For 2019, Cherokee’s fishing season “opening day” will be March 30, and there are $20,000 reasons to get excited about it. This Opening Day Fishing Tournament requires just an $11 entry fee to compete for $20,000 in tagged fish. You’ll be competing in the rivers on the Qualla Boundary (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters). Tagged fish will be specially stocked for this event, and when you catch one, you redeem it for cash prizes ranging from $25 to $5,000 at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 5175 Sequoyah Trail of Hwy 441. Register anywhere fishing licenses are sold. 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 p.m. to 6 p.m. each tournament day.

Meadowlark Enhancers!

Stay Friday and Saturday Nights, Get Sunday Night FREE!
Shuttle to the Event
Remember, you can cook your catch on the recreation area grill or fire pits!!

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