Troutfest is a Fly Fishing Exposition and Fundraiser held in Townsend, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. Proceeds from this event are donated to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fisheries Department, Friends of the Smokies Fisheries Scholarship Fund or other youth educational conservation projects. The Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited sponsors this event as our major fundraiser and annual festival. This year the event will be one of the largest venues for fly anglers in the Southeast United States.

Some of the best fly tyers from our area will be demonstrating throughout the two day event. Last year we had 8 to 10 tyers performing at one time. It's free and the tyers are specialized in many different types of fly tying such as trout, bass, panfish and saltwater.

Live Bluegrass and Southern Appalachian music will continue on the stage both days. Food vendors will serve up a real southern meal or snack for you. Once you get here you won't want to leave.

Lefty Kreh, Bob Clouser, Joe Humphreys and other notable fly fishermen will offer free seminars both days. Here's your chance to meet and talk to some of the most famous legends in our sport.

National Fly Tackle Manufacturers will be on hand with their gear in the National Exhibition Tent. Meet the people who work for or own these companies and see all the new fishing gear.

Other exhibitors will include fly shops, artists, non-profit organizations and government fish and game agencies including Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Troutfest is a sanctioned annual event of the Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited which is chartered by Trout Unlimited National as a 501 3C non-profit organization. The Chapter secures permits and liability insurance for this event.

The Chapter entity provides funding with other sponsors to underwrite this event. The Chapter holds all funds and disperses profits to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fisheries Department and Friends of Great Smokies National Park Fisheries Scholarship Fund. Profits will be also be used for youth education fishery programs. Some funds will be retained as seed money for next year's Troutfest.

Many of the volunteers are LRCTU members but many more come from other non-profit organizations such as other TU Chapters, The Fly Fishing Federation and individuals who are not connected with non-profit organizations. You do not need to be a TU member to volunteer or participate. All donations are tax deductible.