Register by October 15 for Rumble in the Rhododendron Fly-Fishing Tournament

Are you ready to rumble? Each fall, the much anticipated fly-fishing competition, Rumble in the Rhododendron, takes place along 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters in Cherokee, NC. In this tagged fly-fishing tournament, two-person teams put their skills to the test for the chance to win a share of $10,000.

This year’s event will take place Friday, October 28 through Sunday, October 30. The registration fee ($225) includes tournament registration for two, competitor swag, dinner on Friday evening, and lunch on Saturday.

The Calming Nature of Fly-Fishing

“The concentrated determination of the fishermen/women while they fished was astounding,” says Paula Price, Program Coordinator for Natural Resources (EBCI). Paula has had the opportunity to observe and photograph participants during past events. “The patient and practiced ease of their casting was graceful to watch. The beauty of watching a line fly through the air with the snap of a wrist is awe inspiring. Combine that with the sounds of the river and surrounding nature; one could quite simply get lost in his/her own world.”

This event is limited to 30 teams, with 15 competing on Saturday morning and 15 on Saturday afternoon. The top seven from each session (total of 14 teams) will qualify to Sunday morning’s competition. Subsequently, the top seven teams from the morning will move on to the afternoon’s competition to compete for cash prizes. The tournament offers a guaranteed payout to top teams that totals $10,000: first place ($5,000), second place ($3,000), and third place ($2,000).

It’s easy to get hooked. Paula says, “In it’s complicated simplicity, fly-fishing and all it entails could possibly be very addictive.”

Each fishing session lasts three hours. Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Only one team member may fish at a time in this modified FIPS-mouche format with a tag out system.

Remember Your Fishing Permit

To fish in enterprise waters within the Cherokee Indian Trust Lands, fishermen must have a valid Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians fishing permit on their person. These fishing permits ($10) can be purchased anytime through a local vendor or online. Please note that fishing permit dates must be valid during the tournament dates. Anyone 12 years of age or older must purchase and have on their person a valid fishing permit. Children under the age of 12 may fish free of charge if accompanied by a permitted adult.

Want to Go?

Register in person where fishing permits are sold (cash or check). All payment is due in full by October 15 or you risk the possibility of losing your team’s spot.

For more information, email info@cherokeesmokies.com or call the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce at 828.788.0034.