The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will use all proceeds from sales of this plate to fund habitat protection for brook trout and to create public access to brook trout waters in North Carolina.

The new specialty plate got the green light from the N.C. General Assembly last year. But before the first plates can roll off the press, the state needs a minimum of 500 paid plate orders.

Mountain trout fishing is an important component of North Carolina’s economy, with more than 92,000 mountain trout anglers having an annual economic output of $174 million, based on a 2008 report. 

Native brook trout populations are threatened by acid rain deposition, warming water temperatures, habitat impairment and competition from other introduced species. Projects supported by the trout plate revenue could include land acquisition around brook trout habitat, fishing access and stream conservation and restoration.

The new brook trout plate joins the ranks of many outdoor themed specialty plates, for the Smokies bear plate, the Parkway plate, an elk plate, and Appalachian Trail plate, a state parks plate and more. 

To apply for a plate, go to www.ncwildlife.org/fishing.