Calling All Anglers!
Buccachio | 9 April 2007
Trout season is now in full swing on North Carolina’s hatchery supported waters, attracting local and visiting anglers, and offering a unique social sporting experience with tasty rewards.
North Carolina hosts three species of trout. The only variety native to the state is Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), a Pleistocene epoch creature which has changed remarkably little over the previous three million years. This species is identified by the white leading edge paired with black markings. Brook Trout thrive in habitats marked by very specific environmental conditions, many of which are currently under threat from development and poor watershed quality. North Carolina recently began a vigorous restocking and diversity program to ensure adequate numbers for the future.
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhychus mykiss), now recognized as the state fish, were originally imported from similar high-altitude streams of California’s Sierra Nevada range during the 1880’s. This species is distinguished by longitudinal red- or pink-colored bands accompanied by black spots. Resilient and capable of surviving in clear or muddy waters, with various oxygen ratios, the Rainbow Trout has become a staple of sport fishing.
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) arrived from highland areas of Germany and Scotland around 1900. This species exhibits a sable coloration with black, orange or red spots. The Brown Trout may prove as adaptable as its California cousin—the limited scope of release across the state accounts for its smaller numbers. The largest of our three species, Brown Trout easily accommodates a full meal.
North Carolina offers more than 2,000 miles of streams and rivers open for Trout fishing. State hatcheries release over 600,000 individual fish into these waterways each year. Because many stocks are released into the wild in protected and sheltered locations, the casual angler may have some difficulty locating the best points of access. Attempting to locate these spots with regular road maps is frequently a difficult if not impossible prospect. Detailed county-specific or USGS topographic maps are more helpful in this regard. Trout season lasts practically the whole year, an eleven-month span punctuated by a no-fishing restock period during the month of March. You can find additional details here.
A number of vacation rental companies advertise properties convenient to fly-fishing access points. For one example, see Trout Rock.
Prepare beforehand: Make sure to purchase a license (if required) and observe the proper regulations. Also bring proper fishing attire—rubber boots are the footware of choice for fly-fishing, although attaching carpet to old sneakers also provides good traction. This is important because even shallow water packs a strong current and may be dangerous. Make sure to closely monitor your time in the water—mountain streams are notoriously cold even in the summertime, and hypothermia onset can begin within minutes. Many mom-and-pop general stores sell both live and artificial tackle, plus other supplies such as poles and fishing line. Happy angling!