may want to layer up more! You’ll want wading boots, waterproof gear/clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen for any exposed skin, and maybe a hat and neutral clothes. 

Have more questions?
If you need more information about the tournament, call 865.661.3474 or email [email protected] 

Where to StayYou’re geared up and ready for a weekend of fishing in the Smokies. Now you need a great place to stay! After a day on the banks of the the streams and rivers in the Great Smoky Mountains, come back to a cabin in the mountains. You can relax in front of an inviting fireplace, make a hearty dinner in the fully equipped kitchen, play games in the rec room, unwind on the deck with a mountain view, and enjoy a peaceful retreat after a fun day of fishing! You can even pick a cabin on the water!


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *