Veterans can now fish free in any designated Mountain Heritage Trout Water. These trout waters run through 17 counties in western North Carolina with Bakersville, Beech Mountain, Burnsville, Newland and Spruce Pine among 17 designated Mountain Heritage Trout Cities. Each of these cities provides public access to a trout stream that runs through or is adjacent to the city. Typically, anglers 16 and older must purchase a three-day license or use any valid inland fishing license to fish these waters. However, the North Carolina General Assembly recently passed legislation that as of October 1, veterans are now allowed to fish these waters for free. The legislation states that a resident or nonresident who served as a member of the Armed Forces and who separated under honorable conditions is exempt from fishing license requirements while fishing in Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. Veterans must always have valid documentation of their service while fishing to be exempt.
Click here for more details. To purchase a Mountain Heritage Trout Waters license, call 1-888-248-6834 or purchase online.
