Hatcheries and Stocking (Public Waters)

Fish hatcheries are an important component of freshwater fisheries management in North Carolina. The Wildlife Resources Commission uses hatchery-reared fish for a variety of purposes, including enhancing existing fisheries and establishing new populations. Each year, Commission staff stocks approximately 6 million fish in public lakes, ponds, streams and rivers throughout the state. The sections below provide more information on the agency’s six fish hatcheries and multiple stocking programs. 

 

 

Coldwater Stocking 

 

 

Warmwater Stocking

 

NCWRC Hatcheries

 

 

Stocking Permit

Visit the Stocking Permit page