Western North Carolina's Trout Waters Reopen for 2025 Season

WNC -- Western North Carolina’s beloved hatchery-supported trout season officially reopened on April 5, 2025, casting a wave of excitement across the region’s angling community.

 Each spring, this reopening marks a rite of passage for locals and visitors eager to enjoy some of the finest trout fishing in the Southeast.

This year, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has stocked nearly 1,000 miles of streams with fresh brook, rainbow, and brown trout, breathing new life into rural creeks, rivers, and ponds throughout the mountains. However, while many waters are fully open and stocked, the 2025 season comes with a caveat: not all hatchery-supported waters are currently accessible.

Fallout from Hurricane Helene: Impact on Hatcheries and Streams
Several key waterways, particularly in Buncombe County, remain closed due to damage and inaccessibility caused by Hurricane Helene in late 2024. The Swannanoa River, a popular hatchery-supported stream, is among those still inaccessible and not being stocked this season.

While the long-term environmental impact is still being assessed, road damage, debris, and changes to water flow have made it difficult for hatchery crews to reach some stocking sites safely. The NCWRC has committed to ongoing evaluation and restoration to reopen these areas as soon as conditions allow.

Major Renovations Loom Ahead
Adding to the logistical puzzle, the state’s largest trout production facility—the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery—is gearing up for a major renovation project set to begin in 2026. Located near Brevard, this facility produces more than 75% of the trout stocked across North Carolina.

Once renovations begin, the 2026, 2027, and possibly 2028 seasons will see reduced trout stockings statewide. The Commission is already working on mitigation strategies, including increased stocking from other facilities and possible shifts in hatchery scheduling.

Where You Can Fish: A Look at Madison County and Beyond
For anglers eager to wet a line, there’s still a wealth of opportunity. Here are a few standout locations in Madison County that are open and actively stocked:

Big Laurel Creek – 21 miles of pristine trout water, heavily stocked with brook, rainbow, and brown trout.

Big Pine Creek – A 7-mile stretch offering excellent access and a strong spring stocking schedule.

Little Ivy Creek – A local favorite, flowing near Mars Hill with consistent early-season trout releases.

Max Patch Pond – A scenic pond regularly stocked with rainbow trout—perfect for families and casual anglers.

Meadow Fork Creek – Quiet, serene, and fully accessible with consistent spring stockings.

Other counties such as Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Burke, Graham, Cherokee, and Caldwell also boast dozens of hatchery-supported waters now open to the public. Streams and creeks in these regions are receiving monthly stockings from March through June.

Angler Reminders
All hatchery-supported waters are marked with green-and-white signs, and anglers are required to follow General Mountain Trout Regulations, including creel limits and gear restrictions. Anglers are also reminded to respect private property boundaries along streams and to pack out any litter.

For a full, up-to-date list of stocked waters and monthly trout deliveries by location, anglers can consult NCWRC’s official trout stocking schedule, or visit their nearest regional office.

The Bottom Line
Despite setbacks from Hurricane Helene and upcoming hatchery construction, North Carolina’s 2025 trout season is off to a promising start. With hundreds of miles of vibrant, flowing trout water open across the region, anglers still have ample reason to grab their rods and head for the hills.

So go ahead, tie on your favorite fly or bait up your hook. The mountains are calling, and the trout are waiting.

Source

NC Wildlife
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)
N.C. Department of Environmental Quality
NC General Mountain Trout Regulations

WNCTimes 

Image: WNCTimes