FishING Tournaments & Events
Cherokee Fishing Tournaments
Cherokee’s exclusive fishing events ensure a Great Fishing season.
Cherokee offers the perfect opportunity to introduce your budding angler to the joys of fishing or challenge your skills against top competitors. Whatever your fishing aspirations may be, Cherokee provides the ideal setting to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Fish Cherokee Tournaments & Special Events
Register anywhere fishing licenses are sold or at FishCherokee.com
Fisheries & Wildlife Management reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or amend any tournament or event due to catastrophes, pandemics, states of emergency, adverse weather, etc.
Opening Day Trout Tournament
$20,000 in cash prizes
Join us for a thrilling fishing adventure and the opportunity to win big at Cherokee’s annual Opening Day Trout Tournament!
- Participation in the Opening Day Fishing Tournament requires a nominal entry fee along with a valid permit covering both tournament days, granting access to compete for a grand total of $20,000 in tagged fish.
- The tournament takes place along the scenic rivers of the Qualla Boundary, excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters.
- Specially stocked tagged fish await eager anglers, with cash prizes ranging from $25 to a whopping $5,000.
Memorial Day Trout Tournament
$10,000 in cash prizes
Grab a friend and spend a long weekend in Cherokee bonding with rainbow, brook, golden, and brown trout.
- Participation in the Memorial Day Fishing Tournament requires a nominal entry fee along with a valid permit covering both tournament days, granting access to a whopping $10,000 in tagged fish nestled within the breathtaking freestone streams of Cherokee.
- The tournament takes place along the scenic rivers of the Qualla Boundary (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters).
- Specially stocked tagged fish await your skilled casts, promising lucrative cash prizes for those lucky enough to reel them in.
Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament
$10,000 in cash prizes
This annual tournament pays tribute to Tim Hill, a cherished member of our trout hatchery team whose memory lives on through this special event.
- Participation in the Tournament requires a nominal entry fee along along with a valid permit covering both tournament days.
- Participants have the chance to reel in their share of $10,000 by catching magnificent trout in rivers spread across the Qualla Boundary (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters).
- These rivers will be stocked with tagged fish, offering anglers exciting opportunities to win cash prizes.
Qualla Country Trout Tournament
$20,000 in cash prizes
Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, anglers gather to compete for coveted prizes and bragging rights in this esteemed tournament.
- Participation in the Trout Tournament requires a nominal entry fee along with a valid permit covering both tournament days.
- Participants have the opportunity to claim a portion of the $20,000 prize pool by angling for spectacular trout in the rivers that crisscross the Qualla Boundary.(excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters).
- These rivers will be teeming with tagged fish, providing anglers with thrilling chances to compete for cash rewards.
Annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Fishing Derby
We provide fishing poles, bait, t-shirts, a chance for prizes, and much more to pre-registered participants. This is a fun, family event where all children between the ages of 3-11 can enjoy a day of fishing in Cherokee. You must pre-register for this event.
Ready to cast your line in Cherokee, NC?
First you’ll need to get a permit. Luckily, that’s as easy as catching a Cherokee trout.
Reel in unforgettable moments in the heart of Cherokee, NC
Explore our curated collection of information on fishing in Cherokee, NC.
