Trout & Salmon Stamp
North Carolina Trout Stamp
2026
Trout and salmon stamp requirements, fees, and covered waters for North Carolina. North Carolina requires a Hatchery Supported Waters (HSW) license to fish on NCWRC-owned or hatchery-supported waters where trout are stocked. In addition, a Mountain Heritage Trout Waters (MHTW) Permit may be required on certain premium trout streams. The standard fishing license covers trout on non-hatchery supported streams. NC's Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge streams provide world-class wild trout fishing.
Trout Stamp Required
2026 Trout Stamp Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$11.00
Annual resident stamp fee
Nonresident Fee
$22.00
Annual nonresident stamp fee
Stamp Required?
Yes
Required to fish for trout
Covers Salmon?
No
Trout species only
Step-by-Step
How to Get a Trout Stamp in North Carolina
Follow these steps to purchase and use your trout stamp in North Carolina:
1
Confirm If a Stamp Is Required
North Carolina requires a trout stamp in addition to your general fishing license. You must purchase the stamp before fishing for any trout in designated trout waters.
2
Purchase Your Fishing License First
A valid North Carolina fishing license is required before you can add a trout stamp. Purchase your license online at North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's website, at a licensed sporting goods retailer, or at a regional agency office. Licenses are available for residents and nonresidents.
3
Add the Trout Stamp
Add the trout stamp to your license at the point of purchase. Resident fee: $11.00. Nonresident fee: $22.00. HSW license required for hatchery-supported waters; additional MHTW permit for premium streams.
4
Know Your Waters & Regulations
Waters covered: Hatchery Supported Waters throughout North Carolina..
Review the annual fishing regulations booklet for size and bag limits on trout species. Some waters have special restrictions including catch-and-release only sections, artificial lures only, or delayed harvest periods.
Requirements
North Carolina Trout Stamp Requirements
Fishing license plus HSW license required for designated hatchery-supported trout waters. MHTW permit required for Mountain Heritage Trout Waters.
Important Notes
North Carolina-Specific Trout Rules
Wild trout waters and Catch-and-Release streams require only a standard fishing license.
Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (www.ncwildlife.org).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and regulations directly with the agency before fishing.