By Stephen Smoot
“We’ve had guys catching fish left and right,” reported Lauren Simmons early on Saturday, approximately an hour into the trout rodeo, center of action for West Virginia Trout Fest. She serves as both a volunteer stream marshal and as a member of the Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce board.
Action kicked off on Friday evening with the traditional trout dinner. Dean’s Gap Farm prepared smoked trout and chicken macaroni and cheese, green beans, cole slaw, and a wide selection of desserts. Diners filed in large numbers into the community building to enjoy the good eats. Cam Simmons provided live music to go along with the farm fresh dinner.
Nearby, local young people took to the main music stage in the “Hooked on Talent” competition with the professional acts starting up at noon on Saturday, once the rodeo concluded.
Anglers started lining the banks of the river around 7 a.m., a mixture of rodeo participants contending for cash prizes and fishers who were not participating, but still enjoy the South Branch near Franklin as a favorite fishing spot.
Simmons related that the chamber chose to move the opening time back an hour from 8 a.m. because “last year and two years ago, people were out here before 7 a.m.” Bob Grimm, who has volunteered as a stream marshal since the beginning of the rodeo, stated that “people would catch the fish before we even started,” which recommended moving back the start by an hour.
At about the same time, West Virginia Metro News’s Chris Lawrence opened another Trout Fest tradition as he broadcast his “Woods and Waters” program live from the event.
The morning that greeted those flocking to the banks of the South Branch and the area reserved for small children enjoyed bright and sunny skies, but also nippy temperatures. Some went straight to the river, while others enjoyed the traditional morning breakfast cooked by the staff of Pendleton Senior and Family Services.
Vendors both inside and out started opening to the public around 10 a.m. Highway 304 served up a special Trout Fest option of smoked trout and homemade potato salad along with their regular fare. Other booths featured a range of local goods, such as lavender-based plants and products from Blackthorne Farms.
Trout Unlimited was on hand as well. Jeff Kresch stated that “we’re just here to educate people on the importance of protecting brook trout.” He added that the cold water habitat that they need to survive and thrive “is vital to all of us.”
Besides the fish, of course, musical acts during the years have served as a major draw to the festivities. The Soda Pop Gypsies Band served as event headliners, bringing a broad range of styles to both their original and cover music.
Starting their 2026 tour at Trout Fest, they will play several venues per month into the fall. Shortly prior to Trout Fest, they announced that they would open for country music legend and star of television’s 911 Nashville, Lee Ann Rimes at West Virginia Freedom Fest.
Joe Crites and Jonathan Zinn played during the afternoon, demonstrating why they are local favorites and big draws.
On Facebook a correction was issued regarding the catching of a prize fish. The $1,000 fish was not caught, as had been reported. The West Virginia Trout Fest page stated that tagged fish number 21 was caught and that it would pay out $500.
Lawrence hosted the awards, starting with “weather is a little cool, but it’s nice otherwise.”
He opened by announcing the oldest fisherman, 87 years young Billy Hartman. Lawrence remarked that “we had stiff competition for youngest. We had seven two-year-olds. Had to go all the way down to the months.” He then stated that “Eden Rawson was our youngest fisherman on the river.”
Next came the awards for the youth division. Lawrence said of the Calhoon family, “We do appreciate the folks opening up their home” so that young kids can be “isolated and have a good time.” Nathanael Vincell and Gannon Moats were awarded $5. Wyatt Miller caught the $10 tag and Judson Rohrbaugh the $15.
With grand prize trout not actually caught, Lawrence explained that they take one closest to that tag. The youth division $250 grand prize winner was Ryan Thompson, who also won $5. “You are a rich man!” announced Lawrence. Franklin Moose Lodge sponsored the youth.
For the adult division, $5 winners were Trevor Wolfe, John Capon, Todd Bruner, Austin Wagoner, and Ty Armentrout, whose announcement was punctuated by a car alarm for a few seconds. Jason Conley won $10 and Wyatt Franklin $15. Todd Brunis and Tristin Wagoner each won $20. Steven Miller won both $15 and $20. Bradley Kimble and Allen Burkett each pulled in the $50. Lawrence said of Burkett, “I knew he had to go to work. Is his brother here?”
Ross Rider did not take home the $1,000 fish as announced, but did get the next best tag of $500. Breezewood Adventure sponsored the big prize.
