For trout anglers in North Carolina there can be few times as exciting as the first cooler days in the fall. As the air and water temperatures drop and hurricane season rains replenish water levels, the countdown begins for Delayed Harvest trout fishing. In North Carolina, DH trout season runs October 1 through June 2 on 36 rivers, creeks, and streams throughout the higher elevations of the state. Fly anglers who put away their rod, reel, waders, and boots when temps rose should take the time to check their gear before rising with the rooster and heading towards the stream. We’ll cover more on that further down, so stay with us.
What is Delayed Harvest Trout season? During this long-running season the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission stocks our western rivers and streams with hatchery raised Brook, Rainbow, and Brown Trout. On Delayed Harvest waters anglers cannot harvest/keep trout; the harvesting of those fish is delayed until the season concludes 30 minutes after sunset on June 2, 2023. Further, anglers can only use single hook artificial lures/flies during Delayed Harvest in North Carolina.
How do you know if you are fishing on Delayed Harvest waters? You can check the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Delayed Harvest Stocking site before you head out, or once on the water, look for black and white diamond shaped posted signs. Or, one can simply assume that the stream is Delayed Harvest and employ common sense catch and release practices.
Before heading out this Delayed Harvest season, give your gear a thorough once-over to make sure your line is in good shape. Fly line should be cleaned and gently stretched to reduce coil/memory so casts are more accurate and delicate. Terminal tackle, leader & tippet, left rigged from last year probably needs to be replaced. Older fly line may deteriorate over time and will perform poorly on the water. If the line feels overly stiff, gummy, or is nicked or cut it is probably due for a replacement. Newer lines designed for tighter waters, such as Rio’s Creek line, or Rio Gold, will make a difference in presenting flies to our pressured trout.
Jesse Brown’s Outdoors staff are setup to help determine if any of your fishing and outdoor gear is ready to go, or if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Our fly reel services will have you back in action quickly in most instances. On-site casting lessons are tailored to each individual so that a novice angler can hit the stream with confidence or so an experienced and seasoned fly fisher can take their cast and presentation to the next level.
Our in-house guide service books clients year-round. The cooler fall, winter, and spring seasons are ideal times to give us a call or book online. We provide highly experienced guides, as well as rods, reels, flies, waders, wading boots, and lunch. All you need is a valid NC fishing license and appropriate clothing for a day on the water. When you book a guided fly-fishing trip with Jesse Brown’s Outdoors you and your guests are the only clients with us that day. No prior experience is required to fish with us.
By Wes Lawson