<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=24smwb_1Gy7DsNn00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=24smwb_1Gy7DsNn00" width="1200" height="630" >The loss of about 70% of the trout at Armstrong State Fish Hatchery has pushed back the start of North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest trout stocking season by a month.Stocking began Nov. 2, with all designated streams expected to receive at least 35% of their originally planned allotments thanks to help from a private hatchery.A summer heat wave, ongoing drought and damage from Hurricane Helene in the watershed contributed to higher water temperatures flowing into the hatchery. Temperatures reached the upper 70s, stressing fish being raised to catchable size for the fall stocking season.“This was an unfortunate event during a time when we were utilizing the Armstrong hatchery at full capacity while the Setzer hatchery renovations continue,” said N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Hatchery Supervisor David Deaton.Armstrong has been the commission’s primary state trout hatchery since the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery closed in late 2025 for major renovations. Before construction began, the commission announced that trout stocking would be reduced during the project.To help offset the unexpected losses at the Armstrong hatchery, the commission purchased about 50,000 catchable-size trout from a private hatchery. The additional fish are expected to help maintain adequate numbers for early spring stockings. November stockings also will include larger, 14-inch-plus spent broodfish.“We are planning to stock all the Delayed Harvest streams in November at a minimum of 35%,” Deaton said. “That is the number we originally proposed when the Setzer project began.”Under Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations, fishing is catch-and-release only from Oct. 1, 2026, through June 5, 2027. Anglers may not possess natural bait and may use only artificial lures with a single hook. Artificial lures cannot contain or be treated with substances that attract fish through taste or smell.Delayed Harvest streams are popular destinations for anglers who enjoy catch-and-release fishing. Under normal conditions, commission staff stock these waters with high densities of trout from fall through spring to improve anglers’ chances of catching fish. The waters are marked with diamond-shaped, black-and-white signs.Anglers should be aware that Hurricane Helene damage may have changed some stocking locations along streams and affected access to fishing areas.Meanwhile, renovations at the Setzer hatchery remain on schedule, with completion expected by December 2027. Pipe and underground electrical work have been installed, and construction on buildings and raceways is expected to begin soon.“The Setzer renovation is going well and we are remaining on schedule,” said Deaton.Once complete, the renovated hatchery will include improvements designed to enhance water quality, lower water temperatures and use water more efficiently. The commission’s Helene Restoration Division also is working to address watershed damage upstream of Armstrong hatchery.Visit https://ncwildlife.gov/trout or find a stocking schedule at www.ncwildlife.gov/delayed-harvest-schedule.</div></body>

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The loss of about 70% of the trout at Armstrong State Fish Hatchery has pushed back the start of North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest trout stocking season by a month. Stocking began Nov. 2, with all designated streams expected to receive at least 35% of their originally planned allotments thanks to help from a private hatchery.

Fish losses delay fall trout stocking

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The loss of about 70% of the trout at Armstrong State Fish Hatchery has pushed back the start of North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest trout stocking season by 

Fish losses delay fall trout stocking

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