1000 x 90

38th Annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby Day Set for Saturday, April 1 at Broyhill Lake

Broyhill Lake during last year’s Derby

The 38th Annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby will take place in and around North Carolina’s Prettiest Small Town on Saturday, April 1, from sunrise to 4:00 p.m. No entry fees are required and no pre-registration is necessary.

There is plenty of free parking available only a short distance from Broyhill Lake, which will be stocked with hundreds of fish in the days leading up to the Derby. Fish include brown, speckled and rainbow trout.

Kim Rogers coordinates the Trout Derby and her father was one of the founders of the event nearly four decades ago. “All of the Trout Derby officials are looking forward to seeing new and returning fisherman of all ages. Please stop by our headquarters and visit with us if you can: We love to catch up with everyone and hear all about their fishing adventures,” Rogers said.

Derby headquarters, where information is distributed and participants’ fish are measured and registered is the Blowing Rock Clubhouse at 108 Lakeside Drive in Blowing Rock.

Prizes from last year’s Derby

“Trout fishing is unique and specific to this part of North Carolina and has a huge economic impact. The Trout Derby is long-running annual event and a wonderful way to celebrate spring in the High Country. Derby Day weekend offers a unique opportunity to showcase the area to new visiting outdoor enthusiasts and we’re very happy to participate and promote it,” said Tracy Brown, Executive Director, Blowing Rock TDA.

First-place winners will receive trophies in five divisions: Men, Women, Girls (12-14) Boys (12-14) and Small Fries (11 and under). Special prizes will be awarded to the first fish, largest trout in each species, and tagged fish. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission supports the Trout Derby with free “Fish for Fun” bags, including a tackle box, regulation book, bumper sticker stringer and bobber. There will also be free Trout Derby T-shirts.

For more information on the Trout Derby and overnight accommodations in the Blowing Rock area, visit blowingrock.com or contact the Visitor Center at 828.295.4636.