Stream / River · McDowell
Catawba River
Official trout-water information for Catawba River in McDowell, North Carolina.
Location and source context
Waterbody overview
- Mapped location
- 35.64135, -82.16897
- Mapped source length
- 6.32 miles
Classification
Designations and characteristics
Designations
Characteristics
Fishery
Documented trout
- Brook Trout
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
Management
3 documented reaches
waters on Pisgah National Forest Game Land, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties, are classified as Wild Trout Waters unless otherwise noted
Length: 2.09 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
portion adjacent to Marion Greenway
Length: 2.49 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
Catawba Falls Campground to Old Fort Recreation Park
Length: 1.74 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
Stocking
Published stocking information
Current plans and schedules
- Status: cancelledNCWRC cancelled October Delayed Harvest stockings because of above-normal water temperatures; stocking resumes on the revised November schedule.
Access evidence
4 matched records
CATAWBA RIVER PARK
Evidence type: canoe access
Ownership: CITY OF MARION
Features: Canoe access, Shore fishing
JOSEPH MCDOWELL MEMORIAL GREENWAY
Evidence type: canoe access
Ownership: CITY OF MARION
Features: Accessible, Canoe access, Fishing pier, Shore fishing
LINDLEY PARK
Evidence type: shore fishing
Ownership: Town of Old Fort
Features: Shore fishing
PHILLIP'S LANDING CANOE LAUNCH
Evidence type: canoe access
Ownership: City of Marion
Features: Canoe access
Regulations
Reach-specific notes
Harvest regulation
Four trout per day, each at least seven inches; season is open year-round.
Restrictions
Artificial lures with one single hook only; possessing natural bait while fishing is unlawful.
Harvest regulation
No trout harvest from October 1 through the Friday before the first Saturday in June; seasonal harvest rules apply afterward.
Catch-and-release regulation
Catch and release under delayed-harvest rules from October 1 through the Friday before the first Saturday in June.
Restrictions
Seasonal lure, single-hook, youth-only, and harvest rules apply; consult current NCWRC regulations.
Harvest regulation
Seven trout per day with no minimum length; the stream season closes March 1 through the first Friday in April.
Restrictions
No bait restriction during the open season; reservoir exceptions and current NCWRC rules may apply.