37th Annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby returns for fishing fun Saturday, April 2
The 37th Annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby will take place in and around North Carolina’s Prettiest Small Town on Saturday, April 2, from sunrise to 4:00 p.m. First-place winners will receive fishing trophies in five divisions: Men, Women, Girls (12-14) Boys (12- 14) and Small Fries (11 and under). No entry fees are required and no pre-registration is necessary.
“The Blowing Rock Trout Derby is a wonderful way to kick off spring in the High Country. Families and anglers from all over the region love to come to Blowing Rock and try their luck at catching the Big One. Trout fishing is unique and specific to this part of North Carolina. We’re very happy to participate and promote such a special event,” said Tracy Brown, Executive Director, Blowing Rock TDA. Contest headquarters, where information is distributed and participants’ fish are measured and registered, is the Blowing Rock Clubhouse at 108 Lakeside Drive in Blowing Rock. There is plenty of free parking in the swimming pool lot, which is only a short distance from Broyhill Lake, which will be stocked with hundreds of fish in the days leading up to the Derby. Fish include brown, speckled and rainbow trout.
Special prizes will be awarded to the first fish, largest trout in each species, and tagged fish. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission supports the Trout Derby with free “Fish for Fun” bags, including a tackle box, regulation book, bumper sticker stringer and bobber. There will also be free Trout Derby T-shirts.
The Blowing Rock Trout Derby was started in the late 1970s by Blowing Rock businessmen Jim Marsh, Elmer Jenkins, Earl Trexler and Carl Underwood to encourage kids to learn how to fish and create some early April outdoor activity.
For more information on the Trout Derby click to blowingrock.com/troutderby or contact the Visitor Center at 828.295.4636.