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. $50 early bird registration.
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.
- 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!
- The fishing tournament is open from 7am Saturday to 12pm 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, September 12-14
Friday
4-8pm – Check-in at The Speckled Trout Annex, 106 West Laurel Avenue. Pick up your registration packet and wristband at the sign-in tables and meet our event sponsors. Raffle tickets for sale during check-in. On-site registrations welcome.
7:30pm – Watch party for the Food City 300 Bristol Night Race at Appalachian Heritage Distillery & Brewery.
Saturday
7am – Tournament begins!
7am-12pm – Late check-in and on-site registration at The Speckled Trout Annex, 106 West Laurel Avenue . Raffle tickets for sale during check-in.
4pm – Tournament day ends. Turn in fish tags at The Speckled Trout Annex from 7am to 5pm to qualify for the trout tag lottery prizes awarded on Sunday.
4-9pm – Trout Days Celebration at AHD&B. Live music and food truck on-site. Watch party for the Bass Pro Shops Bristol Night Race starting at 7:30pm.
5-7pm – Live raffle at AHD&B for all Trout Days participants, raffle ticket sales also open to the public on-site.
Sunday
7am – Tournament begins!
12pm – End of fishing tournament. 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 Town Park Gazebo.
Trout Days Event Sponsors
Thank you to our April Trout Days event sponsors!
Damascus Volunteer Fire Department
Located in downtown Damascus
Facebook page
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Conserve. Connect. Protect. DWR has been a steward of the outdoors since 1916, leading in wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.
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.
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.
Damascus Creekside RV Park
Located in downtown Damascus
Damascus Creekside RV Park is a small, full-service RV Park located along the banks of Laurel Creek in charming downtown Damascus.
DePaul Community Resources
Based in Abingdon, Virginia
DePaul Community Resources is a nonprofit human services and social impact organization. Every day they work to change the world by improving the lives of children, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Fish Hands Free
Based in Damascus
Fish Hands Free‘s newly invented rod holder is simple, inexpensive and useful. It allows hands-free tasking and prevents the rod/reel from getting wet, dirty, or damaged. Once used, any fisherman will consider this accessory to be indispensable.
Fisher Hollow Veterinary Clinic
Located in Damascus
Fisher Hollow Veterinary Clinic provides veterinary services to pets in the Damascus area. Affordable spay and neuter. Call for appointment.
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.
Miller’s Mountain Anglers
Based in Abingdon, Virginia
Miller’s Mountain Anglers is a South Holston Lake fishing guide with more than 30 years of experience specializing in downriggers and trolling for Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Guided trips May thru September.
Overflowing Hands
Based in Raleigh, NC
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.
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.
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.
Stone Fly Co.
Based in Damascus
Stone Fly Co. offers wade trips and float trips around Damascus. This husband and wife team provides a simple down to earth approach to fly fishing. They want to take you back to real fly fishing; you, a rod, and the pursuit to chase beautiful fish in beautiful places!
Trout House
Located in downtown Damascus
The Trout House vacation rental is a cozy 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the heart of town that offers an inviting interior with modern finishes and easy access to local shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.