CHINQUAPIN LAKE
NORTH CAROLINA'S DELAYED HARVEST TROUT POND

Welcome to Chinquapin Lake that is located in the mountains of Ashe County.  This one acre man made impoundment is a one of a kind fishing spot in the North Carolina system. Sometimes referred to as Trout Lake or the Wildlife Club Pond, this privately owned piece of water is stocked by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission under Delayed Harvest regulations through a special arrangement between the commission and the Ashe County Wildlife Club, who owns the property. Under Delayed Harvest regulations fishermen are limited to using only artificial lures having one hook and no fish may be possessed from October first until the first Saturday in June.  Between the first Saturday in June and September 30th there is no lure restriction and anglers are subject to a seven fish creel limit.
Chinquapin Lake is heavily stocked all season except for the month of August. Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout are stocked with the mix favoring the Bows and Brookies. Stocking reports indicate that over 5000 fish will be released in this fishery this year.   The lake features ample parking and excellent access for adults and kids alike and also offers a fishing pier for disabled persons. Expect fishing pressure to be moderate to heavy at times.  However, there is generally plenty of room for everyone.

When fishing Chinquapin Lake don’t be afraid to fish from the wooded trail on the side of the lake opposite the parking area. Although casting can be difficult due to overhanging branches, you might be rewarded by catching a quality fish that is enjoying the shade and cover that they provide. Depending on the time of day / year that you visit trout often cruise just a few feet from the bank. Often a fisherman will find trout jumping at his feet when his fly is in deeper water. During the spawning season, a feeder stream at the north end of the pond can sometimes hold good populations of fish.  Aquatic life is abundant here and there are good hatches of midges and may flies all through out the season.  The best dry fly fishing coincides with these hatches at mid morning and dusk.  

 

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