By Bennie McCann

Twice each year, Pigeon Forge Tennessee hosts a trout fishing event you don't want to miss. Twenty miles of backwoods streams are stocked with 10,000 trout in preparation for a single weekend of fishing. The winners take home a share of more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, along with wonderful memories of fishing the trout streams of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Fishing the Tennessee Trout Streams

Imagine spending the day in the clear mountain air, surrounded by trees, with no sound save the babbling of the stream at your feet. The spring tournament is held the first weekend in April, when the mornings are crisp and the skies are that spectacular shade of blue that only early birds and anglers ever see. The trout are so plentiful that they practically jump into your net. It's truly fishing heaven.

If you've ever dreamed of catching a big one, this might just be your year. The largest trout ever caught in Tennessee weighed in at over 28 pounds. Wouldn't that look great hanging over your mantle? Of course no one can guarantee a record-breaking catch, but you'll have a great time hanging out with other anglers while trying to outsmart the elusive trout and land a fish worthy of mounting.

Fun for Everyone

All anglers, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enter. Participants are categorized as either locals or tourists and divided into adult and juvenile groups. Prizes are awarded in each group, so the little ones aren't competing against the more experienced fishermen. Adults don't have to be seasoned pros to enjoy this tournament, either. In fact, even those who have never held a fishing rod will enjoy wading into the clear mountain streams to try their luck. You might even discover a fascinating new pastime.

If you're traveling with family members who don't share your love of fishing, don't worry. They'll find plenty of things to keep them occupied in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding countryside. Dollywood, Gatlinburg, and of course the Great Smoky Mountains themselves provide entertainment and relaxation for everyone.

Everyone's a Winner

With more than $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is the largest in the state. Cash prizes are awarded for the largest and smallest trout, and other prizes include gift certificates, amusement park passes, trophies, and fishing equipment. Every kid is a winner as well, regardless of his or her fishing prowess. And of course, you can take home what you catch. Whether it's a trophy or a tasty dinner, Tennessee trout are always worth keeping.

Twenty miles of Tennessee streams plus ten thousand trout equals one fantastic fishing event. Grab your rod and reel, pack up the kids, and head to the Great Smoky Mountains for two days of fun, fishing, and with any luck, a little cash. There's just no better way to spend a weekend in the woods than fishing a clear mountain stream on a bright spring day. Come see for yourself.