register now for the next Trout Days, April 10-12, 2026!
Join us in Damascus, Virginia for trout fishing tournaments each April and September. Trout Days is held on the portions of Laurel Creek and Beaverdam Creek within town limits. The tournament is limited to 200 registered anglers at each event. Adult registration $90, youth registration $45.
NEW! this year: Trout Days Festival on Saturday, 12-4pm, at The Speckled Trout Annex. The festival is free and open to everyone, with something for all ages to enjoy. Browse local vendors and meet our sponsors, take part in a casting contest, pick up fly-tying tips, enjoy family-friendly games, and more.
congratulations to our winners!
September 2025
$1,000 Cash Prize – Dalton Henderson
$750 Cash Prize – Eli Tweed
$500 Cash Prize – Cody Wright
$250 Cash Prize – Dalton Henderson
$100/Instant Winner Tag – Remington Wallace
$100/Instant Winner Tag – Remington Wallace
$100/Instant Winner Tag – Remington Wallace
$100/Instant Winner Tag – Greg Lester
Rules and Other Information
- Trout Days is a catch-and-release tournament, single hook, artificial lures only, no PowerBait or bait of any kind.
- A current Virginia freshwater fishing license is required and state regulations apply.
- Stocked trout mix of rainbows and browns. 200 of the stocked rainbow trout will be tagged for the trout tag lottery.
- Automatic prize tags: In addition to our trout tag lottery, catch any of the trout with a special color tag and win instantly!
- Fishing is permitted from 5:00 PM until dusk on Friday, from dawn to dusk on Saturday, and from dawn until noon on Sunday.
Awards will be determined by a trout tag lottery on Sunday after the tournament. Each trout tag collected equals one entry; the more tagged trout you catch, the more chances to win! Prizes include cash awards of up to $1,000 each, plus a mix of gear, guided trips, and other sponsored items. Also included is a separate raffle for all participants on Saturday evening.
All Trout Days proceeds go toward supporting the Town of Damascus in long-term recovery efforts from the impacts of Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
More about Fishing in Damascus:
A fishing destination in its own right, Damascus, Virginia sits at the confluence of Whitetop Laurel, Tennessee Laurel, and Beaverdam Creeks. These streams form Laurel Creek for a short distance and then join the South Fork of the Holston River just outside of town limits and flow into South Holston Lake a few miles downstream. Fishing options around Damascus cover a wide range, from roadside to remote. Just upstream of Damascus lies one of Virginia’s greatest wild trout streams, Whitetop Laurel Creek.
Trout Days Event Schedule, April 10-12
Friday
5-8pm – Check-in at The Speckled Trout Annex, 106 West Laurel Avenue.
- Pick up your registration packet and wristband at the sign-in tables.
- Raffle tickets and t-shirts available for purchase during check-in.
- On-site registrations welcome.
5pm to dusk – Tournament begins, once you’ve received your wristband at check-in.
Saturday
Dawn to dusk – Tournament continues!
7am-12pm – Late check-in and on-site registration at The Speckled Trout Annex, 106 West Laurel Avenue .
- Raffle tickets and t-shirts for sale during check-in.
7am-4pm – Turn in fish tags at The Speckled Trout Annex to qualify for the trout tag lottery prizes awarded on Sunday.
12-4pm – Trout Days Festival, open to everyone, at The Speckled Trout Annex – Meet our sponsors, shop local vendors, and enjoy family-friendly games.
4-6pm – Big Fish Stories Social & Community Raffle at Appalachian Heritage Distillery & Brewery.
- Raffle ticket sales open to the public on-site until 5pm.
- Live raffle begins at 5pm & must be present to win.
Sunday
Dawn to 12pm – Tournament continues!
12pm – Tournament ends. Turn in fish tags at The Speckled Trout Annex by 12:30pm to qualify for the trout tag lottery prizes.
1pm – Trout tag lottery awards ceremony at The Speckled Trout Annex, 106 W Laurel Ave.
*The Trout Days weekend schedule may be updated as needed.
Trout Days Event Sponsors
Thank you to our Trout Days event sponsors!
Thank you to our Title Sponsor!
Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.! Kiewit is working in Damascus in 2026 on the reconstruction of the upper section of the Virginia Creeper Trail. As one of North America’s largest and most respected construction and engineering organizations, Kiewit is committed to giving back to the communities where they work, and Damascus is grateful to experience that generosity.
Brown Trout Sponsors
Appalachian Power
AEP’s mission is to provide safe and reliable electricity, and it’s their vision to do much more. They add value to their communities and customers and use their success to make a difference in the areas of critical need. It is their privilege to give back to the communities they serve and work to build a future of boundless energy.
Overflowing Hands
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina
Overflowing Hands mission is to serve, empower and transform children and young adults by providing basic needs, camps, youth development, leadership training, mission trips and life changing experiences. They serve children in our neighborhoods, across the US and around the world.
Rainbow Trout Sponsors
Fisher Hollow Veterinary Clinic
Located in Damascus
Fisher Hollow Vet Clinic has been providing compassionate and professional care for pets for many years. The clinic offers a range of veterinary services including routine care, emergency treatment, and specialized services. With a dedicated staff that treats every pet like family, Fisher Hollow is known for its caring approach and commitment to the well-being of animals.
Miller’s Mountain Anglers
Located in Abingdon, Virginia
Family-owned and operated business with more than 30 years of experience fishing South Holston Lake for trout and walleye. Miller’s Mountain Anglers goal is to provide clients of all ages and levels of experience with an exceptional day of guided fishing.
Stone Fly Co.
Located in downtown Damascus
Stone Fly Co. offers wade and float trips around Damascus along with a brick + mortar fly shop that carries high quality yet affordable fly fishing gear, essentials, and apparel for anglers of every level. This husband and wife team provides a simple down to earth approach to fly fishing.
The Guest House
Located in downtown Damascus
The Guest House is a centrally located 1-bedroom, 1-bath vacation rental cottage with a wraparound deck, gazebo with outdoor dining, and firepit. Quick access to the Town Park and an easy walk over to downtown.
The Speckled Trout Outpost
Located in downtown Damascus
The Speckled Trout Outpost is a quaint boutique short stay hotel experience in the heart of Damascus. This independently owned and operated getaway features 13 suites, each with its own unique character and charm designed with your comfort in mind.
Trout House
Located in downtown Damascus
This cozy 3-bed, 3-bath home, offers an inviting interior with modern finishes and easy access to local shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Experience the beauty of Virginia and the charm of small-town life at this vacation rental.
Virginia Creeper Fly Shop
Located in Abingdon, Virginia
Virginia Creeper Fly Shop is a full service specialty fly shop serving Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee with professional guide services offering guided trips and instruction.
Brook Trout Sponsors
American Home Design
Tennessee’s #1 Home Improvement Company, American
Home Design has proudly served homeowners since 1977. As a locally owned and family-operated company, they specialize in replacement windows and doors, bath remodels, and water treatment solutions.
Appalachian Heritage distillery & Brewery
Located in downtown Damascus
AHD develops and distills smooth, quality spirits. By combining multi-generational knowledge with one of a kind equipment and distillation process, Appalachian Heritage Distillery strives to harness the spirit of tradition in the tradition of spirits.
DePaul Community Resources
Located in Abingdon, Virginia
DePaul Community Resources is a nonprofit, human services organization that serves Central and Southwest Virginia. Their mission is to transform the lives of children, adults, and families with special needs. They do this through four programs: treatment foster care, developmental disabilities, counseling services, and adoption.
Humana
Since 1961, Humana has been committed to helping people live healthy and happy. Their approach is simple – offer personalized care from people who care. Humana is deeply invested in towns and cities across the country and strive to support and improve communities at a local level. It’s not just health care – it’s human care.
Riverfeet Fly Fishing
Based in Abingdon, Virginia
Riverfeet Fly Fishing offers guiding in southwest Virginia and eastern Tennessee. Over 30 years of experience from Beartooth Mountains to the Blue Ridges. Float, wade, and bike fly fishing adventures.
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