NC Trout Stocking Schedule 2026
2026 NC Trout
Stocking Schedule
25 WNC Counties COVERED
Find your county and follow the latest NC trout stocking updates. This 2026 NC trout stocking schedule brings together fall delivery status, the original spring planning weeks, 25 county guides, and NCWRC's official resources. Use the Daily Trout Stocking Update to see recently completed deliveries.
Updated September 24, 2026
Fall DH stocking postponed until November
NCWRC announced on September 23 that Delayed Harvest stocking will wait until November. Summer heat, drought, and hurricane damage to hatchery watersheds have reduced the available fish.
The announcement does not give replacement delivery weeks for individual streams. We have removed the earlier fall dates from the tables below. Quantities and later stocking plans depend on an October hatchery inventory.
Delayed Harvest restrictions still begin October 1. Read our NC Delayed Harvest rules guide for tackle rules and the June harvest transition.
The Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery renovation had already reduced trout production for 2026. The September update adds a further disruption to the original fall plan. This page separates published spring planning weeks from current fall status.
NCWRC stocks Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout. Hatchery Supported and Delayed Harvest are the two stocking categories covered here. Their fishing seasons and harvest rules differ, as outlined below.
During the open season, anglers may keep seven trout per day with no minimum size or bait restrictions. Fishing is limited to hook and line.
For 2026–27, most Hatchery Supported Trout Waters close March 1 through April 2, 2027, reopening at 7 a.m. April 3. NCWRC lists exceptions with no closed season.
From October 1, 2026, through June 4, 2027, trout harvest and possession are prohibited. Only artificial lures with one single hook are permitted, and natural bait may not be possessed while fishing.
Fishing closes 30 minutes after sunset June 4. On June 5, fishing reopens at 6 a.m. for anglers under 16 and noon for everyone, under Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations.
The spring column preserves the original 2026 planned weeks as a reference, not a record of completed deliveries. The fall column shows the status of revised stream-specific weeks. Use NCWRC trout stocking resources for new schedules and the Daily Trout Stocking Update for completed deliveries.
| County | Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashe | Helton Creek | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Trout Lake | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending | |
| Big Horse Creek | Mar 2–6 May 11–15 | Revised week pending | |
| South Fork New River | Mar 2–6 May 11–15 | Revised week pending | |
| Burke | Jacobs Fork | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Caldwell | Wilson Creek | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Clay | Fires Creek | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Graham | Big Snowbird Creek | Apr 6–10 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Haywood | West Fork Pigeon River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
| Henderson | North Fork Mills River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
| Jackson | Tuckasegee River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Macon | Nantahala River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Madison | Big Laurel Creek | Mar 30–Apr 3 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Shelton Laurel Creek | Mar 30–Apr 3 May 4–8 | Revised week pending | |
| Spring Creek | Apr 6–10 May 4–8 | Revised week pending | |
| McDowell | Curtis Creek | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
| Mill Creek | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending | |
| Catawba River | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending | |
| Mitchell | Cane Creek | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
| North Toe River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending | |
| Polk | Green River | Apr 6–10 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Surry | Ararat River | Mar 2–6 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
| Mitchell River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending | |
| Swain | Tuckasegee River | Mar 30–Apr 3 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Transylvania | East Fork French Broad River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
| Little River | Mar 30–Apr 3 May 4–8 | Revised week pending | |
| Watauga | Watauga River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Lake Coffey | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending | |
| Wilkes | East Prong Roaring River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
| Stone Mountain Creek | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending | |
| Reddies River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending | |
| Elk Creek | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending | |
| Yancey | Cane River | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
Spring reference: original NCWRC 2026 Delayed Harvest schedule. Its earlier fall weeks are not presented here as current dates.
Spring is the main stocking window for Hatchery Supported waters in 2026. Delivery weeks vary by water, so NCWRC's schedule is the place to find dates for the stream or lake you want to fish.
Use the schedule link below to plan ahead, or open the Daily Trout Stocking Update to see recent deliveries.
Stocking can take place during the seasonal fishing closure. The regulation cards above explain the open season and harvest limits, including the seven-trout daily limit and no minimum size during the open season.
Start with the county guide for Alleghany's trout waters and access information. Hatchery Supported delivery weeks are available through the official schedule linked below.
View Hatchery Supported Schedule →
View Full County Guide →Ashe's Delayed Harvest schedule covers Helton Creek, Trout Lake, Big Horse Creek, and South Fork New River. See their spring reference weeks and fall status below, or open the county guide for access details.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Helton Creek | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Trout Lake | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Big Horse Creek | Mar 2–6 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
| South Fork New River | Mar 2–6 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
Explore Avery County's trout waters in the county guide, then use the Hatchery Supported schedule below to choose your delivery week.
View Hatchery Supported Schedule →
View Full County Guide →Find Buncombe County's trout waters and access information in the county guide. Use the Hatchery Supported schedule below for delivery weeks.
View Hatchery Supported Schedule →
View Full County Guide →The table covers Jacobs Fork's Delayed Harvest section. The county guide covers additional Burke County fishing options.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jacobs Fork | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
The table below covers Wilson Creek's Delayed Harvest spring plan and fall status. Open the county guide for access points and the creek's different regulation sections.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Creek | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
Explore Cherokee County's trout waters through the county guide and Hatchery Supported schedule below. Cherokee County is separate from the EBCI tribal fishing program.
View Hatchery Supported Schedule →
View Full County Guide →See the original spring plan and fall status for the Delayed Harvest section of Fires Creek. The county guide also covers other Clay County trout waters.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fires Creek | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
Big Snowbird Creek's Delayed Harvest spring plan and fall status are listed below. Explore more Graham County waters in the full county guide.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Big Snowbird Creek | Apr 6–10 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
The table covers the West Fork Pigeon River's Delayed Harvest section. The county guide covers additional Haywood County waters and access information.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| West Fork Pigeon River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
North Fork Mills River is Henderson County's entry in this Delayed Harvest schedule. For Green River's Delayed Harvest entry, see Polk County.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| North Fork Mills River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
The table below covers Jackson County's Tuckasegee River Delayed Harvest section. The county guide explains access and the river's other regulation sections.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tuckasegee River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
The table covers the Nantahala River's Delayed Harvest spring plan and fall status. Open the Macon County guide for section boundaries and access information.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nantahala River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
Find Big Laurel Creek, Shelton Laurel Creek, and Spring Creek in the table below. Each entry covers the stream's designated Delayed Harvest section.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Big Laurel Creek | Mar 30–Apr 3 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Shelton Laurel Creek | Mar 30–Apr 3 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Spring Creek | Apr 6–10 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
The table covers Curtis Creek, Mill Creek, and the Catawba River Delayed Harvest entries. The county guide provides access and section information.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Curtis Creek | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
| Mill Creek | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
| Catawba River | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
See the Delayed Harvest spring plan and fall status for Cane Creek and North Toe River. Looking for Mitchell River? Its schedule is under Surry County.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cane Creek | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
| North Toe River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
Green River's Delayed Harvest spring plan and fall status are listed below. Open the Polk County guide for fishing and access information.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Green River | Apr 6–10 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
Explore Rocky Broad River fishing information in the Rutherford County guide. Use the official Hatchery Supported schedule below for delivery weeks.
View Hatchery Supported Schedule →
View Full County Guide →Explore Stokes County fishing information in the county guide, with Hatchery Supported delivery weeks available through the official schedule below.
View Hatchery Supported Schedule →
View Full County Guide →See the original spring plan and fall status for Ararat River and Mitchell River. The Surry County guide covers fishing sections and access information.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ararat River | Mar 2–6 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
| Mitchell River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
The table below covers Swain County's Tuckasegee River Delayed Harvest section. EBCI-managed fishing waters have a separate tribal stocking and permit program.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tuckasegee River | Mar 30–Apr 3 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
See the Delayed Harvest spring plan and fall status for East Fork French Broad River and Little River. For Davidson River and its different regulation sections, open the county guide.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| East Fork French Broad River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
| Little River | Mar 30–Apr 3 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
Watauga River and Lake Coffey are listed below with their spring reference weeks and fall status. The county guide covers access and individual river sections.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Watauga River | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
| Lake Coffey | Mar 2–6 May 4–8 | Revised week pending |
The table covers East Prong Roaring River, Stone Mountain Creek, Reddies River, and Elk Creek. Open the county guide for access information.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| East Prong Roaring River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
| Stone Mountain Creek | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
| Reddies River | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
| Elk Creek | Mar 2–6 Apr 27–May 1 | Revised week pending |
Cane River's Delayed Harvest spring plan and fall status are listed below. The Yancey County guide covers additional waters and access information.
| DH Stream | Spring 2026 Plan | Fall 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cane River | Mar 9–13 May 11–15 | Revised week pending |
Use the Daily Trout Stocking Update to find recently stocked locations. Here's how to read it before choosing your next stop.
Open the Daily Update
Visit NCWRC's Daily Trout Stocking Update using the button below.
Check the Date Range
Read the displayed date range before using the recently stocked locations list.
Find Your Water
Find your stream or lake in the recently stocked locations list.
Check Again After Noon
NCWRC advises checking daily after noon for additional updates.
Planning ahead? Choose your water using the county guides, then look for a revised NCWRC schedule before planning around a delivery. The spring reference weeks above are past planning dates. The daily update reports recent deliveries.
Start with the water in front of you: current, depth, and feeding activity. Carry a small selection of nymphs, dries, and streamers, then adjust your presentation as you work through the stream.
Recently Stocked Water
Start your selection with Woolly Buggers, Egg Patterns, San Juan Worms, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Copper Johns. Change one part of your presentation at a time so you can tell what makes a difference.
Work through a run before changing flies. Pay attention to where your fly travels and how fish respond.
Delayed Harvest Water
Carry both nymphs and dry flies. Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Parachute Adams, and Elk Hair Caddis give you options for different feeding activity.
Watch the drift first, then adjust depth, fly size, or tippet to suit the water.
Match What You Observe
Take a minute to watch before you cast. Rising fish and insects on the surface can help narrow your fly choice.
Use our WNC Trout Hatch Chart to plan your fly selection, then match it to what you see on the water.
The Essentials Fly Box: 82 Flies, Ready to Fish
Keep 82 dry flies and nymphs organized in one loaded box, ready for your next day on trout water.
Plan Your Trip
NC Trout Streams and Stocking Map
Explore our 25 county guides for trout waters, access information, and regulation types.
Match the Hatch
WNC Trout Hatch Chart
Month-by-month hatch timing for tailwaters, freestone streams, and high-elevation water, with fly recommendations for every window.
A standard North Carolina inland fishing license includes Public Mountain Trout Waters; no separate trout license or add-on is needed. Exemptions include anglers under 16. Buy your license through Go Outdoors North Carolina or a licensed agent.
This guide includes the September 23 fall stocking announcement, the original 2026 spring plan, and 2026–27 fishing regulations. The links below take you to the current rules, licensing, and NCWRC trout resources.
Fly Life Outdoors: Built for Days Like This
Veteran-owned and purpose-built. Our loaded fly boxes, hand-tied flies, and NC-printed apparel are designed for anglers who take fishing seriously, not as a hobby, but as a way of life. Whatever water you're headed to, we've got a box for it.