Type: River
County: Transylvania County
Near: Brevard, NC
Rainbow TroutBrown Trout
Delayed HarvestParking
View stocking schedule →Fish stocking schedule
North Carolina fish stocking schedule 2026.
- Stocking Now
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
North Carolina maintains one of the most diverse trout stocking programs in the Southeast — Hatchery Supported, Delayed Harvest, Catch and Release, and Mountain Heritage Trout Waters each have distinct regulations and stocking patterns.
Official source
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Stocking Report
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission publishes the authoritative North Carolina stocking schedule — Weekly updates in Posted list format. For this week's actual stocking locations, dates, and volumes, view the official report directly.
This page summarizes the North Carolina stocking program for planning purposes. The agency report is the authoritative source — verify before any trip.
Primary stocked species
In North Carolina.
Typical stocking pattern by species. Heavy fill marks primary stocking months; moderate fill marks possible stocking. Verify exact dates against the official report.
- Rainbow TroutOncorhynchus mykissTypical size: 9–12 inch catchable; some trophy fish 16+ inches
- Brown TroutSalmo truttaTypical size: 9–14 inch catchable; trophy fish 18–24 inches
- Brook TroutSalvelinus fontinalisTypical size: 8–11 inch catchable
- WalleyeSander vitreusTypical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerling
- MuskellungeEsox masquinongyTypical size: 8–12 inch fingerling
- Channel CatfishIctalurus punctatusTypical size: 10–14 inch catchable; 1–3 inch fingerling
Top stocked waterbodies
In North Carolina.
Davidson RiverStocking Now Nantahala RiverStocking Now Type: RiverCounty: Macon CountyNear: Bryson City, NCRainbow TroutDelayed HarvestBoat rampParkingView stocking schedule →Watauga River (NC)Stocking Now Type: RiverCounty: Watauga CountyNear: Boone, NCRainbow TroutDelayed HarvestParkingView stocking schedule →
North Carolina counties with stocked waters
Notable North Carolina programs
- Delayed Harvest
- Catch and Release / Artificial Lures Only
- Hatchery Supported
- Wild Trout Waters
- Mountain Heritage Trout Waters
State hatchery system
North Carolina operates 4 state-run fish hatcheries supporting the stocking program.
North Carolina urban fishing program
North Carolina maintains a designated urban fishing program — typically frequent stockings of catfish, trout, and panfish in city ponds and lakes. These programs are designed to make fishing accessible to families and first-time anglers.
North Carolina urban fishing program details →Weekly stocking alerts for North Carolina.
Bield Fish reads North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's stocking reports and alerts you when your saved waters are stocked. Set your county once and you'll know the day fish hit your home river.
Start free trial →Hatch calendars for North Carolina trout rivers