Press release from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission:
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, will relocate it’s programming to the DuPont State Recreational Forest and other locations throughout the region while the center is closed for repairs. The Pisgah facility sustained extensive damage in August when Tropical Depression Fred pounded western North Carolina. Flash flooding not only impacted the center, but also its parking lot and the Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery located on the same campus.
“We were able to salvage most of our fly-fishing gear and materials, so we declared the classes must go on,” said Program Coordinator Lee Sherrill. “We are grateful to the folks at DuPont State Recreational Forest and our other partners. Everyone has been more than accommodating – allowing us to host fishing programs at their facilities so we can continue to serve the public heading into fall fishing season. It’s just wonderful, and our staff is excited.”
The fishing outlook remains positive as delayed harvest trout waters remains on schedule despite huge fish losses at the hatchery during the storm.
Classes kick off this week and will continue through October. More programming will be added to the program calendar as it’s confirmed.
October schedule:
- Oct. 5: Introduction to Fly Fishing, Lake Imaging/DuPont State Recreational Forest, 9 a.m. – noon. Ages 12 and older.
- Oct. 7 & 8: Fly Fishing School, Lake Imaging/DuPont State Recreational Forest, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ages 12 and older.
- Oct. 14 & 15: Women’s Fly Fishing School, Lake Imaging/DuPont State Recreational Forest, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ages 12 and older.
- Oct. 16: On the Water: East Fork French Broad, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ages 12 and older.
- Oct. 18: Introduction to Fly Fishing, Lake Imaging/DuPont State Recreational Forest, 9 a.m. – noon. Ages 12 and older.
- Oct. 20: Casting for Beginners, Lake Imaging/DuPont State Recreational Forest, 9 a.m. – noon. Ages 12 and older.
- Oct. 23: On the Water: West Fork Pigeon River, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ages 12 and older.
- Oct. 26: Casting for Beginners, Lake Imaging/DuPont State Recreational Forest, 9 a.m. – noon. Ages 12 and older.
- Oct. 28 & 29: Fly Fishing School, Lake Imaging/DuPont State Recreational Forest, noon – 4 p.m. Ages 12 and older.
All classes listed are open to the public. Details about each class and future opportunities are available on the center’s program calendar and pre-registration is required for most classes, which can be done online or by calling 828-877-4423.
In addition to public classes, the center also offers various other programs for private groups, educators and community leaders. Groups can schedule the date, time and program topic of their choice, such as Fly Fishing or Bears. Contact Lee Sherrill to learn more at 828-877-4423.
About the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Pisgah Forest is operated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and located near Brevard, just south of Asheville, alongside the Davidson River in Transylvania County. The facility offers educational programs for all ages about North Carolina’s mountain wildlife and habitats. The center is funded by grants and the sales of recreational licenses offered by the Wildlife Commission. The center is currently closed to the public as it undergoes construction to repair damage from Tropical Depression Fred.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities.
Purchase or a renew a fishing, trapping and hunting license and renew a vessel registration online at ncwildlife.org.
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