Gatlinburg is gearing up for its fourth annual Spring Trout Tournament and River Cleanup this April 1. The Gatlinburg Recreation Department has set this day as the opening of the catch-and-keep season on Gatlinburg waters. According to an announcement posted on the City of Gatlinburg's official website, the tournament will help kick off the season while also promoting environmental responsibility. Anglers interested in participating should note the registration deadline on March 28 and that on-site registration is at 7:30 a.m. the day of the event.
Breaking from the traditional entry fee structure, registrants are asked to bring, at minimum, a small grocery bag of litter collected from around the fishing areas to the weigh-in, to qualify for prizes. In a recent statement obtained by the City of Gatlinburg, Travis Williams, Gatlinburg Trout Facility Manager, emphasized the importance of clean waters stating, "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."
Participants in the tournament are divided into two age groups: the Kids' Division for those 15 and under and the Adult Division for ages 16 and over, in compliance with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) adult license regulations. To foster a healthy competition, the event will award prizes not only for the largest fish caught but also for the most litter collected, and for the most unique litter item found. The unique format aims to inspire participants to care for their local waterways while enjoying the thrill of the catch.
With a catch-and-keep limit set at two fish, this year's tournament promises to remain competitive as anglers aim to reel in the heaviest haul. The prize for the single largest fish in each age division will be up for grabs as well. All fishing activity must adhere to the designated Gatlinburg managed waters, which stretch from Gnatty Branch to the National Park boundary at Traffic Light No. 10 in Gatlinburg, and from the confluence of Roaring Fork and the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River up to Treetops Resort. For additional details on the tournament, organizers invite potential participants to get in touch with Travis Williams at 865-436-7549.
