Armstrong is the primary NCWRC state hatchery producing trout since the late-2025 closure of the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery for major renovations. Prior to renovations beginning, NCWRC announced trout stocking would be reduced during construction.
“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. We were fortunate to purchase roughly 50,000 catchable-size trout from a private hatchery to supplement the stocking for this fall and ensure adequate numbers for the early spring stockings are ensured. The Delayed Harvest Stockings in November will also include some 14” + larger spent broodfish.”
Under Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations, only catch-and-release fishing for trout is permissible from program waters between Oct. 1, 2026, and June 5, 2027. No natural bait may be possessed, and anglers can fish only with artificial lures with one single hook. An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell.
Under normal circumstances, NCWRC staff stock trout from fall through spring with high densities of trout to increase anglers’ chances of catching trout. Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, posted with diamond-shaped, black-and-white signs, are popular fishing destinations for anglers who enjoy catch-and-release trout fishing.
Anglers should be aware that stocking locations along streams may have changed due to hurricane damage and may impact some stocking and angler access.
Setzer Renovation Update
“The Setzer renovation is going well and we are remaining on schedule,” said Deaton. “We are expecting construction to be completed by the end of next year.”
Pipe and underground electrical have been installed at the hatchery. Construction on the buildings and raceways will begin soon with an expected completion date of December 2027. Once completed, Setzer will be equipped with enhancements to improve water quality, lower temperatures and utilize a more efficient use of water. Additionally, efforts to mitigate watershed damage upstream of Armstrong hatchery are underway through NCWRC’s new Helene Restoration Division.
For more information on trout fishing and stocking, visit ncwildlife.gov/trout and the Delayed Harvest Trout Waters program.
Follow the progress of the Setzer renovation, at the Setzer page.
Read updates on the 10-year Hurricane Helene wildlife habitat restoration plan.