The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has announced a postponement in the stocking of Delayed Harvest Trout Waters until November due to adverse environmental conditions. Following a particularly hot summer, ongoing drought, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the water temperatures entering the state’s mountain trout hatcheries have risen to levels detrimental for trout survival.
According to David Deaton, State Fish Production Supervisor at NCWRC, the water temperatures have reached dangerously high levels, at times exceeding the mid-to-high 70s. This extreme heat has led to significant losses, with approximately 70% of the fish at Armstrong State Fish Hatchery lost since June. This hatchery has been the primary source of trout for the NCWRC since the temporary closure of the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery for renovations at the end of 2025.
Hatchery Challenges
Prior to the closure of Setzer for renovations, the NCWRC had anticipated only 35% of the usual trout stock would be available. Deaton noted that this estimate was based on optimal conditions, which have not been met. Armstrong suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Helene, which resulted in landslides that altered the water sources feeding the hatchery, increasing temperatures further due to loss of shade from tree canopies.
“We knew we’d have heat issues with Helene taking away shade and reducing water depths,” Deaton stated. The hatchery has faced compounded challenges this summer due to an intense heatwave coinciding with a severe drought.
Stocking Adjustments
In response to the spring losses, NCWRC had previously supplemented trout numbers by purchasing fish from private hatcheries. Unfortunately, attempts to acquire additional fish for fall stocking have not been successful, as many private hatcheries are also experiencing fish losses due to similar environmental conditions.
Deaton remains uncertain about the number of fish that will be available for stocking in November, as the heat continues to affect the remaining trout at Armstrong. The total count will not be known until an inventory can be conducted in October. However, he indicated that cooler water temperatures in November will be more beneficial for the fish, allowing for a less stressful stocking process and giving the surviving fish a chance to grow larger.
Future Improvements
The Setzer hatchery is expected to reopen at the end of 2027, featuring enhancements aimed at improving water quality and temperature management. In addition, the NCWRC has initiated efforts to address watershed damage upstream of the Armstrong hatchery through its new Hurricane Helene Restoration Division.
Mountain Fisheries Supervisor Kinnon Hodges acknowledged the significance of trout fishing for both anglers and the economy of western North Carolina, expressing appreciation for the public’s understanding regarding the disruptions in stocking.
Under the regulations for Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, catch-and-release fishing is permitted from October 1, 2026, to June 5, 2027. Natural bait is prohibited, and anglers may only use artificial lures equipped with a single hook. These waters, marked with distinctive diamond-shaped signs, are favored by those who enjoy catch-and-release fishing.
Anglers are advised that stocking locations may differ from previous years due to the impacts of hurricane damage, which has also affected access to certain fishing areas.
Source: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
