Every year as the weather gets warmer, you'll begin to see local rivers and streams become crowded with trout and fisherman. Trout season recently opened at 6 a.m. on April 4 and runs until the last day of February, 2010.

If you've never been trout fishing before or are looking to pick up an old pastime again, there are a few things you'll need before you begin wading area waters.

First you'll need a basic state inland fishing license and the additional trout license to fish in the designated public mountain trout waters.

The basic license for residents of North Carolina is $5 for a 10-day license, $15 for an annual license or $250 for a lifetime license.

Non-residents can purchase a basic 10-day license for $10 or an annual license for $30.

The trout license is $10 for both residents and non-residents.

Licenses can be bought online at www.ncwildlife.org, by calling (800) 248-6834, or by visiting a Wildlife Service Agent.

Jimmy's Mini Market, Signal Ridge Marina, Cashiers Trading Company, Legasus of North Carolina and the Tuckasegee Trading Company all have Wildlife Service Agents that can provide you with fishing licenses.

It is important that you have a license because if caught without one you could be fined or lose your license privileges.

James Johnson, a Wildlife Enforcement Officer assigned to Jackson County said, "If you are caught fishing without a license the first offense will result in a $35 fine and $120 court cost. The second offense within a three-year period will result in a fine at the discretion of the court and you will be unable to obtain a license for a year".

There are four steams in the area that are stocked with trout. The Tuckasegee, which runs through Jackson and Swain County. The Cullasaja, which is located in Macon County and the French Broad and Davidson River, both located in Transylvania County.

Read the full story at the CrossroadsChronicle Online.