The Armstrong State Fish Hatchery in McDowell County is part of Western NC’s trout stocking. A state official sees hope for wild population.

Doug Besler is the Mountain Region Fisheries Supervisor for NCWRC. “Impacts on trout fishing in North Carolina varies by location across the mountain region,” said Besler. “So we began our ...

Trout fishing in Western North Carolina has a $1.38 billion economic impact, according to a report the Wildlife Resources Commission released last year.

Section 4 of Penns Creek has held its Class A designation for decades. Detar said the limestone base, the fertile farmland and the cold, clean water make Penns Creek ideal for brown trout.