Stream / River · Avery
Elk River
Official trout-water information for Elk River in Avery, North Carolina.
Location and source context
Waterbody overview
- Mapped location
- 36.17905, -81.92249
- Mapped source length
- 1.99 miles
Classification
Designations and characteristics
Designations
Characteristics
Fishery
Documented trout
Species are not identified in the matched state records.
Management
2 documented reaches
portion of Elk River on Lees-McRae College property, excluding the millpond
Length: 0.60 miles
Classification: Catch and Release/Artificial Flies and Lures Only Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters
Reach flags: Year-round catch and release
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
S.R. 1305 crossing immediately upstream of Big Falls to the Tennessee state line
Length: 1.39 miles
Classification: Catch and Release/Artificial Flies and Lures Only Trout Waters, Hatchery Supported Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
Stocking
Published stocking information
Current plans and schedules
- 2026 Hatchery Supported scheduleDates are planned and subject to change; consult the NCWRC daily update.
Regulations
Reach-specific notes
Harvest regulation
No trout may be harvested or possessed.
Catch-and-release regulation
Catch and release only; season is open year-round.
Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures with one single hook only; possessing natural bait while fishing is unlawful.
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.