The Blowing Rock Trout Derby — community, competition & the Blue Ridge.

There's a particular quiet to High Country mornings in early May. Mist on the water. Cool air drifting
off the Blue Ridge. The sound of a line cutting through stillness.
Each spring, anglers gather for one of the region's most beloved traditions: the Blowing Rock Trout
Derby, hosted by The Speckled Trout Outfitters.

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Families rise early. Kids measure their catches with pride. Artists sketch trout for next year's poster. It's
competitive, yes — but more than that, it's community.

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Staying at The Horton means you can experience the best of both worlds. Wake up in downtown Boone
with craft coffee and a sunrise workout. Spend the morning casting lines in some of the Southeast's
most celebrated waters. Return to King Street in the afternoon for a refined reset — rooftop drinks,
elevated dining, and a room designed for deep rest.

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FAQ's

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE BLOWING ROCK TROUT DERBY?
– Early morning fishing sessions along Blue Ridge waterways
– Youth and adult competition categories
– Community gatherings and camaraderie
– Annual poster artwork created by local artists

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WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY FOR TROUT DERBY WEEKEND?
Staying at The Horton Hotel allows you to balance adventure and refinement — start with craft coffee
downtown, fish nearby streams all morning, and return to King Street for rooftop drinks, elevated dining,
and deep rest in thoughtfully designed rooms.

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WHEN IS THE BLOWING ROCK TROUT DERBY HELD?
The event typically takes place in early May each year.

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IS THE HORTON CLOSE TO BLOWING ROCK?
Yes. The Horton Hotel in downtown Boone is a short drive from Blowing Rock and surrounding trout
streams.

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