Derby Days
Fishing Season Opens In The Carolina High Country

Anglers get ready! Blowing Rock’s 28th Annual Trout Derby is just around the corner. With three days of events this year, the Trout Derby offers something for everyone.
Cash and prizes are offered at the Derby on April 7-8 for tagged fish in the small fry division (11 and under), largest trout caught, winners in age divisions including boys (12-14), girls (12-14), men and women.
Derby hours are Saturday 6 am – 5 pm and Sunday noon – 4 pm with awards being presented at 4:30 on Sunday. Children 11 and under and persons with disabilities may fish at Broyhill Park’s Mayview Lake. There is a limit of three (3) fish per participant at Mayview Lake.
No entry fees are required and no pre-registration is necessary. Just take your catch to the official Derby headquarters at the American Legion Building on Wallingford Street for measuring. The only fish eligible for entry into the Trout Derby are freshly caught trout taken from Watauga County public trout waters. Fishing licenses may be purchased at The Village Hardware on Highway 221 just a half mile from Main Street.
In addition to the Derby, check out the Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue Fish Fry. It is slated for Friday, April 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Fire Department Building on Park Avenue. Meals are priced at just $8 with all proceeds going to emergency services.
Other special activities include an art contest on Saturday from 6 am to 5 pm with prizes awarded Sunday afternoon.
Blowing Rock’s 28th Annual Trout Derby is sponsored by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Jenkins Realty and Rentals, Chetola Resort and Mountain View Realty.
For more information please contact the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851.