Fishing in North Carolina
Your complete guide to 100+ fishing spots across North Carolina: lakes, rivers, reservoirs and more.
Interactive Map
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Top Venues
Top Fishing Spots in North Carolina
The best-rated fishing venues across North Carolina.
- 1
Outer Banks (Cape Hatteras)
Legendary surf fishing destination for red drum, bluefish, and striped bass with Gulf Stream access
- 2
Davidson River
Premier Blue Ridge trout stream with delayed harvest sections and wild fish
- 3
Jordan Lake
Central NC reservoir with outstanding largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish near Raleigh
- 4
Fontana Lake
Deep mountain lake with trophy smallmouth bass and walleye in the Great Smokies
- 5
Nantahala River
Mountain trout stream with excellent access and beautiful Appalachian scenery
- 6
Shearon Harris Reservoir
Power plant lake known for trophy largemouth bass with a 14-inch minimum
- 7
Lake Norman
Charlotte's backyard fishery with largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish
- 8
Neuse River
Eastern NC river with striped bass, largemouth bass, and blue catfish
- 9
Pamlico Sound
Largest lagoon on the East Coast with redfish, speckled trout, and flounder
- 10
Lake James
Clear mountain lake with excellent smallmouth bass and musky fishing
Species Guide
Species You Can Catch in North Carolina
Learn about the fish you’ll find across North Carolina.
Getting Started
Fishing License & Tips for North Carolina
License Information
A North Carolina fishing license is required for residents and non-residents 16 and older. Resident annual Inland Fishing licenses cost about $25, while non-resident annual licenses are approximately $45. A Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is required for saltwater fishing and is free for residents. Licenses are issued by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and can be purchased online.
Read the full fishing license guideQuick Tips
- For mountain trout fishing, explore the streams around Cherokee, Brevard, and Boone. The Davidson River and Nantahala River are top fly fishing destinations with wild brown and rainbow trout.
- The Outer Banks offers incredible fall red drum fishing from September through November. Cast cut mullet from the beach at Cape Hatteras for massive bull reds up to 50 lb.
- Jordan Lake and Falls Lake near Raleigh provide excellent close-to-the-city bass, crappie, and catfish fishing. Target largemouths around standing timber and submerged brush piles.
- Use the GilledIt app to discover fishing access points across North Carolina from the mountains to the coast and log your catches with species-specific data.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing in North Carolina
Yes, North Carolina requires separate licenses for inland (freshwater) and coastal (saltwater) fishing. The Inland Fishing License covers freshwater species, while the Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is required for saltwater. The CRFL is free for NC residents but costs about $16 for non-residents. A Unified Inland/Coastal license is also available for convenience.
The western mountains offer exceptional trout fishing on streams like the Davidson River, Nantahala River, and South Toe River. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 2,000 miles of fishable streams with wild brook and rainbow trout. Delayed harvest sections on many streams provide catch-and-release fishing from October through May with excellent fish populations. The GilledIt app can help you find access points.
Fall (September through November) is the peak season for bull red drum on the Outer Banks, particularly around Cape Hatteras and Oregon Inlet. Massive schools of drum move along the beaches and can be caught from the surf with cut mullet and crab. Spring also offers good drum fishing in the sounds. Slot-size redfish are available in Pamlico Sound year-round.
Jordan Lake and Falls Lake are the two primary bass fishing destinations near Raleigh, both within 30 minutes of downtown. Shearon Harris Reservoir, managed by Duke Energy, produces trophy-class largemouths thanks to warm water discharge. Lake Wheeler and Lake Benson offer smaller but productive municipal lake options. All provide excellent shore and boat fishing access.
Yes, fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. No additional park permit is required beyond a valid NC or TN fishing license. Only artificial flies and lures with single hooks are allowed. Brook trout streams above 2,000 feet are especially prized. Catch rates are good for those who learn the park waters.
North Carolina's proximity to the Gulf Stream provides outstanding offshore fishing from ports like Morehead City, Hatteras, and Wrightsville Beach. Bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, and billfish are all available seasonally. The summer months (June-September) offer the best offshore action. Charter boats are available at all major ports along the coast.
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