Ashe County NC Trout Fishing

NC Trout Streams → Ashe County
NC Trout Streams · District 7

Ashe County
Trout Fishing

11 Hatchery Streams
4 Delayed Harvest
22,911 Fish Stocked (2026)
Mar–Jun Peak Season

Ashe County sits in the far northwestern corner of North Carolina, draining almost entirely into the New River — one of the oldest rivers on the continent and one of the few that flows north. Four Delayed Harvest fisheries anchor a county-wide stocking program totaling 22,911 fish across 15 waters in 2026. Helton Creek's 8-mile DH section is the largest in the county, while the North Fork New River's 20-mile hatchery-supported corridor gives explorers plenty of water to work through. The New River headwaters system, Jefferson-area streams, and the remote upper tributaries of the South Fork make Ashe County one of the most overlooked trout destinations in the High Country. If you're fishing Watauga County and haven't crossed the county line, you're leaving water on the table.

Two Streams — DH & HS Sections on the Same Water
Know Your Section Before You Fish

Big Horse Creek has both a Delayed Harvest section and a Hatchery Supported section on the same stream — with different regulations applying to each. Fishing the wrong section under the wrong rules can result in a violation. Know the boundary before you wade in.

Big Horse Creek — DH boundary: SR 1324 Bridge in Lansing (downstream) · SR 1363 at Mud Creek confluence (upstream of HS section)

SR 1324 Bridge in Lansing downstream to North Fork New River → Delayed Harvest (artificial lures/flies, single hook, catch & release Oct 1–June 5). SR 1363 at Mud Creek confluence upstream to intersection of SR 1353 & SR 1324 in Lansing → Hatchery Supported (all tackle, harvest allowed).

Always verify current regulation boundaries at ncwildlife.gov before fishing.
🔵 Delayed Harvest Streams & Lakes
Heavily stocked · Catch & Release only Oct 1 – June 5 · Artificial lures/flies with single hook only · Harvest opens June 6, 2026 · Always verify current dates at ncwildlife.gov
Delayed Harvest Helton Creek VA Line to New River · 8 miles · 7,500 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Largest DH Fishery in Ashe County

At 8 miles and 7,500 fish annually, Helton Creek is the premier Delayed Harvest fishery in Ashe County — and one of the most heavily stocked DH streams in all of Northwest NC. The stocked section begins at the Virginia state line and runs the full length of the stocked corridor down to the New River confluence. Four stocking events per year (March, May, October, November) mean Helton Creek offers some of the most consistent seasonal fishing in the county.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
Helton Creek — Delayed Harvest Section VA Line downstream to the New River confluence — 8 miles of classic Appalachian freestone water running through the Helton community. The Virginia border at the upper boundary adds a bit of novelty: this is as far north as you can fish in NC. Well-defined pools and productive riffle sections throughout. Four stocking events (March, May, October, November) give this section one of the longest fishable windows in the county. At 7,500 fish annually it's the top DH draw in Ashe County by a significant margin. 8.0 mi 36.5300, -81.4700 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 750 750 375 1,875
May 750 750 375 1,875
October 750 750 375 1,875
November 750 750 375 1,875
Annual Total 3,000 3,000 1,500 7,500
2026 Spring Stocking Weeks
Mar 2 – Mar 6 Apr 27 – May 1
2026 Fall Stocking Weeks
Sep 28 – Oct 2 Nov 2 – Nov 6

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · 2026 NCWRC Delayed Harvest Stocking Weeks schedule. 4 stocking events (March, May, October, November). Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Delayed Harvest Big Horse Creek SR 1324 Bridge in Lansing to North Fork New River · 2.5 miles · 3,352 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Big Horse Creek — Delayed Harvest Section SR 1324 Bridge in Lansing downstream to the North Fork New River confluence — 2.5 miles of DH water running through the town of Lansing. The North Fork New River confluence at the lower end creates a natural fish aggregation zone, particularly during low-light periods. Four stocking events (March, May, October, November). Note: the Hatchery Supported section of Big Horse Creek runs upstream from SR 1324 in Lansing — see the HS section below for details on the upper section. Know your boundary before you fish. 2.5 mi 36.5000, -81.5100 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 335 335 168 838
May 335 335 168 838
October 335 335 168 838
November 335 335 168 838
Annual Total 1,340 1,340 672 3,352
2026 Spring Stocking Weeks
Mar 2 – Mar 6 Apr 27 – May 1
2026 Fall Stocking Weeks
Sep 28 – Oct 2 Nov 2 – Nov 6

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · 2026 NCWRC Delayed Harvest Stocking Weeks schedule. 4 stocking events (March, May, October, November). Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Delayed Harvest South Fork New River Todd Island Park · 1 mile · 1,800 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
The New River — One of the Oldest Rivers on Earth

The New River is widely considered one of the oldest rivers in the world — some geologists estimate it predates the Appalachian Mountains themselves. It flows north, counter to most rivers in the region, eventually joining the Kanawha and Ohio rivers. The Todd Island Park DH section puts you on a piece of genuinely historic water — in a small mountain town that still has the feel of the old High Country. Todd makes for a legitimate destination trip.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
South Fork New River — Delayed Harvest Section Todd Island Park — a 1-mile DH section on the South Fork of the New River at the community of Todd. One of the most accessible DH fisheries in the county with public access at the park. The South Fork New River here is a classic mid-elevation Appalachian river — wide, riffle-heavy water with good pool structure. Four stocking events (March, May, October, November) keep this water fresh throughout the season. Todd is a small, charming community along the New River with a growing outdoor recreation scene — worth the drive as a day trip from Boone or Jefferson. 1.0 mi 36.3000, -81.6200 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 180 180 90 450
May 180 180 90 450
October 180 180 90 450
November 180 180 90 450
Annual Total 720 720 360 1,800
2026 Spring Stocking Weeks
Mar 2 – Mar 6 Apr 27 – May 1
2026 Fall Stocking Weeks
Sep 28 – Oct 2 Nov 2 – Nov 6

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · 2026 NCWRC Delayed Harvest Stocking Weeks schedule. 4 stocking events (March, May, October, November). Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Delayed Harvest Trout Lake Entire Lake · 1 acre · 1,000 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · 4 stocking events
▾
Most Stocking Events in the County

Trout Lake is the only DH lake in Ashe County, receiving four stocking events per year — March, May, October, and November — the same schedule as the other DH waters in the county. The adjacent Peak Creek HS section feeds into the lake, giving anglers two connected waters to work on a single trip. DH regulations apply to the entire lake. All three species stocked.

Water / Section Size GPS
Trout Lake — Entire Lake A 1-acre Delayed Harvest lake near the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor, stocked four times annually — March, May, October, and November. Peak Creek's HS section runs into the lake from above (see Peak Creek in the HS section below). Four stocking events keep this water fresh from early spring through late fall. All three species stocked. DH regulations — artificial lures/flies with single hook only, catch and release Oct 1–June 5 — apply to the entire lake. 1.0 ac 36.3900, -81.4300 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 100 100 50 250
May 100 100 50 250
October 100 100 50 250
November 100 100 50 250
Annual Total 400 400 200 1,000
2026 Spring Stocking Weeks
Mar 2 – Mar 6 Apr 27 – May 1
2026 Fall Stocking Weeks
Sep 28 – Oct 2 Nov 2 – Nov 6

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · 2026 NCWRC Delayed Harvest Stocking Weeks schedule. 4 stocking events (March, May, October, November). Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Four DH Waters. One Box.

Ashe County's Delayed Harvest fisheries — from the 8-mile Helton Creek corridor to the still water at Trout Lake — all reward technical subsurface presentation once fish have seen pressure through the season. Our Depth Charge box puts 72 tungsten bead nymphs in your hands. Built for exactly this kind of water.

Shop Depth Charge →
🟢 Hatchery Supported Streams
Stocked March & May 2026 (North Beaver Creek: May only) · Open to all legal tackle · 7 trout/day creel limit · No size limit · Always verify at ncwildlife.gov
Hatchery North Fork New River Watauga County Line to Sharp Dam · 20 miles · 2,788 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Longest Stocked Stream in Ashe County

At 20 miles, the North Fork New River's HS section is the longest stocked stream in Ashe County. It runs from the Watauga County line all the way down to Sharp Dam — covering a wide variety of water character along the way. Twenty miles of stocked water rewards anglers willing to explore beyond the obvious road access points. The upper section near the county line is tight mountain-stream water; the lower reaches toward Sharp Dam open into a more classic river character.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
North Fork New River — Watauga County Line to Sharp Dam Twenty miles from the Watauga County line downstream to Sharp Dam. The North Fork New River drains the high terrain along the Watauga-Ashe border before cutting north through the county toward West Jefferson. 2,788 fish stocked annually in March and May. The stocking spread across 20 miles means fish density rewards anglers who explore beyond the obvious pulloffs — particularly in the mid-section away from road crossings. All three species stocked. 20.0 mi 36.4000, -81.6000 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 560 560 280 1,400
May 555 555 278 1,388
Annual Total 1,115 1,115 558 2,788
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Cranberry Creek Alleghany County Line to South Fork New River · 12 miles · 1,350 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Cranberry Creek — Alleghany County Line to South Fork New River Twelve miles from the Alleghany County line downstream to the South Fork New River confluence. Cranberry Creek is a significant tributary of the South Fork New River draining the southern portion of the county. The Alleghany County line at the upper boundary and the South Fork confluence at the lower end bracket a long stretch of varied water — tighter in the upper reaches near the county line, opening up through the mid-section. 1,350 fish stocked annually in March and May. All three species. Pairs well with a South Fork New River DH trip given the nearby location. 12.0 mi 36.3500, -81.5500 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 270 270 135 675
May 270 270 135 675
Annual Total 540 540 270 1,350
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Big Horse Creek — Upper Section SR 1363 at Mud Creek confluence to intersection of SR 1353 & SR 1324 in Lansing · 8.5 miles · 1,350 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Big Horse Creek — Hatchery Supported Section SR 1363 at Mud Creek confluence upstream to the intersection of SR 1353 and SR 1324 in Lansing — 8.5 miles of HS water in the upper Big Horse Creek drainage. This section lies above the DH section; the DH section begins at the SR 1324 Bridge in Lansing and runs downstream to the North Fork New River. All tackle, harvest allowed on this HS section. 1,350 fish stocked annually in March and May. All three species. The SR network gives good access through much of this corridor. 8.5 mi 36.5200, -81.5400 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 290 290 145 725
May 250 250 125 625
Annual Total 540 540 270 1,350
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Three Top Creek North Fork New River to Bridge on SR 1100 at Toliver · 6.8 miles · 1,300 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Three Top Creek — North Fork New River to SR 1100 at Toliver 6.8 miles from the North Fork New River confluence upstream to the bridge on SR 1100 at Toliver. Three Top Creek is a solid mid-county tributary draining off Three Top Mountain — one of the prominent ridgelines in the Ashe County landscape. 1,300 fish stocked annually in March and May. The SR 1100 bridge at Toliver marks the upper boundary, giving a clear landmark for access. All three species stocked. The North Fork New River confluence at the lower end creates a productive holding zone, particularly post-stocking. 6.8 mi 36.4700, -81.5600 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 260 260 130 650
May 260 260 130 650
Annual Total 520 520 260 1,300
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Big Laurel Creek Designated Portion · 9 miles · 746 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Big Laurel Creek — Designated Portion Nine miles of designated hatchery-supported water on Big Laurel Creek in Ashe County. Note: this is a different stream from Madison County's Big Laurel Creek — same name, different drainage. The Ashe County Big Laurel feeds into the New River system. 746 fish stocked annually across March and May — lower density for 9 miles of water, which means this stream sees far less pressure than the higher-stocked county waters and rewards patient exploration. All three species stocked. Always verify the exact designated boundaries at ncwildlife.gov before fishing. 9.0 mi 36.4500, -81.4800 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 163 163 82 408
May 135 135 68 338
Annual Total 298 298 150 746
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Peak Creek Blue Ridge Parkway to Trout Lake · 6 miles · 625 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Peak Creek — Blue Ridge Parkway to Trout Lake Six miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway downstream to Trout Lake. Peak Creek originates in the high terrain along the BRP — some of the coldest, most oxygen-rich water in the county — and runs down into Trout Lake, which is managed as a Delayed Harvest lake. The BRP upper boundary means the upper section has classic high-elevation creek character: tight, shaded, cold. 625 fish stocked annually in March and May. All three species. Pair a Peak Creek trip with Trout Lake DH for a full day covering both moving and still water. 6.0 mi 36.3800, -81.4400 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 130 130 65 325
May 120 120 60 300
Annual Total 250 250 125 625
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Buffalo Creek Headwaters to Junction Hwy 194/88 & SR 1131 · 6 miles · 250 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Buffalo Creek — Headwaters to Junction of Hwy 194/88 & SR 1131 Six miles from the headwaters down to the junction of Hwy 194/88 and SR 1131. Buffalo Creek is one of the lower-stocked waters in the county at 250 fish annually, but the light pressure that comes with modest stocking numbers makes it worth exploring for anglers looking to escape crowded conditions on the larger systems. All three species stocked in March and May. The Hwy 194/88 junction provides a clear lower access point. 6.0 mi 36.4300, -81.5000 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 60 60 30 150
May 40 40 20 100
Annual Total 100 100 50 250
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Nathans Creek NC 221 Bridge to SR 1602 Bridge · 4 miles · 250 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Nathans Creek — NC 221 Bridge to SR 1602 Bridge Four miles between the NC 221 Bridge and SR 1602 Bridge in the South Fork New River drainage on the southern end of the county. NC 221 is the main corridor through this part of Ashe County — the bridge at the lower boundary gives easy access and a clear landmark. 250 fish stocked annually in March and May. Light pressure water. A good option for a quick half-day outing when targeting the South Fork drainage. All three species stocked. 4.0 mi 36.3200, -81.5800 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 50 50 25 125
May 50 50 25 125
Annual Total 100 100 50 250
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Old Field Creek NC 194 at Baldwin to SR 1111 · 6 miles · 200 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Old Field Creek — NC 194 at Baldwin to SR 1111 Six miles from NC 194 at Baldwin downstream to SR 1111 in the South Fork New River drainage. Old Field Creek is one of the lighter-stocked streams in the county at 200 fish annually, but NC 194 provides reliable road access and the Baldwin community offers a clear reference point for the upper boundary. All three species stocked in March and May. Worth pairing with Nathans Creek or Cranberry Creek for a full day on the South Fork system tributaries. 6.0 mi 36.3700, -81.5200 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 40 40 20 100
May 40 40 20 100
Annual Total 80 80 40 200
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Roan Creek Headwaters on SR 1625 to NC 88 at Wagoner · 4 miles · 300 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
▾
Stream / Section Miles GPS
Roan Creek — Headwaters on SR 1625 to NC 88 at Wagoner Four miles from the headwaters on SR 1625 downstream to NC 88 at Wagoner in the northern part of the county near the Tennessee border. Roan Creek drains into the Watauga River system across the state line. 300 fish stocked annually in March and May. NC 88 at Wagoner gives a clear lower landmark. All three species. A good option for anglers coming from the Boone-Trade corridor or making the run up into northern Ashe County from Jefferson. 4.0 mi 36.5600, -81.6000 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 60 60 30 150
May 60 60 30 150
Annual Total 120 120 60 300
2026 Stocking Weeks
March Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — May stocking confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery North Beaver Creek NC 221 to confluence of Beaver Creek and South Beaver Creek · 8 miles · 100 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · May only
▾
Single Stocking Event — May Only

North Beaver Creek receives only one stocking event in 2026 — May only, no March stocking. Plan your trip accordingly. This is the lowest-stocked water in the county at 100 fish total, spread across 8 miles. Light pressure water that fishes best immediately following the May stocking event.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
North Beaver Creek — NC 221 to Confluence of Beaver Creek and South Beaver Creek Eight miles from NC 221 downstream to the confluence of Beaver Creek and South Beaver Creek in the South Fork New River drainage. North Beaver Creek is the lightest-stocked water in Ashe County — 100 fish total in a single May stocking event. At that density across 8 miles, this is truly exploratory water for the angler willing to put in the legwork. NC 221 access at the upper boundary. All three species stocked. Best fished in the week or two immediately following the May stocking. 8.0 mi 36.3300, -81.5000 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
May (only) 40 40 20 100
Annual Total 40 40 20 100
2026 Stocking Week
Apr 26 – May 2

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Ashe County District 7 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. Single stocking event — confirmed week of Apr 26–May 2. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Cover Every Water Type in the County

From Helton Creek's 8-mile DH corridor to the still water at Trout Lake to the exploratory tributaries of the South Fork — Ashe County demands versatility. Our All-Water Arsenal covers 74 guide-approved patterns across dries, nymphs, and soft hackles. One box, every water type, all season.

Shop All-Water Arsenal →
📅 2026 Stocking Calendar — Ashe County
Verify all dates at ncwildlife.gov before your trip · Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List, District 7
Stream / Lake Type Stocking Month(s) Total Fish
Helton Creek DH DH March · May · October · November 7,500
North Fork New River HS March · May 2,788
Big Horse Creek DH DH March · May · October · November 3,352
Cranberry Creek HS March · May 1,350
Big Horse Creek HS HS March · May 1,350
Three Top Creek HS March · May 1,300
South Fork New River DH DH March · May · October · November 1,800
Trout Lake DH DH March · May · October · November 1,000
Big Laurel Creek HS March · May 746
Peak Creek HS March · May 625
Buffalo Creek HS March · May 250
Nathans Creek HS March · May 250
Roan Creek HS March · May 300
Old Field Creek HS March · May 200
North Beaver Creek HS May only 100
County Total — — 22,911
Also Fishing Nearby?

Ashe County borders some excellent trout fishing counties — each with their own stocking schedules and stream character.

About Ashe County trout fishing: Ashe County, NC offers 15 stocked trout waters totaling 22,911 fish in 2026. Four Delayed Harvest fisheries anchor the program: Helton Creek DH (8 miles, 7,500 fish — largest DH fishery in the county), Big Horse Creek DH (2.5 miles, 3,352 fish), South Fork New River DH at Todd Island Park (1 mile, 1,800 fish), and Trout Lake DH (1 acre, 1,000 fish — 4 stocking events). Hatchery-supported waters include the North Fork New River (20 miles — longest stocked stream in the county), Cranberry Creek (12 miles), Big Horse Creek HS (8.5 miles), North Beaver Creek (8 miles, May only), Three Top Creek (6.8 miles), Big Laurel Creek (9 miles), Peak Creek (6 miles), Buffalo Creek (6 miles), Old Field Creek (6 miles), Roan Creek (4 miles), and Nathans Creek (4 miles). Located near West Jefferson and Jefferson, NC in the New River headwaters. A valid NC fishing license is required. · Data source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List, District 7 · Last updated: 2026 · Stocking dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before fishing.