Where do N.C.’s stocked trout come from?

Hatchery supported trout are raised near Brevard

Hatchery supported trout waters will open to North Carolina anglers for the 2021 season on April 3. These waters, which total approximately 900 miles of streams and rivers, have been closed to fishing since Feb. 28. During that time, the NCWRC has stocked trout throughout, and will continue to do so through August.

The season officially begins at 7 a.m. on April 3. Regulations allow anglers to keep up to seven trout per day. No size limits or bait restrictions apply in these waters.

These waters do not support heathy populations of wild trout throughout the year, so the NCWRC stocks them for recreational purposes. While this does cost money (about $1 million), the NCWRC considers it an investment. And through angler spending as well as excise taxes and money granted by the state legislature, the Commission receives more than $380 million. That’s a good investment indeed, and one that provides fun for anglers, as well as some good table fare.

The Commission raises these trout at the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery just outside of Brevard, N.C., transports them to hatchery supported waters by tanker trucks, then places them in those waters.

To find hatchery supported trout waters near you, and to view stocking schedules, visit www.ncwildlife.org/trout.

 

About Brian Cope 2725 Articles
Brian Cope is the editor of Carolina Sportsman. He has won numerous awards for his writing, photography, and videography. He is a retired Air Force combat communications technician, and has a B.A. in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. You can reach him at brianc@sportsmannetwork.com.

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