The Bobby Setzer trout hatchery outside Pisgah, North Carolina has supplied WNC streams with trout since the late 1950s. The hatchery is the largest in the state and one of three cold water hatcheries. Together they raise over one million rainbow, brook and brown trout a year.
Trout fishing in North Carolina is a $1.3 billion industry according to a 2022 NC Wildlife Resource Commission report. The economic impact of trout fishing goes well beyond the stream, however, with countless benefits arriving by the influx of anglers.
“People come up here to fish the Tuckaseegee, they come to fish Deep Creek, the Nantahala,” said Nicolay Bell, manager at Tuckaseegee Fly Shop in Sylva. “Those people are coming up here and spending money at the hotels, spending money at the restaurants and in the surrounding town.”
The Setzer hatchery, while a top producer, is showing signs of decay. Nearly 75 years of operation has taken its toll and left the buildings and raceways in dire need of repair.
“There’s serious issues with the concrete and facilities,” said Doug Besler, NC Wildlife Regional Supervisor. “We’ve sort-of been patching it together for the last thirty years,”
Plans for the Setzer renovation were drafted in 2019 and approved in 2024 after receiving a $20 million grant from the NC General Assembly. Besler says they expect construction to begin in January 2025.
“It’s just outdated at this point. And there’s really no way to do minor renovations – It needs a complete renovation.” Besler said.
The aging hatchery will receive an all-out overhaul complete with new buildings and trout raceways. The redesign will provide new filtration systems, reduced water temperature and improved downstream water quality. Overall production is also expected to increase.
NCWRC is working closely with hatcheries across the southeast to supplement trout populations impacted by the Setzer renovation.
“We’re doing everything we can to minimize the impact. If we can find any trout – anywhere – that would logistically work, we’re trying to get that.” Besler said.
It’s important for anglers to understand the impact of the hatchery’s renovation for the coming years. While WNC trout populations will take a hit, those wanting to fish are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the changes in their area and to be mindful of game limits.
“Maybe instead of pulling over on the side of the road to fish, go up into the smokies or to the parkway and fish a wild stream,” Bell said. “Many wild trout live in some of the prettiest places in the state. So that may give people the opportunity to branch out a bit more than they’re used to.”
NCWRC expects a 65% reduction in stocked trout from early 2025 through 2026. Depending on completion of the Setzer renovation, populations could be impacted into 2027.
To stay up to date on the Setzer renovation and other North Carolina wildlife projects, visit ncwildlife.org
