Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

March 20, 2008 issue

 

Blowing Rock Trout Derby April 5 to 6

Story by Anna Oakes

For the 29th year, Blowing Rock celebrates the arrival of spring with the annual Trout Derby on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6.

Fishing activities begin at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and last until 5:00 p.m. Fishing resumes on Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. Cash and prizes will be awarded at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

“It’s really a local-type thing,” said Kim Rogers of Jenkins Rentals, a business sponsor of the Trout Derby. “It’s a quiet time here, and all the locals come out for this event and bring their kids and grandkids to fish. It’s a good chance for everyone to see one another.”

No entry fees are required, but all anglers must have a valid fishing license and obey all posted fishing regulations. Licenses can be obtained anywhere bait or other fishing accessories are sold. The only fish eligible for entry into the derby are freshly caught trout taken from Watauga County public trout waters.

To enter the contest, participants can take their catch to the official Trout Derby headquarters located at the Blowing Rock American Legion building on Wallingford Street.

The top prizes go to the people who catch the largest fish in each of the three trout varieties: rainbow, brown and brook. Each winner receives $100.

In addition, prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the men’s, women’s, boys, girls and “small fry” divisions. Prizes include trophies to first-place winners and other gifts, including fishing gear or tickets to entertainment venues.

“We never know till the last minute who’s actually going to win,” Rogers said.

Children 11 and younger and persons with disabilities may fish at Broyhill Park’s Mayview Lake. A limit of three fish per participant per day is in place at Mayview Lake.

Children will be photographed with their fish, and a children’s art contest will take place in the Legion building. Scrapbooks from previous years’ Trout Derbies will be on display, and doughnuts and hot chocolate will be provided for all participants.

Prior to the Trout Derby, on Friday, April 4, is the Blowing Rock Fire Department Fish Fry. The event will be held at the American Legion building from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Chetola Resort and Jim Allen Home Solutions also sponsor the derby. For more information, call 828-295-7851.

 

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6
Time: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday/noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday
Location: American Legion building, Blowing Rock
Cost: Free with valid fishing license

 

 

Blowing Rock Fire Department Fish Fry April 4

The 29th Annual Trout Derby kicks off on Friday, April 4, with the Blowing Rock Fire Department’s annual Fish Fry from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion building.

Enjoy a dine-in or carry-out dinner of fish, hush puppies, French fries, coleslaw and tea for $8.

Sponsored by Storie Street Grille, all proceeds benefit Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue. The fire department will move into a new facility on Valley Boulevard later this spring. For more info, call 828-295-5220.

 

Want To Go?

Date: Friday, April 4
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: American Legion building, Blowing Rock
Cost: $8