Surry County NC Trout Fishing

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

Surry County
Trout Fishing

6 Hatchery Streams
2 Delayed Harvest
15,333 Fish Stocked (2026)
Mar–Nov Stocking Windows

Surry County sits in the northwestern Piedmont foothills just below the Virginia state line — and it punches well above its weight as a trout destination. Two Delayed Harvest fisheries anchor the program: the Mitchell River and the Ararat River, both receiving four stocking events annually including a rare November fall event that extends quality fishing deep into the season. The Fisher River and Little Fisher River drain the Virginia border country for miles. Eight stocked waters, 15,333 fish, and a stocking calendar that runs from March through November — one of the longer windows in the District 7 program.

Mitchell River & Ararat River DH — Four Stocking Events Including November

Both Delayed Harvest streams in Surry County stock four times annually — March, April, October, and November. The November event is uncommon in the NC DH program and gives these two fisheries a late-season window that most other counties don't have. If you want fresh DH fish in November, Surry County is one of the few places in the state to find them.

⚠️ Special Regulations — Know Before You Go
Ararat River — Two Sections, Two Different Rules
Delayed Harvest Section — NC 103 Bridge to Lovills Creek Confluence · 3.1 miles

Artificial lures and flies with single hook only. Catch-and-release required October 1 through early June. Four stocking events: March, April, October, and November. 4,860 fish annually. Lovills Creek enters the Ararat River at the downstream boundary of the DH section — note that Lovills Creek itself is a separately stocked HS stream.

Hatchery Supported Section — SR 1727 Bridge to NC 103 Bridge · 1.0 mile

Standard HS regulations — all legal tackle, 7 trout/day creel limit. Two stocking events: March and April. 250 fish annually. The NC 103 Bridge is the shared boundary — DH water is downstream, HS water is upstream. Confirm which section you are on before fishing.

🔵 Delayed Harvest Streams
Catch & Release only Oct 1 – early June · Artificial lures/flies with single hook only · Always verify current dates at ncwildlife.gov
Delayed Harvest Mitchell River 0.6 mi upstream of end of SR 1333 to SR 1330 Bridge below Kapps Mill Dam · 3.0 miles · 5,132 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · March, April, October & November
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Most Heavily Stocked Water in Surry County · Four Annual Events

At 5,132 fish across four stocking events — including a rare November event — the Mitchell River DH section is the flagship fishery in Surry County. The Kapps Mill Dam at the downstream end creates a natural landmark at the SR 1330 Bridge. The upper boundary at 0.6 miles upstream of the end of SR 1333 is less obvious — confirm on the NCWRC regulation map before fishing the upper section.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
Mitchell River — Delayed Harvest (0.6 mi upstream of SR 1333 end to SR 1330 Bridge below Kapps Mill Dam) Three miles of Delayed Harvest water from a point 0.6 miles upstream of the end of SR 1333 downstream to the SR 1330 Bridge below Kapps Mill Dam. Four stocking events annually — March, April, October, and November — totaling 5,132 fish. All three species in equal proportions each event. The equal event size across all four stockings means each window is equally productive — the October and November events are the standout for quality fishing under DH regulations with fish that have been protected through the summer. The SR 1330 Bridge below Kapps Mill Dam is the clearest access and boundary landmark in the section. 3.0 mi 36.4400, -80.6200 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 513 513 257 1,283
April 513 513 257 1,283
October 513 513 257 1,283
November 513 513 257 1,283
Annual Total 2,052 2,052 1,028 5,132
2026 Stocking Months
March April October November

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Surry County District 7. Stocking months confirmed (March, April, October, November) — specific weeks not confirmed. Monitor ncwildlife.gov for stocking reports. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Delayed Harvest Ararat River NC 103 Bridge to Lovills Creek Confluence · 3.1 miles · 4,860 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · March, April, October & November
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Ararat River — Delayed Harvest (NC 103 Bridge to Lovills Creek Confluence) 3.1 miles of Delayed Harvest water from the NC 103 Bridge downstream to the Lovills Creek confluence. Four stocking events annually — March, April, October, and November — 4,860 fish total. All three species in equal proportions each event. The NC 103 Bridge is both the upper DH boundary and the lower boundary of the Ararat River HS section immediately upstream — know which side of the bridge you're on. Lovills Creek enters the Ararat at the downstream end of the DH section; Lovills Creek is also a separately stocked HS stream, making the confluence area a productive holding zone post-stocking with fish from both waters. 3.1 mi 36.4200, -80.5900 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 486 486 243 1,215
April 486 486 243 1,215
October 486 486 243 1,215
November 486 486 243 1,215
Annual Total 1,944 1,944 972 4,860
2026 Stocking Months
March April October November

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Surry County District 7. Stocking months confirmed (March, April, October, November) — specific weeks not confirmed. Monitor ncwildlife.gov for stocking reports. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Four Events. Two DH Rivers. One Box.

The Mitchell River and Ararat River both stock four times — including November. Late-season DH fish that have been holding under catch-and-release pressure respond best to tungsten bead nymphs fished deep and slow. Our Depth Charge box puts 72 of those patterns in your hands. Ready to fish the day the truck rolls.

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🟢 Hatchery Supported Streams
Open to all legal tackle · 7 trout/day creel limit · No size limit · Always verify at ncwildlife.gov
Hatchery Fisher River Virginia State Line to I-77 · 15.0 miles · 2,338 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · March & April
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Longest Stocked Water in Surry County — 15 Miles

At 15 miles from the Virginia state line to I-77, the Fisher River is the longest stocked water in Surry County by a significant margin. That length means fish spread considerably after stocking — giving anglers room to find less-pressured water by moving away from the most obvious access points.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
Fisher River — Virginia State Line to I-77 15 miles from the Virginia state line at the upper boundary downstream to I-77. The Fisher River receives a heavier April stocking than March — 1,325 fish in April versus 1,013 in March — making the spring April event the more productive of the two. All three species. The Virginia state line upper boundary and I-77 lower boundary frame a significant stretch of public trout water along the northern edge of Surry County. Access points along the 15-mile corridor vary — scout the road crossings in advance. 15.0 mi 36.5200, -80.7000 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 405 405 203 1,013
April 530 530 265 1,325
Annual Total 935 935 468 2,338
2026 Stocking Months
March April

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Surry County District 7. Stocking months confirmed (March and April) — specific weeks not confirmed. Monitor ncwildlife.gov for stocking reports. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Little Fisher River Virginia State Line to Hwy 89 · 7.8 miles · 1,126 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · March & May
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March & May — No April Stocking

Little Fisher River is the only HS stream in Surry County that skips April and stocks in May instead. If you're planning an April trip targeting HS waters, this stream won't have fresh fish — plan for March or wait for May.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
Little Fisher River — Virginia State Line to Hwy 89 7.8 miles from the Virginia state line downstream to Hwy 89. Equal March and May stocking events — 563 fish each, 1,126 annually. All three species. The Virginia state line upper boundary and Hwy 89 lower boundary frame a solid stretch of border country water. The May stocking makes Little Fisher River a fresh option in mid-spring when most other Surry County HS waters have already received their final April event. 7.8 mi 36.5000, -80.7500 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 225 225 113 563
May 225 225 113 563
Annual Total 450 450 226 1,126
2026 Stocking Months
March May

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Surry County District 7. Stocking months confirmed (March and May) — specific weeks not confirmed. Monitor ncwildlife.gov for stocking reports. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Lovills Creek Lebanon Road Bridge to Ararat River Confluence · 3.5 miles · 1,075 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · March & April
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Confluence With Ararat River DH — Worth Targeting Post-Stocking

Lovills Creek flows into the Ararat River at the downstream boundary of the Ararat River DH section. Post-stocking, fish from both the Lovills Creek HS program and the Ararat River DH section will stage at this confluence — a productive holding area that gives you access to two separately stocked waters from a single position.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
Lovills Creek — Lebanon Road Bridge to Ararat River Confluence 3.5 miles from the Lebanon Road Bridge at the upper boundary downstream to the Ararat River confluence. Lovills Creek receives a heavier April stocking than March — 575 fish in April versus 500 in March. All three species. The Lebanon Road Bridge provides a clear upper boundary access point. The Ararat River confluence at the lower end ties directly into the downstream boundary of the Ararat DH section — a natural multi-water pairing for a full day on the water. 3.5 mi 36.4100, -80.5700 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 200 200 100 500
April 230 230 115 575
Annual Total 430 430 215 1,075
2026 Stocking Months
March April

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Surry County District 7. Stocking months confirmed (March and April) — specific weeks not confirmed. Monitor ncwildlife.gov for stocking reports. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Pauls Creek Virginia Line to 0.3 Miles Below SR 1625 Bridge · 2.5 miles · 276 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · March & April
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Stream / Section Miles GPS
Pauls Creek — Virginia Line to 0.3 Miles Below SR 1625 Bridge 2.5 miles from the Virginia state line at the upper boundary downstream to a point 0.3 miles below the SR 1625 Bridge. The lower boundary at 0.3 miles below SR 1625 is not a physical landmark like a bridge or confluence — measure carefully from the SR 1625 Bridge to identify the downstream limit. Equal March and April events — 138 fish each, 276 annually. All three species. A border country stream with lower pressure than the county's larger HS waters. 2.5 mi 36.5100, -80.6500 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 55 55 28 138
April 55 55 28 138
Annual Total 110 110 56 276
2026 Stocking Months
March April

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Surry County District 7. Stocking months confirmed (March and April) — specific weeks not confirmed. Monitor ncwildlife.gov for stocking reports. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Ararat River — Hatchery Supported Section SR 1727 Bridge to NC 103 Bridge · 1.0 mile · 250 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · March & April
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⚠️ NC 103 Bridge — Shared Boundary With DH Section Downstream

The NC 103 Bridge is the downstream boundary of this HS section and the upstream boundary of the Ararat River DH section immediately below. Standard HS regulations apply above the bridge — DH catch-and-release rules apply below it. Know which side you're on before fishing.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
Ararat River — Hatchery Supported (SR 1727 Bridge to NC 103 Bridge) One mile from the SR 1727 Bridge at the upper boundary downstream to the NC 103 Bridge. Equal March and April events — 125 fish each, 250 annually. All three species. The lightest-stocked water in the county at 250 fish — best fished in the days immediately following a stocking event. SR 1727 and NC 103 provide clear road access at each boundary. 1.0 mi 36.4300, -80.5800 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 40 40 20 100
April 60 60 30 150
Annual Total 100 100 50 250
2026 Stocking Months
March April

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Surry County District 7. Stocking months confirmed (March and April) — specific weeks not confirmed. Monitor ncwildlife.gov for stocking reports. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

Hatchery Elkin River (Big Elkin Creek) Shoe Factory Dam above NC 268 to 0.15 mi downstream of NC 268 Bridge · 0.5 miles · 276 fish annually · Brook, Rainbow, Brown · March & April
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Shortest Stocked Water in Surry County — 0.5 Miles

At 0.5 miles between the Shoe Factory Dam and 0.15 miles downstream of the NC 268 Bridge adjacent to the Elkin Recreation Center, this is the most compact stocked section in the county. Fish concentrate quickly in a short stretch post-stocking. Work it thoroughly — in half a mile, leaving water unfished means leaving fish.

Stream / Section Miles GPS
Elkin River (Big Elkin Creek) — Shoe Factory Dam to 0.15 mi Downstream of NC 268 Bridge Half a mile from the Shoe Factory Dam above NC 268 downstream to a point 0.15 miles below the NC 268 Bridge, adjacent to the Elkin Recreation Center. Equal March and April events — 138 fish each, 276 annually. All three species. The Elkin Recreation Center provides easy public access adjacent to the stocked section. The Shoe Factory Dam upper boundary and the NC 268 Bridge corridor are the landmarks to orient to — the downstream limit is 0.15 miles past the bridge, not at the bridge itself. 0.5 mi 36.2500, -80.8500 ↗
Stocking Event Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Total
March 55 55 28 138
April 55 55 28 138
Annual Total 110 110 56 276
2026 Stocking Months
March April

Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List — Surry County District 7. Stocking months confirmed (March and April) — specific weeks not confirmed. Monitor ncwildlife.gov for stocking reports. Dates subject to change — verify at ncwildlife.gov before your trip.

From the VA Line to the Ararat — One Box Covers It All.

Surry County's mix of long border rivers, DH tailwaters, and small creek fisheries demands versatility. Our All-Water Arsenal covers 74 guide-approved patterns across dries, nymphs, and soft hackles — built for every water type in the county from opening day through the November DH window.

Shop All-Water Arsenal →
📅 2026 Stocking Calendar — Surry County
Verify all dates at ncwildlife.gov before your trip · Source: NCWRC 2026 Master Trout Stocking List, District 7
Stream Type Stocking Month(s) Total Fish
Mitchell River (DH) DH March · April · October · November 5,132
Ararat River (DH) DH March · April · October · November 4,860
Fisher River HS March · April 2,338
Lovills Creek HS March · April 1,075
Little Fisher River HS March · May 1,126
Pauls Creek HS March · April 276
Elkin River (Big Elkin Creek) HS March · April 276
Ararat River (HS) HS March · April 250
County Total — — 15,333
Also Fishing Nearby?

Surry County borders several trout fishing counties — each with their own stocking schedules and stream character.

About Surry County trout fishing: Surry County, NC offers 8 stocked trout waters totaling 15,333 fish in 2026. Two Delayed Harvest fisheries anchor the program: Mitchell River DH (3 miles, 5,132 fish — four annual events including November) and Ararat River DH (3.1 miles, 4,860 fish — four annual events including November). Hatchery-supported waters include Fisher River (15 miles, 2,338 fish), Little Fisher River (7.8 miles, 1,126 fish — March and May), Lovills Creek (3.5 miles, 1,075 fish), Pauls Creek (2.5 miles, 276 fish), Elkin River/Big Elkin Creek (0.5 miles, 276 fish), and Ararat River HS (1 mile, 250 fish). Located near Mount Airy and Elkin, NC in NCWRC District 7. 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.