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State, local tourism officials announce Bassmaster college event on Watauga Lake to boost post‑flood recovery
Summary
Carter County officials and state tourism representatives said they secured a Bassmaster college tournament for Watauga Lake in September, highlighting expected media exposure and visitor spending as part of broader post‑flood economic recovery.
Carter County will host a Bassmaster collegiate fishing tournament on Watauga Lake this fall, state and local tourism officials announced at the commission meeting, describing the event as both a recovery effort after recent flooding and an economic opportunity for local businesses.
Dennis (state tourism representative) told the commission Mayor Patty Woodby traveled to Nashville to secure state support and to “let people know that we're open for business in Carter County” after the flood response. He said the state intervened to secure the collegiate event that had been close to going to another market and that media production teams who film the Bassmaster Classic will cover the Carter County event.
Tournament director Glenn Kale said eight collegiate anglers will fish the lake and that the winner will qualify for the Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville, adding the event is expected to bring week‑long production and athlete support teams to the county. Alicia Phelps of Northeast Tennessee Tourism described the tournament as a “powerful economic engine,” noting visitors will book lodging, eat at local restaurants and buy supplies; she cited a stated industry estimate that outdoor visitors spend about $328 per day.
Mayor Patty Woodby and local tourism staff framed the event as an opportunity to showcase Watauga Lake nationally and to accelerate recovery by drawing overnight stays and restaurant business during a period that can be slower before leaf season. Local tourism director Luke Freeman and representatives from Northeast Tennessee Tourism said they will coordinate weigh‑ins and visitor services.
Speakers said the event is expected in September and will include professional camera crews, drones and live broadcast elements; officials urged residents and businesses to prepare for increased visitation and described the tournament as part of a broader strategy to market Carter County’s outdoor recreation assets.
No county appropriation specifically for the event was recorded in the meeting transcript. Officials described the event as coordinated with state tourism development resources and private event producers.
