fishing tournaments and events
Bryson City and Cherokee - 2023
9th Annual Boy Scouts of America Bass Fishing Tournament
Saturday & Sunday, March 11-12
Fontana Village Resort & Marina
Fontana Dam, NC
Proceeds from this 2-day event help support the Scouting Programs for nearly 2,000 youth in WNC. Participants receive special lodging rates at Fontana Village Resort. More information & registration.
Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament
Saturday & Sunday, March 25-26
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 6
Fontana Lake
Bryson City, NC
First Saturday each May. $100 per boat, includes BBQ Dinner, big fish pool & launch fee. Launch from Almond Boat Park on Fontana Lake. All proceeds benefit the West Swain County Volunteer Fire Department (Bryson City area). Entry Fee 1st Place - $1,500 plus $1,775 in 9 additional cash prizes. Raffle prizes.
To register call Jim at 828-488-6423 or Chris at 828-488-2424 or by visiting Elder's Hardware (111 Main St., Bryson City), Smoky Mtn. Lakes & Marine (Hwy 74 West) or Almond Boat Park (Hwy 28 North).
Fly Fishing Museum Hall of Fame Weekend
Friday & Saturday, May 5-6
Bryson City, NC
Lagers with Legends Fundraiser at Mountain Layers Brewery Friday night. Fly Fishing Museum Hall of Fame Luncheon and Ceremony at the Fryemont Inn on Saturday. This is an opportunity for everyone to meet and greet the Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame Inductees and past Legends. Event details & purchase tickets.
Cherokee’s Memorial Day Trout Tournament
Saturday & Sunday, May 27-28
Cherokee, NC
$15 entry fee and and a $17 two-day fishing permit to compete for your share of $10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters). Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize. More info
The Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament
Friday & Saturday, July 8-9
Cherokee, NC
$15 entry fee and a $17 two-day fishing permit to compete for your share of $10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters). Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize. More info
The Qualla Country Trout Tournament
Friday & Saturday, August 26-27
Cherokee, NC
$15 entry fee and a $17 two-day fishing permit to compete for your share of $20,000 in tagged fish in the riverson the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters). Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize. More info