“That allows kids to have the first chance to catch those fish and get kids interested in being outside,” Jenkins said.

Maxwell said North Carolina has more miles of trout streams than any other state. He said since the 1960s it’s been Trout Unlimited’s mission to help conserve streams, educate the public and teach others the joy of fly-fishing.

Member Gene Conley lives between Columbus and Rutherfordton. He said he’s got a vested interested in preserving the area’s trout population as both a fisherman and a resident.

“Once you get hooked on fly-fishing you are hooked for good. As fishermen we want to maintain the resource and recreation for kids in the future; the only way you can do that is through conservation,” he said.

A significant amount of trout fishing opportunities in western North Carolina are located on private property, with some landowners allowing public access for fishing.

The commission conspicuously marks Public Mountain Trout Waters with regulation signs that indicate locations for public access. When anglers encounter “posted against trespass” signs along these designated sections on private lands, they should respect the property owner’s rights and choose another location along that stream to fish.

Maxwell said Trout Unlimited could always use more able bodies for the stocking days, cleanup efforts and education programs they host.

“Everybody comes the first time [for stocking days] and says, ‘They don’t need me, look at that big crowd,’ and then we end up with 10 people the next go around,” Maxwell said.

He said you do not have to be a Trout Unlimited member to help on stocking days. Individuals interested in volunteering their time to assist with the stocking days can do so again on the Green River on April 3 and May 6.

To find out more information about stocking days or about the Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited, visit www.pisgahchaptertu.org.