High Country Spring Water Recreation Update

One of the best ways to experience spring in on the water.  As you glide down the well worn waterways, you can take in the birds flying over the waterways or look for a new fishing hole.  Take a look below for a list of the best ways to experience the waterways in the NC High Country, and what water activities and water accesses will be closed this spring.

SPRING FISHING

Here are the Top 3 Fishing Locations to explore this spring:

• Watauga River, Valle Crucis Access
  Valle Crucis Community Park, Valle Crucis
  Spring hatchery supported stocking dates: 4/20-2/26, 5/25-5/31, 6/15-6/21 
• Wildcat Lake, Banner Elk
  Spring hatchery supported stocking dates: 4/27-5/03, 5/18-5/24, 6/01-6/07 
• Peak Creak, Laurel Springs
  3220 Big Peak Creek Rd, Laurel Springs
  Spring hatchery supported stocking dates: 4/13-4/19, 5/18-5/24
• Need a fishing guide?  Check out our list HERE
   
  HURRICANE HELENE FISHING UPDATE
  Due to fish hatchery and waterway damage by Hurricane Helene, some public waters will not be stocked this spring, and waters that are stocked will have a different schedule due to the decrease in fish stock.  Find the spring stocking schedule HERE
  The following High Country waters are not being stocked due to damage:
• South Fork, New River
• Elk River
• Public water access at New River State Park is closed until further notice

SPRING CANOEING/KAYAKING/TUBING

Area Outfitters have paddled the usual 2-5 mile routes traveled by visitors on the New and Watauga Rivers and report they are clear for use for both paddling and tubing this upcoming spring! Find an outfitter HERE 
Here are opening dates:

• Price Lake Boat Rentals- April 4 (weekends only until May 9)
• Zaloo's Canoes- April 26 (Saturdays only until May 24)
• High Mountain Expeditions- May 17
• Appalachian Tubing Company- May 31

HURRICANE HELENE CANOEING/KAYAKING/TUBING UPDATE

• • According to water testing reported by New River Conservancy, the New River is actually cleaner now than before Hurricane Helene.  The flooding washed much of the pollution filtering silt out of the river.
  • County maintained parking lot/ public access points in Watauga County are open except Guy Ford Access
  • Public water access at New River State Park (Wagoneer & 221) is closed until further notice

SPRING WHITEWATER RAFTING UPDATE

Outfitters report that rafting on the Nolichucky will be available later in the season. Rafting on the Watauga River will be available after Labor Day. Find an outfitter HERE 

VOLUNTEERING

Looking for a way to help with river cleanup following Hurricane Helene?  Find opportunities on The New River Conservancy Volunteer Event List