Stream / River · Watauga
Watauga River
Official trout-water information for Watauga River in Watauga, North Carolina.
Location and source context
Waterbody overview
- Mapped location
- 36.23306, -81.81110
- Mapped source length
- 1.69 miles
Classification
Designations and characteristics
Designations
Characteristics
Fishery
Documented trout
- Brook Trout
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
Management
2 documented reaches
S.R. 1114 bridge to Valle Crucis Community Park lower boundary
Length: 0.76 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest Trout Waters
Source layer: PMTW_Streams_2026
S.R. 1103 bridge to confluence with Laurel Creek
Length: 0.93 miles
Classification: Delayed Harvest 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
2 matched records
VALLE CRUCIS RIVER ACCESS
Evidence type: canoe access
Ownership: Watauga County
Features: Canoe access, Shore fishing
WATAUGA GORGE - LOWER GORGE ACCESS
Evidence type: shore fishing
Ownership: WATAUGA COUNTY
Features: Shore fishing
Regulations
Reach-specific notes
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
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.