**CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Due to the health concerns associated with the Covid-19 virus and efforts to limit the possible transmission, The Town of Blowing Rock has made the decision to cancel all Town sponsored events until April 13, 2020. On or before that date, the Town will reassess this measure and provide an update concerning ongoing cancellations or rescheduling of events or meetings going forward. **
Anglers of all ages and levels are invited to compete for cash and prizes at the 41st annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby! The Derby will take place in Blowing Rock on Saturday, April 4, from sunrise to 4:00pm. No entry fees are required. Pre-registration is not necessary for the Classic Tournament, and the NEW Catch & Release competition features an easy check-in.
This event has celebrated the opening of trout season for four decades now, encouraging families to get out together to enjoy the outdoors and friendly competition. Kids are invited to fish right in Blowing Rock at Broyhill Park, next to Derby Headquarters. Trout Derby Headquarters are located at the Blowing Rock Clubhouse at 108 Lakeside Drive, and open at 7am on April 4. The casual nature of the Derby makes participation fun! Simply catch a trout in Watauga County on April 4, and bring it to Derby Headquarters in Blowing Rock to have it measured to enter it into the Classic Tournament. New this year, Chetola Resort presents Catch & Release categories, featuring Orvis prizes! To participate in the Catch & Release categories, stop by Derby Headquarters first to check in and receive a free official tape measure. To enter a catch into the Catch & Release competition, take a photo with the official tape measure, then submit the photo along with location details. All entries must be recorded by 4:00pm.
Also at Headquarters, kids can pick up free “Fish for Fun” bags, which include a tackle box, regulation book, and basic tackle. Free Trout Derby T-shirts will be available as well. Bags and T-shirts are limited, so come early in the day before they run out! While kids are there, they can participate in the Art Contest; all supplies are provided, and the winner’s art is featured on the next Derby poster and T-shirt. Chetola Resort will again present FREE Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Demonstrations at Broyhill Park, next to Derby Headquarters, at 2:00 and 3:00pm.
Winners and prizes are announced at Derby Headquarters at 4:30pm. For the Classic Tournament, first-place winners will receive locally-crafted trophies in five divisions: Men, Women, Girls and Boys (12-16), and Small Fries (11 and under). Cash prizes will be awarded to largest trout in each species and for tagged fish, which are stocked in the lake at Broyhill Park. Prizes in the Catch & Release categories are all provided by Orvis, and include items like fly fishing rods, youth waders, and casting clinics!
“We’re excited about the new categories, and hope that even more people will join us to celebrate trout fishing this year,” says Kim Rogers, longtime coordinator of the Trout Derby. “Everyone is welcome, from first-time anglers to seasoned fishermen, and we love to hear all about everyone’s fishing adventures! We can’t wait to see your catch!”
There is plenty of free parking available at Broyhill Park, where the lake will be stocked with hundreds of fish in the days leading up to the Derby, with some fish tagged for special prizes, and even a few trophy fish! Fish include brown, speckled and rainbow trout. Broyhill Park is reserved for fishing by children and persons with disabilities. Fishing licenses are not required at Broyhill Park, but anglers will need to have a current fishing license and obey posted fishing regulations in all other locations.
Additional details on the Blowing Rock Trout Derby can be found at BlowingRock.com/TroutDerby