Madison County NC Trout Fishing

NC Trout Streams → Madison County
NC Trout Streams · District 9

Madison County
Trout Fishing

10 Hatchery Streams
3 Delayed Harvest
21,800 Fish Stocked (2026)
Mar–Jun Peak Season

Madison County is one of the most underrated trout fishing destinations in Western NC. Three Delayed Harvest fisheries — on Spring Creek, Big Laurel Creek, and Shelton Laurel Creek — anchor a county-wide program that totals 21,800 fish stocked across 13 waters in 2026. The French Broad River watershed drains the entire county, feeding a network of streams that range from the famous AT corridor through Hot Springs to the remote upper reaches of Big Laurel Creek's 21-mile stocked section — the longest single stocked stream in the region. If you haven't fished Madison County, you're leaving water on the table.

Three Streams — DH Above, HS Below
Know Your Section Before You Fish

Madison County has three streams where a Delayed Harvest section and a Hatchery Supported section exist on the same creek — with different regulations for each. Fishing the wrong section under the wrong rules can result in a violation. Know the boundary before you wade in.

Spring Creek — DH boundary: Hwy 209 Bridge at Hot Springs city limit (downstream) · Old Iron Bridge (upstream)

Above Old Iron Bridge → Hatchery Supported (all tackle, harvest allowed). Below Hwy 209 Bridge at Hot Springs city limit → standard trout regs.

Big Laurel Creek — DH boundary: Confluence of Shelton Laurel (downstream) · US 25-70 Bridge (upstream)

Above US 25-70 Bridge → Hatchery Supported (all tackle, harvest allowed). Above Mars Hill Watershed → HS section continues to Rice's Mill Pond.

Shelton Laurel Creek — DH boundary: NC 208 Bridge at Belva (downstream) · Junction with Big Laurel Creek (upstream)

Above NC 208 Bridge at Belva → Hatchery Supported (all tackle, harvest allowed). HS section runs upstream to confluence of Big Creek and Mill Creek.

Always verify current regulation boundaries at ncwildlife.gov before fishing.
🔵 Delayed Harvest Streams
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 Shelton Laurel Creek NC 208 Bridge at Belva to junction with Big Laurel Creek · 2.4 miles · 3,800 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Shelton Laurel Creek — Delayed Harvest Section NC 208 Bridge at Belva downstream to the junction with Big Laurel Creek. The most heavily stocked DH stream in Madison County at 3,800 fish annually — 2.4 miles of classic Appalachian freestone water in the Shelton Laurel community. Historic country with excellent stream character: well-defined pools, productive riffles, and cold water maintained by the surrounding watershed. Three stocking events — March, May, and November — give you extended season options from early spring through late fall. Note: the Hatchery Supported section of Shelton Laurel Creek continues upstream from the NC 208 Bridge. See the HS section below for details. 2.4 mi 36.0200, -82.8100 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 600 600 300 1,500
May 320 320 160 800
November 600 600 300 1,500
Annual Total 1,520 1,520 760 3,800
2026 Spring Stocking Weeks
Mar 9 – Mar 13 Apr 27 – May 1
2026 Fall Stocking Week
Nov 2 – Nov 6

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · 2026 NCWRC Delayed Harvest Stocking Weeks schedule. 3 stocking events (March, May, November). Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Delayed Harvest Spring Creek Hwy 209 Bridge at Hot Springs city limit to Old Iron Bridge · 1.7 miles · 2,000 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Hot Springs — Appalachian Trail Town

Hot Springs is one of only a handful of towns in the country where the Appalachian Trail runs directly through Main Street. The Spring Creek DH section flows right through town, making it one of the most accessible DH fisheries in WNC — parking, food, and lodging all within walking distance of the water. A legitimate destination trip, not just a day outing.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
Spring Creek — Delayed Harvest Section Hwy 209 Bridge at the Hot Springs city limit downstream to the Old Iron Bridge. The DH section runs through the heart of Hot Springs — one of the most charming small towns in WNC and a well-known stop on the Appalachian Trail. Spring Creek joins the French Broad River just below Hot Springs, making this the lowest-elevation DH fishery in Madison County. Good pool structure through the town section. Three stocking events (March, May, November) with 2,000 fish annually. Note: the Hatchery Supported section of Spring Creek continues 10 miles upstream from Old Iron Bridge toward the USFS line. 1.7 mi 35.8980, -82.8270 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 320 320 160 800
May 160 160 80 400
November 320 320 160 800
Annual Total 800 800 400 2,000
2026 Spring Stocking Weeks
Mar 9 – Mar 13 Apr 27 – May 1
2026 Fall Stocking Week
Nov 2 – Nov 6

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · 2026 NCWRC Delayed Harvest Stocking Weeks schedule. 3 stocking events (March, May, November). Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Delayed Harvest Big Laurel Creek Confluence of Shelton Laurel to US 25-70 Bridge · 1.2 miles · 2,000 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Big Laurel Creek — Delayed Harvest Section Confluence of Shelton Laurel Creek downstream to the US 25-70 Bridge — 1.2 miles of DH water where two of Madison County's premier streams meet. The confluence of Shelton Laurel is a natural fish aggregation point, particularly during low-light periods. Three stocking events (March, May, November) with 2,000 fish annually. The US 25-70 corridor gives this section convenient road access. Note: the Hatchery Supported section of Big Laurel Creek extends 21 miles upstream from the US 25-70 Bridge to Rice's Mill Pond — the longest stocked stream in the county. 1.2 mi 36.0050, -82.7600 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 320 320 160 800
May 160 160 80 400
November 320 320 160 800
Annual Total 800 800 400 2,000
2026 Spring Stocking Weeks
Mar 9 – Mar 13 Apr 27 – May 1
2026 Fall Stocking Week
Nov 2 – Nov 6

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · 2026 NCWRC Delayed Harvest Stocking Weeks schedule. 3 stocking events (March, May, November). Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Three DH Streams. One Box.

Madison County's three Delayed Harvest fisheries all demand technical subsurface presentation — especially once fish have seen pressure through the spring season. Our Depth Charge box puts 72 tungsten bead nymphs in your hands. Built for exactly this kind of water.

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🟢 Hatchery Supported Streams & Lakes
Stocked March & May 2026 · Open to all legal tackle · 7 trout/day creel limit · No size limit · Always verify at ncwildlife.gov
Hatchery Big Laurel Creek — Upper Section Mars Hill Watershed to Rice's Mill Pond · 21 miles · 3,400 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Longest Stocked Stream in the Region

At 21 miles, Big Laurel Creek's HS section is the longest single stocked stream we've documented across all NC counties in our database. The DH section begins at US 25-70 Bridge downstream — make sure you know which section you're fishing. The HS boundary is above US 25-70 Bridge.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
Big Laurel Creek — Hatchery Supported Section Mars Hill Watershed to Rice's Mill Pond — 21 miles of hatchery-supported water in the upper Big Laurel drainage. This is the longest stocked stream in Madison County and one of the longest in all of Western NC. Twenty-one miles means dramatically different water character from top to bottom: tight, shaded upper reaches near the Mars Hill Watershed transition to a wider, more accessible mid-section as the creek gains volume. 3,400 fish stocked annually across March and May events — spread across 21 miles, which rewards anglers willing to explore beyond the obvious access points near road crossings. 21.0 mi 36.0300, -82.7000 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 680 680 340 1,700
May 680 680 340 1,700
Annual Total 1,360 1,360 680 3,400
2026 Stocking Weeks
Apr 19 – Apr 25 May 3 – May 9

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking weeks of Apr 19–Apr 25 and May 3–May 9. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Shelton Laurel Creek — Upper Section Confluence of Big Creek and Mill Creek to NC 208 Bridge at Belva · 13 miles · 2,000 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Shelton Laurel Creek — Hatchery Supported Section Confluence of Big Creek and Mill Creek downstream to the NC 208 Bridge at Belva — where the DH section begins. Thirteen miles of HS water in the upper Shelton Laurel drainage, running through one of the most historically significant rural communities in WNC. The Shelton Laurel valley has good road access via SR 1301 for much of its length, with increasingly remote character in the upper reaches toward the Big Creek/Mill Creek confluence. All three species stocked in March and May. 13.0 mi 36.0500, -82.7800 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 400 400 200 1,000
May 400 400 200 1,000
Annual Total 800 800 400 2,000
2026 Stocking Weeks
Apr 19 – Apr 25 May 3 – May 9

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking weeks of Apr 19–Apr 25 and May 3–May 9. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Spring Creek — Upper Section Junction NC 209 & NC 63 to Lower USFS Line · 10 miles · 2,000 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Spring Creek — Hatchery Supported Section Junction of NC 209 and NC 63 downstream to the lower USFS line — 10 miles of HS water in the upper Spring Creek drainage above the Hot Springs DH section. NC 209 parallels much of this section giving good road access, while the USFS boundary at the upper end means the headwaters transition into national forest character. All three species stocked in March and May. Combined with the 1.7-mile DH section downstream, Spring Creek offers nearly 12 miles of continuously stocked water — one of the longer continuous stocked corridors in the county. 10.0 mi 35.9400, -82.8800 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 400 400 200 1,000
May 400 400 200 1,000
Annual Total 800 800 400 2,000
2026 Stocking Week
Apr 19 – Apr 25

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking week of Apr 19–Apr 25. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Meadow Fork Creek Meadow Fork Campground to Spring Creek · 8 miles · 1,400 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Meadow Fork Creek — Meadow Fork Campground to Spring Creek Eight miles from the Meadow Fork Campground area downstream to the Spring Creek confluence. A significant tributary of Spring Creek with solid fish counts — 1,400 annually across March and May events. The campground upper boundary makes this a convenient combo trip: camp at Meadow Fork, fish the creek from your doorstep. Classic mountain tributary character with good canopy cover and cold water through the season. All three species stocked. 8.0 mi 35.9200, -82.9100 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 280 280 140 700
May 280 280 140 700
Annual Total 560 560 280 1,400
2026 Stocking Week
Apr 19 – Apr 25

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking week of Apr 19–Apr 25. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Shut-In Creek East Fork / West Fork confluence to French Broad River · 8 miles · 800 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Shut-In Creek — East Fork/West Fork Confluence to French Broad River Eight miles from the confluence of the East Fork and West Fork Shut-In Creek downstream to the French Broad River. The French Broad terminus means fish can move between the creek and the main river in the lower reach — worth targeting the confluence zone after a stocking event. Classic mid-elevation tributary character. All three species stocked in March and May. 8.0 mi 35.9100, -82.8500 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 160 160 80 400
May 160 160 80 400
Annual Total 320 320 160 800
2026 Stocking Week
Apr 19 – Apr 25

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking week of Apr 19–Apr 25. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Big Pine Creek SR 1151 Bridge to French Broad River · 7 miles · 1,200 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Big Pine Creek — SR 1151 Bridge to French Broad River Seven miles from the SR 1151 Bridge down to the French Broad River confluence near the community of Big Pine. A solid mid-county tributary with 1,200 fish annually. The French Broad confluence at the lower end creates a productive transitional zone. SR 1151 follows the creek through much of the stocked section providing consistent road access. All three species stocked in March and May. 7.0 mi 35.9600, -82.7800 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 240 240 120 600
May 240 240 120 600
Annual Total 480 480 240 1,200
2026 Stocking Weeks
Apr 19 – Apr 25 May 3 – May 9

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking weeks of Apr 19–Apr 25 and May 3–May 9. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Roaring Fork Creek Fall Branch to Meadow Fork · 5 miles · 600 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Roaring Fork Creek — Fall Branch to Meadow Fork Five miles from Fall Branch downstream to the Meadow Fork Creek confluence. A tributary of Meadow Fork with moderate fish counts — 600 annually across March and May events. Tight creek character in the upper reach near Fall Branch, opening up slightly through the mid-section. Worth pairing with a Meadow Fork trip given the proximity. All three species stocked. 5.0 mi 35.9100, -82.9300 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 120 120 60 300
May 120 120 60 300
Annual Total 240 240 120 600
2026 Stocking Week
Apr 19 – Apr 25

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking week of Apr 19–Apr 25. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Spillcorn Creek Baker Creek to SR 1330 · 5 miles · 800 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Spillcorn Creek — Baker Creek to SR 1330 Five miles from Baker Creek to SR 1330 in the Big Laurel Creek drainage. A tributary of Big Laurel Creek with 800 fish stocked annually in March and May. SR 1330 provides access at the lower boundary. Less-traveled water that sees a fraction of the pressure of the main Big Laurel system. All three species stocked. 5.0 mi 36.0400, -82.7400 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 160 160 80 400
May 160 160 80 400
Annual Total 320 320 160 800
2026 Stocking Weeks
Apr 19 – Apr 25 May 3 – May 9

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking weeks of Apr 19–Apr 25 and May 3–May 9. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Little Ivy River Confluence of Ivy Creek to confluence of Middle Fork Ivy and Paint Fork · 4 miles · 600 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Little Ivy River — Confluence of Ivy Creek to Confluence of Middle Fork Ivy and Paint Fork Four miles between two tributary confluences in the Ivy River system on the eastern side of Madison County. The Ivy River system drains toward Buncombe County — this section sits near the county line in lower-elevation terrain compared to the Spring Creek and Big Laurel drainages. 600 fish stocked annually in March and May. All three species. 4.0 mi 35.8800, -82.6800 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 120 120 60 300
May 120 120 60 300
Annual Total 240 240 120 600
2026 Stocking Weeks
Apr 19 – Apr 25 May 3 – May 9

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking weeks of Apr 19–Apr 25 and May 3–May 9. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Puncheon Fork Creek Hampton Creek to Big Laurel Creek · 5 miles · 400 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Puncheon Fork Creek — Hampton Creek to Big Laurel Creek Five miles from Hampton Creek downstream to the Big Laurel Creek confluence. The lowest fish count of the HS streams at 400 annually, but the Big Laurel confluence at the lower end is a productive holding zone. Light pressure given the modest stocking numbers. A good option for anglers who want to explore tributary water off the main Big Laurel system. All three species stocked in March and May. 5.0 mi 36.0100, -82.7200 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 80 80 40 200
May 80 80 40 200
Annual Total 160 160 80 400
2026 Stocking Week
Apr 19 – Apr 25

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. March stocking week unconfirmed — confirmed stocking week of Apr 19–Apr 25. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Max Patch Pond Entire pond · 1.5 acres · 800 fish annually · Rainbow only · Stocked April
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Max Patch — Worth the Drive For More Than Fish

Max Patch is one of the most iconic balds on the entire Appalachian Trail — a 360-degree summit meadow with views from the Smokies to the Black Mountains. The pond sits near the trailhead area. Even if the fishing is slow, you're in one of the most spectacular locations in Western NC. Plan to hike the bald while you're there.

Water / Section Size GPS
Max Patch Pond — Entire Pond A 1.5-acre pond near the Max Patch trailhead area stocked with rainbow trout only in a single April event — 800 fish. Rainbow only, no brook or brown trout stocked. Compact stillwater that fishes well immediately after the April stocking. The elevation at Max Patch (around 4,600 feet) keeps water temperatures favorable for trout longer into the season than lower-elevation ponds. Worth combining with the iconic bald hike for a full day out. 1.5 ac 35.7940, -82.9590 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
April (only) — 800 — 800
Annual Total — 800 — 800
2026 Stocking Week
Apr 19 – Apr 25

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Madison County District 9 · NCWRC 2026 Weekly Hatchery Supported Stocking Schedule. Rainbow trout only — no brook or brown trout stocked. Single April event — confirmed week of Apr 19–Apr 25. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Cover Every Water Type in the County

From the Spring Creek DH in Hot Springs to Max Patch Pond at 4,600 feet — Madison 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.

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📅 2026 Stocking Calendar — Madison County
Verify all dates at ncwildlife.gov before your trip · Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List, District 9
Stream / Lake Type Stocking Month(s) Total Fish
Shelton Laurel Creek DH DH March · May · November 3,800
Big Laurel Creek HS HS March · May 3,400
Spring Creek DH DH March · May · November 2,000
Big Laurel Creek DH DH March · May · November 2,000
Shelton Laurel Creek HS HS March · May 2,000
Spring Creek HS HS March · May 2,000
Meadow Fork Creek HS March · May 1,400
Big Pine Creek HS March · May 1,200
Max Patch Pond HS April only 800
Shut-In Creek HS March · May 800
Spillcorn Creek HS March · May 800
Roaring Fork Creek HS March · May 600
Little Ivy River HS March · May 600
Puncheon Fork Creek HS March · May 400
County Total — — 21,800
Also Fishing Nearby?

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

About Madison County trout fishing: Madison County, NC offers 14 stocked trout waters totaling 21,800 fish in 2026. Three Delayed Harvest fisheries anchor the program: Shelton Laurel Creek DH (2.4 miles, 3,800 fish), Spring Creek DH in Hot Springs (1.7 miles, 2,000 fish), and Big Laurel Creek DH (1.2 miles, 2,000 fish). All three DH streams stock in March, May, and November. Hatchery-supported waters include Big Laurel Creek HS (21 miles — longest stocked stream in the region), Shelton Laurel Creek HS (13 miles), Spring Creek HS (10 miles), Meadow Fork Creek (8 miles), Shut-In Creek (8 miles), Big Pine Creek (7 miles), and Max Patch Pond (1.5 acres, rainbow trout only, April only). Located near Marshall and Hot Springs, NC. A valid NC fishing license is required. · Data source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List, District 9 · Last updated: 2026 · Stocking dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before fishing.