Get ready to cast your lines! The 2026 Opening Day Trout Tournament, also known as "Reel in the Cash," is offering anglers a chance to win big in the Qualla Boundary. With a $20,000 prize pool, the tournament promises a thrilling fishing adventure for both seasoned pros and newcomers alike.
The tournament is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 28–29, 2026, marking the annual kickoff fishing event in Cherokee, NC. Participants will compete by catching specially stocked tagged trout in the public waters of the Qualla Boundary. Note that 2.2 miles of catch-and-release areas, such as parts of Ravens Fork, are excluded.
What You Need to Know
To participate, anglers will need to pay a $15 entry fee and obtain a $17 two-day permit. Alternatively, a multi-day Tribal permit can be used. Registration is required to redeem any prizes, and the deadline to register is Friday, March 27, 2026.
Anglers can register online at FishCherokee.com or in person at any local permit vendor throughout Cherokee. Permits are available wherever fishing licenses are sold within the Qualla Boundary. The organizers (EBCI Fisheries & Wildlife Management) hold the right to cancel the event due to weather, emergencies, or unforeseen catastrophes.
Location and Prizes
The tournament will take place in the Qualla Boundary, Cherokee, NC, within the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Anglers can fish along more than 30 miles of rivers, including the Oconaluftee and Ravens Fork, all set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. The tagged trout carry cash rewards ranging from $25 to $5,000, with the total prize money reaching $20,000. Tag turn-in occurs from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM each day at Oconaluftee Island Park.
Who Can Participate?
The event is open to all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect opportunity for families and expert anglers to enjoy a weekend of fishing. All that is required is a valid entry and the necessary permit. This tournament is one of several held in Cherokee, distinct from others such as the Qualla Country Trout Tournament, the Memorial Day Tournament, and the Tim Hill Memorial Tournament.
This event is expected to draw many anglers, boosting local tourism and creating lasting memories. The tournament emphasizes accessible competition on Tribal waters, requiring only a Tribal permit. Get ready for a thrilling fishing adventure and the chance to win big!