Successful anglers who catch tagged fish during the 32nd Annual Upper Pine Creek Trout Tournament can win up to $14,000 in cash, merchandise and gift cards with each prize valued at $50 or more. The top prize is $1,000 in cash. There are also four $500 cash prizes. 

Through the free “Start a Kid Fishing” program, youngsters 12 and under, whether they register to fish in the tournament or not, can go to the big tent on clubhouse grounds this Friday, Saturday or Sunday and choose a fishing rod and reel combo and a tackle box to take home for free while supplies last. This program has been made possible by Smitty’s Sports and Gaines Gunworks in Gaines, Tackle Shack and Seneca Resources, both in Wellsboro, and club members.

The check-in station will be in the big tent located in front of the snowmobile clubhouse at 4814 Route 6, 12 miles west of Wellsboro. The clubhouse is on the south side of Route 6, halfway between Galeton and Wellsboro.

Anglers can register in-person at the check-in station this Friday, May 19 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and during tournament hours, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, and from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday. The entry fee for adults is $30 and $15 for youth under 16.

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Snowmobile Club, the tournament takes place along a 13-mile stretch of Pine Creek between the Mill Street Bridge in Galeton Borough, Potter County and the Ansonia Bridge in Shippen Township, Tioga County. 

What anglers win is based on the luck of the draw. They have to bring their tagged fish in “live condition” to the check-in station. The angler draws a Ping-Pong ball for each tagged fish he or she catches. The number on the ball identifies the prize.

All fish must be legally caught. No fish will be accepted one hour after the cut-off time. Anglers caught fishing before or after stated tournament times will be disqualified. 

Those competing in the tournament must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and must observe and obey landowners’ rights. Trespassing on private property is not allowed, nor is littering.

For more information, call 1-717-881-9358 or the club at 570-724-2888 or visit the club’s website at www.pagrandcanyonsnowmobileclub.com.