North Carolina Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters Open under Hatchery-Supported Regulations June 2
OutdoorHub 05.17.12
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open approximately 64 miles of trout streams and two lakes classified as delayed-harvest trout waters under hatchery-supported regulations on Saturday, June 2.
From 6 a.m. until 11:59 a.m., waters are open only to anglers 15 years old and younger. At noon, waters open to all anglers. Delayed-harvest waters will stay open under hatchery-supported regulations through Sept. 30. During this time, anglers can keep up to seven trout per day — with no bait restrictions or minimum size limits.
The Commission stocks delayed-harvest trout waters from fall through spring with high densities of trout to increase anglers’ chances of catching trout. Once summer arrives, waters become too warm for trout to survive so the Commission opens delayed-harvest streams and lakes to harvest. Delayed-harvest trout waters are posted with diamond-shaped, black-and-white signs.
The youth-only fishing time frame, a regulation that went into effect in 2008, is designed to promote trout fishing among young anglers and to provide special opportunities for young anglers to catch — and keep — fish.
“The Commission is always looking for ways to encourage kids to get outdoors and on the water to learn new skills, and to develop an appreciation for fishing and our state’s aquatic resources,” said Kyle Briggs, a fisheries program manager for the Commission. “In addition to the youth-only fishing opportunity in delayed-harvest waters, the Commission is also supporting 40 youth-only fishing events throughout the state in late-May and early June as part of National Fishing and Boating Week 2012.”
Anglers age 16 and older need an inland fishing license and a special trout fishing privilege, which is included in the comprehensive and sportsman licenses, to fish in all public mountain trout waters, including delayed-harvest waters. Purchase licenses by:
- Going online, www.ncwildlife.org/license,
- Calling 1-888-2HUNTFISH (1-888-248-6834), or
- Visiting one of more than 1,000 Wildlife Service Agents located across the state.
For more information on trout fishing, including a list of delayed-harvest trout waters, regulation information and trout maps, visit www.ncwildlife.org/fishing.
