Gatlinburg Spring Trout Tournament and River Cleanup set for April 1
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—For the second consecutive year, a unique fishing tournament has been scheduled by the Gatlinburg Recreation Department. The Spring Trout Tournament and River Cleanup, which replaces an entry fee in lieu of litter collection, is slated for Saturday, April 1.
The Tournament also marks the opening weekend for catch and keep fishing in Gatlinburg waters. Tournament weigh in and festivities will be based out of Gatlinburg’s Mynatt Park.
“Fishing in Gatlinburg is very important to many people and being able to fish in clean waters and surroundings is imperative, which is why the emphasis has been placed on cleaning up litter, especially in areas along the river and below the tree line,” Gatlinburg Trout Facility Manager Travis Williams said.
In place of the entry fee, all participants will be required to turn in at least a small grocery bag with litter in it at the weigh-in to be eligible for the fishing prizes. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fish, most litter collected, and the most unique litter item collected.
There are two age divisions for the tournament, with the Adult Division open for ages 16 and up and the Kids Division for ages 15 and under. Tournament rules are based on a two-fish limit and total weight of those two fish.
Pre-registration for the Tournament is currently underway. Individuals may register by emailing Williams at twilliams@gatlinburgtn.gov or on Facebook by messaging the Gatlinburg Trout Facility page. All individuals must be registered by 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1. Registrations will be taken on the day of the event until 7:30 a.m. at Mynatt Park. Fishing for the tournament may begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 1. Weigh in for the tournament, which will also take place at Mynatt Park until 11 a.m.
Fishing must take place in Gatlinburg managed waters, which are from Gnatty Branch to the National Park boundary at Traffic Light No. 10 in Gatlinburg and Roaring Fork from its confluence of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River up to Treetops Resort. All competitors will be expected to follow all local and state regulations, including possessing a valid Tennessee Fishing License for Gatlinburg.
For more information on the Tournament, contact Williams at 865-436-7549 or follow the Gatlinburg Trout Facility on Facebook.