They’re not talked about as much as other sportfish species here in North Carolina, but walleye numbers and angler success stories are on the upswing! Survey results from Lake James and Lake Hiwassee, along with angler reports, suggest that walleye populations are on the rebound in mountain reservoirs.
Topics Related to Fishing
As North Carolina’s only native trout, the brook trout is the official freshwater fish of our state and is near and dear to so many. Numerous generations of Western North Carolinians have grown up fishing for, or hearing about, “specks” (the name often used locally), while many anglers continue to travel to our mountains to fish and create their own stories. Approximately 370,000 anglers fished the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Public Mountain Trout Waters in 2022, which generated close to $1.4 billion for the state’s economy.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!Are you looking to get outside this summer while helping to develop new fish and wildlife habitats? We will be planting native aquatic vegetation in reservoirs across the Piedmont and need your help!Our goal is to improve habitat for sport fishes and other wildlife by establishing self-sustaining native aquatic plant communities. These wetland communities can also help improve water quality, stabilize bank, as well as angler catch rates and enjoyment.