RALEIGH, N.C. (WLOS) — Trout anglers across North Carolina will see some changes in 2026 as the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission works to minimize impacts from a major renovation at the state’s largest trout hatchery.
The commission has released its 2026 public mountain trout waters stocking schedule, while also providing an update on a $50 million renovation at the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery in Brevard.
For the first time in more than 40 years, the Setzer hatchery is completely empty of fish and will remain closed to production during the renovation. Setzer has historically supplied most of the trout used in the state’s stocking program.
To reduce the impact on anglers, wildlife officials say they have taken several steps, including purchasing trout from private hatcheries and acquiring a new facility…