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
- Coldwater Daily Stocking Update
- 2024 Delayed Harvest Trout Waters Stocking Schedule (PDF)
- 2024 Hatchery Trout Stocking Schedule (PDF)
- Weekly Coldwater Stocking Update
Coldwater Stocking by County
To find out how many brook, brown or rainbow trout the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission plans to stock this year in a specific county's waters, select the county from the map below, which will download the appropriate PDF.