2019 Fishing Tournament Lineup in Cherokee, NC
2.21.2019
Photo by Fly_Fish_Cherokee
The fish in Cherokee, NC, are so plentiful, you’ll almost catch as often as you cast! That’s because we have the best and longest stretch of privately-owned and stocked fishing waters east of the Mississippi. Picture 30 miles of streams, stocked to the gills with trout: rainbow, brook, golden, and brown.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Cherokee has something for every level of experience. A number of shops and stores offer authorized fishing permits, and a growing number of tackle shops supply both expert and novice gear including flies, tackle, and bait. Just make sure you carry your permit with you when fishing on the Qualla Boundary. You can’t drop a hook or enter a tournament without one.
Insider Tips From the Pros
First time fishing Cherokee? Here’s a primer on everything you need to know. Looking for some insider tips from local Cherokee anglers? Check out our blog with Michael Bradley, the Cherokee fly fishing champion on Team USA who has been fishing the waters in Cherokee since he was a child. Michael dishes on his favorite places to fish, and the lures that have helped him achieve “100-fish days” in Cherokee.
Photo by Fly_Fish_Cherokee
Ready to put your fishing to the test? Here’s the 2019 tourney lineup!
Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament
When: Saturday, March 30th to Sunday, March 31st
Entry fee: $11
Purse: $20,000 (tagged fish range from $25 to $5,000)
Register: Anywhere fishing licenses are sold in Cherokee or or online at FishCherokee.com.
Location: Cherokee Enterprise Waters. View the full map at FishCherokee.com.
Fishing will start one hour before sunrise and end one hour after sunset each day. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Prize redemption will run from 4 to 6 p.m. each tournament day at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 5175 Sequoyah Trail of Hwy 441.
Cherokee's Memorial Day Trout Tournament
When: Saturday, May 25th to Sunday, May 26th
Entry fee: $11
Purse: $10,000 (tagged fish range from $25 to $1,000)
Register: Anywhere fishing licenses are sold in Cherokee or or online at FishCherokee.com.
Location: Cherokee Enterprise Waters. View the full map at FishCherokee.com.
Fishing will start one hour before sunrise and end one hour after sunset each day. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Prize redemption will run from 4 to 6 p.m. each tournament day at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 5175 Sequoyah Trail of Hwy 441.
The Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament
When: Friday, July 12th to Saturday, July 13th
Entry fee: $11
Purse: $10,000 (tagged fish range from $25 to $1,000)
Register: Anywhere fishing licenses are sold in Cherokee or or online at FishCherokee.com.
Location: Cherokee Enterprise Waters. View the full map at FishCherokee.com.
In honor of Tim Hill, a longtime employee at our very own trout hatchery who sadly passed away far too soon, we’re inviting you to fish and compete in this fun and lucrative tournament in his name. A portion of your $11 entry fee will be donated to a charity (yet to be determined) to help us pay tribute to Tim. Fishing will start one hour before sunrise and end one hour after sunset each day. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Prize redemption will run from 4 to 6 p.m. each tournament day at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 5175 Sequoyah Trail of Hwy 441.
Photo by Fly_Fish_Cherokee
Talking Trees Children's Trout Derby
When: Friday, August 2nd to Saturday, August 3rd
Entry fee: Free
Eligible participants: Children ages 3 to 11
Purse: Lots of amazing prizes!
Register: Friday, August 2nd from 10 am to 6 pm at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Location: Oconaluftee Islands Park, 545 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC 28719
Introduce your kids to a love of fishing at this free two-day event. On Friday, dive into excitement at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds for entertainment, attractions, and free fishing gear for eligible participants (children ages 3 to 11). Arrive at Oconaluftee Islands Park on Saturday for hours of fishing fun with prizes, face painting, balloon animals, and more. Entry is free and includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
The Qualla Country Trout Tournament
When: Friday, September 6th to Saturday, September 7th
Entry fee: $11
Purse: $20,000 (tagged fish range from $25 to $5,000)
Register: Anywhere fishing licenses are sold in Cherokee or or online at FishCherokee.com.
Location: Cherokee Enterprise Waters. View the full map at FishCherokee.com.
Fishing will start one hour before sunrise and end one hour after sunset each day. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Prize redemption will run from 4 to 6 p.m. each tournament day at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 5175 Sequoyah Trail of Hwy 441.
Rumble in the Rhododendron Fly Fishing Tournament
When: Saturday, November 2nd to Sunday, November 3rd
Entry fee: $250
Purse: $10,000 in cash prizes
Register: Register with Joey Walraven (River’s Edge Outfitters) 828-497-9300; joey@flyshopnc.com.
Location: Cherokee Catch-and-Release Waters at Raven’s Fork. View full map at FishCherokee.com
Are you and your best fly-fishing buddy ready to rumble with the top anglers around? Then get your $250 entry fee together for this two-person team competition held exclusively Raven Fork, in the catch-and-release section of Cherokee’s “trophy waters.” To enter this tournament you must register for the event at River's Edge Outfitter.