fishing tournaments and events

Bryson City and Cherokee - 2025

11th Annual Boy Scouts of America Bass Fishing Tournament
Saturday & Sunday, April 4-6
Fontana Village Resort & Marina
Fontana Dam, NC
Proceeds from this 2-day event help support the Scouting Programs for nearly 2,000 youth in the Daniel Boon Council of WNC. Participants receive special lodging rates at Fontana Village Resort. More information & registration.

Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament
Saturday & Sunday, March 29-30
Cherokee, NC
$15 entry fee and a $17 two-day fishing permit to compete for your share of $20,000 in tagged fish. Rivers on the Qualla Boundary (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters). Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize. More info

West Swain Fire Department
Annual Bass Tournament
May 3
Fontana Lake
Bryson City, NC
First Saturday each May. Bass Tournament Benefit for West Swain Volunteer Fire Department. First Saturday each May. $150 per boat (max. 2 contestants), includes BBQ Dinner, big fish pool & launch fee. Launch from Almond Boat Park on Fontana Lake. Over $3,000 in prizes: 1st Place - $2,000; 2nd Place $500. 3rd Place $200. 4th, 5th, 6th places $100 each. $10 from each entry fee allocated to the Big Fish Prize!  To register call Almond Boat Park at 828-488-6423; or NC Clampitt Hardware at 828-488-4499; or Smoky Mtn Bait and Tackle at 828-488-8920. Registration begins April 1.