Trout stocking delayed in river

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has postponed the November delayed-harvest trout stocking for Reddies River in Wilkes County. The current water quality conditions in the river could hinder the survival of stocked fish, according to a commission news release.

The portion of Reddies River downstream of the city's water supply reservoir was added to the commission's Delayed Harvest Trout Waters Program in July 2008. The river was stocked with over 1,000 trout in October and additional trout stockings were scheduled for November, March, April and May.

In early October, North Wilkesboro informed the commission that the city would begin dredging operations in the reservoir upstream of the delayed-harvest section. The dredging has resulted in increased turbidity in the river to levels that could result in reduced survival of stocked trout.

The city of North Wilkesboro expects the dredging to take up to nine months to complete. Additional stockings planned for the delayed-harvest portion of Reddies River during 2009 may also be postponed. Fish stocking will resume once river conditions improve.

"We regret the unexpected temporary loss of this trout fishing opportunity," said Mallory Martin, regional supervisor with the commission's Division of Inland Fisheries. "However, several other delayed-harvest trout waters are within an hour's drive of Reddies River. Nearby high quality fishing opportunities include the East Prong Roaring River in Wilkes County, Mitchell River in Surry County, Helton Creek and Trout Lake in Ashe County, and Watauga River in Watauga County."

For information on delayed-harvest regulations, weekly stocking updates or fishing regulations in effect on specific streams, visit www.ncwildlife.org and click on the "Fishing" link.