Grainger County Fishing Tournament
Grainger County Fishing Tournament
Saturday, October 24, 2026 • Grainger County Park, Cherokee Lake
Reel in the action: two-angler teams, five-fish limit, and 100% of entry fees paid out to winners.
“Event Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026. Entry Fee: $135 early / $155 Sept 1 .”
Event Details
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Where: Grainger County Park on Cherokee Lake.
Format: Two‑angler teams; five‑fish limit; artificial lures only; tiered launch and weigh‑in times.
Entry Fees
- Early registration: $135 per team (deadline Aug 31) — includes $10 Big Fish pool contribution.
- Late registration: $155 per team (Sept 1) — includes $10 Big Fish pool contribution.
Prize Pool
100% of entry fees are distributed to winners; the Big Fish pot is tracked separately from the main prize pool.
Why You Should Come
- Top-tier competition on Cherokee Lake — great fishing and great prizes.
- Community atmosphere with family-friendly activities and sponsor booths.
- Special guest appearance: Ott DeFoe will be on site for a signing event.
Registration, Rules & Safety (Quick Guide)
How to register: Online via the official tournament QR code or website. Registration opens May 5, 2026 and closes the day before the event or when capacity is reached. No refunds after registration is confirmed.
Key rules (highlights):
- Valid Tennessee fishing license required; TWRA regulations apply.
- Artificial lures only; trolling prohibited. Five‑fish limit per team; only largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass count.
- Life jackets required while under power; alcohol and illegal substances prohibited.
Prizes, Youth Division & Sponsorship
Prize structure: Payout places scale with participation (more boats = more paid places). The Big Fish prize is paid to the angler with the heaviest single fish. Example payouts and tier breakdowns are posted in the official rules.
Youth Angler Prize: Teams with an angler aged 15 or under are eligible for a dedicated youth prize (sponsor-supported); youth teams must declare eligibility at check‑in. Cash prizes for minors are paid to the registered parent or guardian.
Sponsors & Opportunities: Multiple sponsorship tiers are available (Title, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Friends) plus add‑ons like Big Fish Sponsor and Weigh‑In Sponsor. Sponsor benefits include banner placement, social media features, and on‑site booths.
FAQs & Contact
Q: Can I fish solo?
A: Teams may be one or two anglers per boat; check the official rules for details.
Q: What species count?
A: Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass only.
Q: Who do I contact with questions or to sponsor?
Grainger County Chamber of Commerce — Main contact: Krista Etter; Email: [email protected]; Phone: 865‑828‑4222. Sponsorship forms and logo submission instructions are in the official sponsor packet.
Call to Action
Ready to fish? Register now to lock in the early rate and secure your boat number. Visit the official tournament page (https://www.graingercochamber.org/the-grainger-county-2026-fishing-tournament/) to sign up, view full rules, and see sponsor details.