Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament | Cherokee, NC

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Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament

Saturday, March 25 to Sunday, March 26


Location:

Cherokee, NC 28719

Contact: EBCI Natural Resources Department
Phone: 828.359.6110


Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament

For 2023, Cherokee’s fishing season “opening day” will be March 25, and we are offering you 20,000 reasons to get excited about it.

Our Opening Day Fishing Tournament requires a $15 entry fee and a $17 two-day fishing permit, covering both tournament days 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, 517 Sequoyah Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719, which is across the street from Cherokee Welcome Center off Hwy 441. Prize redemption hours are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each tournament day, with a final tag turn in time of 4 p.m. on day two.

Register anywhere fishing licenses are sold or online at FishCherokee.com by Friday, March 24, 2023. Fishing hours are one hour before sunrise and end one hour after sunset each day. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods.

EBCI Natural Resources Department reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or amend any tournament or event due to catastrophes, pandemics, states of emergency, adverse weather, etc.

Fire Mountain Inferno

Saturday, May 4 from 7:30 am to Sunday, May 5 at 3:30 pm

Join us for 2 days of adrenaline-pumping action at the 2024 Fire Mountain Inferno mountain bike event!

Welcome to the Fire Mountain Inferno mountain bike event in Cherokee, North Carolina, recognized as the Best Mountain Bike Race in the annual Best of the Blue Ridge survey by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.   

Scheduled to take place from May 4th to May 5th, 2024, the Fire Mountain Inferno is poised to captivate riders and spectators alike with its breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain. Organized by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this year's event will feature riders of all skill levels.

Divided into four categories – expert, sport, beginner, and junior – participants will tackle a variety of challenges, from thrilling descents to grueling cross-country routes, as they navigate the renowned Fire Mountain Trails. With the full support of the Eastern Band, attendees can anticipate an unparalleled experience celebrating the rich heritage and natural wonders of Cherokee.


Memorial Day Fishing Tournament

Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, May 26

$10,000 in Cash Prizes!

Spend the long weekend with the boys: rainbow, brook, golden, and brown. With your $15 entry fee and a two-day ($17) fishing permit, covering both tournament days, you can compete for $10,000 in tagged fish within the beautiful freestone streams of Cherokee, NC; only the 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters are excluded.

Tagged fish will be specially stocked for this event, and when you catch one, you redeem it for cash prizes at the Natural Resources Enforcement Office located at 517 Sequoyah Trail off Hwy 441. Prize redemption hours are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each tournament day, with a final tag turn in time of 4 p.m. on day two. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods.

Register for this tournament anywhere fishing permits are sold in and around Cherokee or online at FishCherokee.com by Friday, May 24, 2024.

EBCI Natural Resources Department reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or amend any tournament or event due to catastrophes, pandemics, states of emergency, adverse weather, etc


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