5/22/2007

Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters Open under Hatchery-Supported Regulations

RALEIGH, N.C.  – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open approximately 56 miles of stream and one lake of designated Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters in western North Carolina under hatchery-supported regulations at 6 a.m. on June 2.

Under hatchery-supported regulations, which are in effect through Sept. 30, anglers can harvest a maximum of seven trout per day, with no bait restrictions or minimum size limits.

From October to the first Saturday in June, delayed-harvest regulations allow only catch-and-release fishing, and anglers can fish only with artificial lures with one hook. Delayed-harvest trout waters are posted with diamond-shaped, black-and-white signs.

In the 15 years since its inception, the Commission’s delayed-harvest program has grown from four waters stocked with 18,000 trout to 18 bodies of water stocked with 213,000 trout. Many of the waters are now located on land that is privately owned and could be removed from the program at any time at the discretion of the landowner.

To maintain public access on these privately owned lands, the Commission urges anglers to respect private property.

Kyle Briggs, fish production coordinator for the Commission, suggests that anglers properly dispose of trash and litter, park only in designated areas, close gates and avoid blocking driveways and side roads.

Hunting, camping, picnicking and activities other than fishing typically are not allowed unless the landowner grants permission.

“We think the delayed-harvest program provides terrific fishing opportunities for the general public, but it has become such a big program that we can only do it in cooperation with private landowners,” Briggs said. “And landowners will only continue to grant access to waters on their properties as long as anglers are respectful of their privacy and their properties.”

For a list of delayed-harvest waters organized by county, click here.