North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Trout Fishing Maps

Maps displaying publicly accessible trout fishing opportunities in western North Carolina.

Public Mountain Trout Waters Search

Use the Public Mountain Trout Waters Search to locate a great new place to fish for trout in the mountains of North Carolina or learn more about the rules and regulations of trout fishing. This search can help you locate Public Mountain Trout Waters and show you which regulatory classifications apply. You can open a map and zoom to the selected water once you have made a list of locations or save your list as a PDF document to read when you are on the go.

Trout Signs

Trout Regulations

This section provides information from the North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest regarding fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters.

Due to the fluid situation caused by COVID-19, some Public Mountain Trout Waters may not receive normal stockings this spring. The full stocking schedule for the season has been temporarily removed.  However, please check this page regularly to find locations of stocked waters by week.   

As a reminder, all anglers should practice social distancing and maintain a distance of 6 feet between themselves and others.

Visit the NCWRC’s COVID-19 webpage for an updated list of trout waters that have been closed by local cooperators.

• Daily Trout Stocking Update

For more information on Gill Lice, Whirling Disease, Didymo and other aquatic nuisance species, view the Aquatic Nuisance Species webpage.

North Carolina Trout Management Plan (PDF)    

A guiding document for trout management in North Carolina.

Economic Impact of Mountain Trout Fishing 

A study on the economic impacts of trout fishing opportunities provided and managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 

Trout Fishing Partnership Opportunities (PDF)

Trout fishing partnership opportunities for communities in western North Carolina with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 

Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Program

This section provides information on the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Program, including locations and license information.

Trout Angling Opportunities on Private Lands (PDF)

Information for anglers and landowners regarding Public Mountain Trout Waters on private lands.

Protect Your Waters From Aquatic Hitchhikers

Learn more about aquatic nuisance species and how to prevent their spread through basic gear care procedures.

N.C. Stream Conditions

To assist anglers and boaters, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has compiled a list of websites that provide information on current stream flow conditions and projected release schedules from hydro power stations.

Aquatic Organism Passage (PDF)

Information regarding the biological and economic benefits of aquatic organism passage.

Trout Handling Advice (PDF)

Learn more about proper trout handling techniques.

North Carolina Hatch Chart (PDF)

Developed in partnership with the North Carolina Council of Trout Unlimited, this hatch chart provides information to help trout anglers match aquatic insect hatches in western North Carolina. 

Eastern Brook Trout Roadmap to Conservation (PDF)

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is an active member of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture (EBTJV), which is a partnership that works to conserve Brook Trout across the species’ native range. This document outlines the EBTJV’s conservation strategies. Visit the EBTJV’s homepage (link) to learn more about the EBTJV.

Trout Species

Three trout species call North Carolina’s mountain waters home. Click on the fish icons below to find out more about each species.