North Carolina
Trout in North Carolina
Trout are on record in 98 North Carolina waters, with 152 stockings in the books. Stocking peaks in April and May.
Scheduled ahead
Oct 15, 2026 — Hanging Rock Park Lake
Oct 15, 2026 — Helton Creek
Oct 15, 2026 — Big Horse Creek
Oct 15, 2026 — South Fork New River
Oct 15, 2026 — Ararat River
When does North Carolina stock trout?
Waters holding trout
- Big Laurel Creek6×
- Linville River6×
- Nantahala River6×
- Big Horse Creek5×
- North Toe River5×
- Green River5×
- Helton Creek4×
- Shelton Laurel Creek4×
- Ararat River4×
- Old Catawba River4×
- South Fork New River4×
- Spring Creek4×
- Big Pine Creek3×
- Davidson River3×
- Cane River3×
- Fires Creek3×
- Little River3×
- Mitchell River3×
- Tuckasegee River3×
- Wilson Creek3×
- Elk Creek3×
- Reddies River3×
- Stone Mountain Creek3×
- Armstrong Creek2×
- Buck Creek2×
- Cold Springs Creek2×
- Connelly Creek2×
- Greens Creek2×
- Hungry River2×
- North Fork New River2×
- Price Lake2×
- Reems Creek2×
- Savannah Creek2×
- South Toe River2×
- Spillcorn Creek2×
- Three Top Creek2×
- Tusquitee Creek2×
- Valley River2×
- Yellow Creek2×
- Curtis Creek2×
58 more on the North Carolina map.
Freshest trout stockings
- South Toe RiverJun 15, 2026
- Armstrong CreekJun 15, 2026
- Linville RiverJun 15, 2026
- North Toe RiverJun 15, 2026
- Linville RiverJun 15, 2026
- Connelly CreekJun 15, 2026
- Nantahala RiverJun 15, 2026
- Price LakeJun 15, 2026
- Helton CreekJun 15, 2026
- Davidson RiverJun 15, 2026
- Spillcorn CreekJun 15, 2026
- Big Horse CreekJun 15, 2026
- Three Top CreekJun 15, 2026
- North Fork New RiverJun 15, 2026
- Savannah CreekJun 15, 2026
- Greens CreekJun 15, 2026
- Hungry RiverJun 15, 2026
- Nantahala RiverJun 15, 2026
- Cold Springs CreekJun 15, 2026
- Big Laurel CreekJun 15, 2026
Trout nationwide → · Fishing in North Carolina → · North Carolina stocking report →
Trout in North Carolina — FAQ
Where can I catch trout in North Carolina?+
Trout are on record in 98 North Carolina waters, including Big Laurel Creek, Linville River, Nantahala River. The full list is on this page.
When does North Carolina stock trout?+
North Carolina stocks trout most heavily in April and May, going by 152 records. See the freshest stockings on this page for the current season.
Do I need a license to fish for trout in North Carolina?+
Yes — North Carolina requires a fishing license. Buy one from the state and check seasons and limits before you go.