Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery

Renovation Scheduled for 2026

Setzer produces the majority of trout for the agency’s trout stocking program. Beginning in 2026, the Setzer Hatchery will undergo a major renovation that will result in a reduction in trout stockings during the 2026, 2027 and potentially 2028 trout stocking seasons. We will continue to provide updates during this important process, which ultimately ensures the sport of trout fishing will robustly continue in North Carolina for future generations.

Setzer Construction and Expansion Project: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How big of an impact will the hatchery’s temporary closure be for anglers?
While the hatchery is under construction during 2026 and 2027, we anticipate a 65% reduction in the number of trout available to stock. Our goal is to provide trout angling opportunities at all Public Mountain Trout Waters (PMTW) locations while renovations are being conducted, using a reduced schedule.
Will stocking occur during the hatchery construction?
Yes, all current Hatchery Supported and Delayed Harvest waters will be stocked. Reductions will be spread equitably to all locations; however, the number of trout stocked, frequency of stockings, and species ratios will be modified. The annual stocking schedule dates will be posted on this website.
When will the number of trout being stocked return to normal?
Renovations are scheduled to be completed by late 2027 or early 2028. It will take time to ramp back up to full production to allow for eggs to be hatched and fish to grow to catchable size. While the number of trout stocked and the frequency of stockings will begin to increase back to normal in 2028, it may be 2030 when the hatchery is completely back to normal production.
Can I still fish for trout in stocked waters during that time? Will there be any additional restrictions? Is trout fishing discouraged during this time to help with the reduced population?
Trout fishing in stocked waters will be allowed during the appropriate Hatchery Supported or Delayed Harvest seasons. There are no additional restrictions anticipated. Trout fishing in stocked waters is still encouraged, but we ask that anglers be aware that the number of trout to be caught will be reduced.
I've already made plans to trout fish during this time. Should I cancel my trip?
We encourage anglers to check the annual stocking schedule once posted to ensure that trips coincide with dates the waters are stocked. Wild Trout Waters are another option to consider as well.
What is being renovated and why?

What:
- Majority of the facility, including the hatchery building and raceways, will be demolished and replaced in their current footprint.
- State-of-the-art design and equipment will result in a more efficient use of water throughout the facility.
- Additional flood resiliency will be incorporated into the facility design.
- Raceways will be covered to reduce water temperatures for trout which will improve water quality in the facility and in the Davidson River.
Why:
- To ensure consistent trout production and stockings of PMTW into the future.
- To provide enhanced water conservation and improved water quality at the facility and in the local watershed.
- The facility has failing infrastructure that requires replacement before a potentially major failure. It has been in operation since the late 1950s, originally as the Pisgah National Fish Hatchery. The NCWRC has operated it as a state fish hatchery since 1983, and it is the NCWRC’s largest trout hatchery.
Does the hatchery need to be completely shut down?
Most of the existing infrastructure will be demolished and replaced in in their current footprint, which requires the entire facility to close during construction. This short-term impact ensures the long-term sustainability of widely popular and economically beneficial fisheries.
Where will the trout stocked in 2026 and 2027 come from if Setzer isn’t operating?
The NCWRC’s other primary trout hatchery, Armstrong State Fish Hatchery, will be restored from Hurricane Helene and will provide most of the trout stocked. The Marion and Table Rock state fish hatcheries will also support trout production efforts during construction. We are working to purchase trout from private facilities. While we have secured commitments for 2026 from local and out-of-state private trout facilities, the limited number of trout available for purchase on the open market will only partially mitigate the needed reduction in the number of stocked fish.
Once completed, will this project increase the number of trout being stocked?
The primary purpose of this renovation project is to address the aging infrastructure, significantly reduce the risk of failure, and ensure trout are available to support the NCWRC’s PMTW program. Enhancements throughout the facility will result in more efficient use of water, better water quality, lower water temperatures, and some additional raceway space. As a result, we expect the facility to ultimately produce and grow additional trout. However, it is yet to be determined the full extent of any increase. Staff will update the N.C. Trout Management Plan and incorporate angler input during this temporary closure to better define and direct future use of potential expanded capacity.
How much will this project cost and where will the funds come from?
The General Assembly has authorized the NCWRC to spend $39.7 million on this major renovation of the hatchery. $19.7 million will be funded through the North Carolina Wildlife Endowment Fund while the remaining $20 million will be funded by appropriations approved by the General Assembly during the 2023 session.

History

Located in Transylvania County in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, the Setzer Hatchery was built in the late 1950s by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was operated as a national fish hatchery for more than 20 years. Since 1983, the Commission has operated and maintained the hatchery for trout production and distribution.

Hatchery Operations

Setzer Hatchery is the state's largest trout hatchery. The facility consists of a hatchery building with 16 indoor rearing tanks and 54 outdoor raceways. The water supply for the hatchery comes from the Davidson River and Grogan Creek, which supply about 3,500 gallons per minute of cold mountain water year-round. Setzer Hatchery maintains its own strains of brook and, brown trout broodstock. These fish supply the fertilized eggs used to produce successive generations of trout. Mature broodfish are spawned during October and November, and the fertilized eggs are maintained in incubators until hatching, usually 30-40 days. Fish are fed a prepared diet daily, and grow at a rate up to one inch per month. 10-inch “catchable” fish are generally produced in 12-16 months.

Additional Information

Bobby N. Setzer Hatchery is located one mile off US 276 in the Pisgah National Forest near the town of Pisgah Forest. For more information, write to Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery, P.O. Box 728, Pisgah Forest, N.C. 28768, or call 828-877-3121.

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