Officials with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have began the process of visiting popular fishing spots across Graham County, stocking locations full of hatchery-developed trout for the 2026 season.
The commission's first stop was Big Snowbird Creek, with the stocking period lasting between April 1-7; before the organization fanned out to the Calderwood Reservoir, Cheoah Lake and Yellow Creek from April 15-21.
Left on the calendar are the following stocking dates, with the last visits being repeat trips:
* May 6-12: Tallulah Creek;
* May 20-26: Panther, Santeetlah, Stecoah and West Buffalo creeks;
* June 3-9: Big Snowbird and Yellow creeks.
Fishing licenses may be purchased through ncwildlife.org. An annual license is $30 for in-state residents and $54 for out-of-state visitors.
Ten-day licenses are available for those vacationing in North Carolina; for Graham County, the cost is $28.
A full list of fishing-license prices statewide can be viewed at eregulations.com/northcarolina/fishing/fishing-licenses, which also includes a link to purchase a license online.
The Robbinsville Tourism Authority will also host its annual Kids Fishing Derby from 9 a.m., 1 p.m., Saturday, at the Stanley Ball Field (240 Cody St., Robbinsville).
A free hot dog lunch will be provided and several prizes will be up for grabs for children that attend.