Trout Derby 2024

History:

The Trout Derby began 46 years ago with the inspiration coming from 4 small business owners who wanted to bring energy and excitement to the spring while providing an avenue to teach kids how to fish. “Trout Season”, as referred to by many anglers begins with the opening of our hatchery supported fisheries on April 1st. In concordance with this, Derby Day takes place on the first saturday in April (in this case, April 6 2024). 

NC Wildlife generously donates 300 fish to be stocked right in town at Broyhill Pond for the 11 and under kids (or those with disabilities). Other categories include boys and girls (ages 12-15), and men and women (16 and up). These categories are then separated based on catch and keep or catch and release. From there, winners are selected by largest brown, brook, and rainbow trout of the day. In addition to the competition, kids have the opportunity to submit a piece of trout artwork using a crayon, water-color or colored pencil. The winner of the artwork then gets to be featured on the front of the following year’s t-shirt!

The mission:

In 2023, we introduced a catch and release category in an effort to promote more sustainable fishing practices. We are also partnering with The Watauga Riverkeeper to raise money for their work and provide an index of knowledge and platform for them to further share on the importance of sustainable fishing habits, conservation and clean water.

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of Kim Rogers, this event continues to thrive and bring out a wide array of people for a day of fishing and camaraderie. We want to continue promoting the mission of this event: to keep kids fishing. After all, the best spokespeople for the places we love are the anglers who enjoy them and there’s no better place to begin this than with the younger generations.

rules:

Catch and keep anglers are divided into 3 primary categories: men and women (16+), boys and girls (12-15) and “small fry” (11 and under). Winners here are selected by the largest trout caught in inches. Fish must be brought back to the headquarters by 4 o clock to be measured by our judges. To be eligible, anglers must follow all state regulations, have a valid fishing license and fish in Watauga County public waters ONLY.

Catch and release participants are divided into similar categories while winners are selected by “total inches caught”. Ex: four 10 inch trout = 40 inches. Participation in this section requires showing up to the derby headquarters (TBD) the morning of April 6 at 7:30 to grab an official tape measurer and TIME STAMPED photos must be taken of each trout caught. Anglers must return no later than 4 o clock to have pictures reviewed and tallied by our trout derby judges. To be eligible, anglers must follow all state regulations, have a valid fishing license and fish in Watauga, Ashe or Avery County public waters ONLY.

Following the event, we invite all participants to join us at The Speckled Trout Restaurant parking lot at 4:30 for an awards ceremony!

Parking lot festivities:

Beginning at 11 AM on April 6, the Speckled Trout Restaurant’s parking lot will be closed down for the day to enjoy casting clinics, live music, games and more. Local vendors and some of our brands will also be in attendance for product demos and to enjoy the day with us!

For further details and up to date information, please visit the link below!