Anglers take note: Guilford County government is announcing that Gibson Park won’t be stocked with trout this winter due to – ironically – too much water at a key state hatchery.

According to county officials, the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery – the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s largest trout hatchery – was severely affected by flooding this summer during tropical storm Fred.  Due to excessive rainfall and winds, about two-thirds of the hatchery’s trout were lost and many of the facilities were destroyed.

The Wildlife Resources winter trout stocking program isn’t scheduled to be back on track until about a year from now.

Gibson Park pond, at 5207 W. Wendover Ave. in High Point, will still be stocked with Channel Catfish year-round.

There’s also plenty of other fishing at county-run parks like Bur-Mil, Hagan-Stone, Northeast Park and the Guilford County Farm.

Also, those who do still fish at Gibson Pond will still be able to brag to everyone about the giant trout that got away should they so choose.

If you’re going to go out and fish, the county has some reminders for you: “

  • All fishermen aged 16 and older must have a fishing license.
  • Please verify license information with the NC Wildlife Commission before you go fishing.
  • To buy your license online, visit the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s website.
  • All anglers should practice social distancing while fishing.

If you’re disappointed by the lack of trout, Gibson Park is a 200-acre park that has plenty of other attractions.  The park pays tribute to the Jamestown area gun makers of the 1800s who made muzzle-loading rifles that came to be known as “Jamestown long rifles.”

The park also features the historic Deep River Cabin and a hand-dug well.

 

 

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