For four decades, we’ve been celebrating the opening of Trout Season with friendly competition and prizes! The Blowing Rock Trout Derby is a much-anticipated early springtime event in the village. We have some of the best trout fishing anywhere in the Southeast, so the combination of the Derby and our lovely springtime makes for a great reason to visit. Fishing is a fun outdoor sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime and the Derby is a great way to be together as a family!
2025 brings the 45th Blowing Rock Trout Derby on Saturday, May 3!
Derby Check-In/Registration: Tent in Broyhill Park
Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene on local wildlife, the Trout Derby will be held a month later than usual. The Derby will be catch and release only this year, again for conservation purposes. Broyhill Lake will still be stocked with tagged fish for children, but the fish will be measured, de-tagged, and then released back into the lake.
The event will begin on May 3rd, 2025 and all participants are required to come to the check in located in front of Broyhill Lake. Parking is available by the Robbins Pool and a tent will be set up lakeside.
At check in, fishers will receive a tape measurer that must be used to make a fish eligible. The Derby will be recognizing the top 3 biggest fish, measured in inches, in the following categories:
Categories:
Small Fry 11 & Under: 1st 2nd 3rd
12-15 Years Old: 1st 2nd 3rd
Adults 16+: 1st 2nd 3rd
Biggest Brown Trout:
Biggest Rainbow Trout:
Biggest Brook Trout:
In order for a fish to be eligible, the fisher must capture a picture of the fish with the provided tape measurer laying across the fish. (Just do your best!)
All public water in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties is permitted for the event.
Children’s Art
Any kids aged 16 or under are highly encouraged to draw their best trout possible on a landscape 8.5” x 11” piece of paper. One entry will be accepted per child for the chance to be featured on next years’ t-shirt and poster!
Artwork must be dropped off at The Speckled Trout Outfitters on Main Street no later than 12pm on the day of the event (May 3, 2025). The morning of the event, art materials will be stationed on the patio of the outfitters for anybody looking to draw on the spot. Mail in entries are permitted, but all entries must have a full name, grade level, and contact phone number in order to be selected.
Children’s Art Location:
The Speckled Trout Outfitters, 922 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
For more information
on the Trout Derby and overnight accommodations in the Blowing Rock area, contact the Blowing Rock Visitor Center at 828-295-4636 or info@visitblowingrock.com.
