Trophies, Prizes, Fish Fry And Plenty Of Trout Is The Formula For 28th Annual Trout Derby

Mark your calendars now. There will be snow on April 7th. No doubt about it!
It always snows on the opening day of trout season. Never fails.
All right, it might not have snowed a couple of times, but for those planning to cast their lines during the 28th Annual Blowing Rock Opening Weekend Trout Derby, better keep the mittens and jackets within reach - just in case.
Here’s why...
On five of those 27 years it has rained - a cold rain. On 8 of those 27 years it has been cold, and on 11 of those years it has snowed - sometimes only a flurry, other time from one to four inches. You don’t have to be a math genius to figure out that on only three of the 27 years has conditions been ideal for fishing in the High Country.
But, hey! Nobody said trout fishing was easy and without sacrifice. That, perhaps, is the reason only the talented and brave challenge the weather for a six to twelve-inch slimy, wiggling creature that feeds only when he is good and ready.
And most of the time, he isn’t ready!
A bass and other fish are all the time feeding or striking at something that is pestering him or that he considers a threat to him or his environment.
But a trout?
Lets just say he doesn’t grow from a fingerling to as long as two feet by being careless and eating everything thrown in the water.
And if that were not enough of a challenge - finding out what he wants and when he wants it, old Mr. Trout is also very easily spooked. To catch him, you’ve got to sneak up on him, and keep it quiet. Whispering to your angling pal only when necessary, and maneuvering without moving a blade of grass or a ripple in the water are two of the assets of a good angler. Better not be smoking or chewing tobacco either. Mr. Trout can smell smoke and nothing will disturb him more than spitting tobacco juice in his environment.
Sounds from all of the difficulties above, fishing might not be a “recreation” for everyone. Don’t tell the hundreds that join in the frantic opening weekend of the trout season in the North Carolina mountains.
They’re having fun! A lot of it! And, as a bi-product, some of the lucky ones are being rewarded with prizes, trophies or even an extra jingle in their pockets. And, there is the trout on the stringer - ready for the frying pan.
The 28th year of celebrating the opening of the mountain trout season with a weekend Derby is within casting distance - on April 7 and 8.
But this year the Derby actually gets underway early, on Friday, April 6th with a 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fish Fry at the Blowing Rock Emergency Services complex on Park Avenue.
Now before a game warden shows up and charges everyone with fishing out of season, you should know that, while it is the evening before the season opens the next day at dawn, the menu is of the salt water variety instead of the fresh water variety.
The delicious meal, with all the trimmings, is only $8 with all proceeds going to the Emergency Services Department to support citizen fire and safety services.
On Saturday and Sunday, April 7-8, anglers from throughout the area along with visitors from far and near will compete for prizes in the Trout Derby. The Derby opens with the dawn of day (6 a.m.) on Saturday and continues until 5 p.m.. Action resumes on Sunday from noon until 4 p.m.. Derby Headquarters, for measuring, registration, and announcement of prizes is the American Legion Hall at the end of Park Avenue on Wallingford Street.
No preregistration is required with the only requirement being the fish most be of legal size and the person catching the fish must have all valid fishing permits.
Only trout are eligible and winners will be determined by length, not weight. No fish from private ponds may be entered in the Derby.
The Derby will also be highlighted by a children’s art contest which runs all day Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Legion Building. The winner’s art work will be featured on next year’s poster and tee shirt.
Trout Derby prizes to be awarded Sunday at the conclusion of the derby will include $50 savings bonds for tagged fish caught in the small fry division (children 11 and under) at Mayview Lake in Broyhill Park, trophies for men, women, boys, girls and small fry, and merchant prizes for first through third place in each division.
While most anglers in the Derby opt for the many streams, rivers, ponds and lakes in the High Country and along the Parkway, for seniors and young children, Mayview Lake in Broyhill Park is the water of choice.
All individuals who register fish are eligible for prizes provided by the Derby Officials, and the merchants of the High Country.
For more information contact the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or stop by the TDA Visitor’s Center.