North Carolina offers a diverse range of angling opportunities, from world-class trout fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains to legendary billfish action off the Outer Banks. The state is renowned for its vast inland reservoirs teeming with trophy largemouth bass and its expansive coastal sounds providing exceptional red drum and flounder habitat.
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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Largemouth Bass
Open year-round; peak action occurs during the spring spawn from March through May in major reservoirs.
Mountain Trout
Hatchery-supported waters are closed in March; delayed harvest waters are catch-and-release only from October to June.
Red Drum
Available year-round in coastal sounds; peak season for 'Old Drum' in the Pamlico Sound is August through September.
Striped Bass
Highly regulated seasons vary by management area; peak spawning runs occur in the Roanoke River from March to June.
Crappie
Excellent year-round fishing with a 20-fish daily bag limit in most waters; peak activity is during spring and fall.
Blue Marlin
Offshore peak season runs May through August, centered around the famous Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
Catfish (Blue & Flathead)
Open year-round; North Carolina is a premier destination for trophy catfish exceeding 50 pounds in the Piedmont reservoirs.
Flounder
Season dates are established annually by the Division of Marine Fisheries and typically consist of a short window in late summer.
Top Waters
Jordan Lake
A 14,000-acre reservoir near Raleigh famous for consistent largemouth bass and crappie production.
Lake Norman
The largest man-made lake in the state, popular for spotted bass and trophy blue catfish.
Pamlico Sound
The second largest estuary in the US, known for world-record red drum and exceptional light-tackle saltwater fishing.
Roanoke River
Famous for the massive annual spring migration of striped bass heading to spawning grounds at Weldon.
Davidson River
A premier catch-and-release fly fishing destination in the Pisgah National Forest for wild and stocked trout.
Fontana Lake
A deep, clear mountain reservoir offering unique opportunities for walleye and smallmouth bass.
Outer Banks
A world-renowned destination for surf fishing and offshore Gulf Stream charters for tuna, wahoo, and billfish.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support North Carolina's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Captains Choice Charters
Charter/GuideManteo, NC
Specializes in offshore Gulf Stream fishing and inshore trips out of the Outer Banks.
Redfish Action Charters
Charter/GuideSouthport, NC
Expert inshore guiding for red drum, flounder, and speckled trout in the Cape Fear region.
Rivers Edge Outfitters
Charter/GuideCherokee, NC
Guided fly fishing trips on the scenic waters of the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains.
Fishin' Days
Charter/GuideHatteras, NC
Full-service offshore charter boat targeting tuna, dolphin, and marlin in the Gulf Stream.
Carolina Guide Service
Charter/GuideCharleston, NC
Professional light tackle and fly fishing guide service for the coastal marshes of NC.
Neuse River Bait and Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopGrantsboro, NC
A well-stocked local shop providing fresh bait and expert advice for the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound.
Intracoastal Angler
Bait & Tackle ShopWilmington, NC
A premier tackle shop offering a vast selection of offshore, inshore, and fly fishing gear.
Tex’s Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopWilmington, NC
Full-service destination for saltwater anglers featuring top brands and local knowledge.
Dillon’s Corner
Bait & Tackle ShopBuxton, NC
Historical tackle shop at Cape Hatteras providing surf fishing supplies and beach news.
Chasin' Tails Outdoor Bazaar
Bait & Tackle ShopAtlantic Beach, NC
Specializes in custom lures and rigged baits for the Crystal Coast fishing community.
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
MarinaNags Head, NC
The largest and most modern fishing fleet on the eastern seaboard with full marina services.
Pirate’s Cove Marina
MarinaManteo, NC
World-class marina facility hosting major tournaments and home to many elite charter boats.
Southport Marina
MarinaSouthport, NC
A premier transient and permanent docking facility located near the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
Bradley Creek Marina
MarinaWilmington, NC
Private marina facility offering dry storage and wet slips with easy access to Masonboro Inlet.
Hunter Banks Fly Shop
Fly ShopAsheville, NC
Western North Carolina's source for high-end fly fishing equipment and mountain trout expertise.
Brookings Anglers
Fly ShopCashiers, NC
Providing premium fly gear and guided excursions into the high-altitude trout waters of the Blue Ridge.
Davidson River Outfitters
Fly ShopPisgah Forest, NC
Located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, specializing in technical fly fishing for trout.
Curtis Wright Outfitters
Fly ShopWeaverville, NC
A full-service fly shop and outfitter offering gear and schools for all skill levels.
Chatlee Boats
Boat DealerSanford, NC
One of the largest family-owned boat dealerships in the country, carrying top fishing boat brands.
Collins Boating
Boat DealerSmithfield, NC
Authorized dealer for leading saltwater and freshwater fishing boat manufacturers.
MarineMax Wrightsville Beach
Boat DealerWrightsville Beach, NC
Offers a wide range of premium sport fishing yachts and coastal center consoles.
Anglers Marine
Boat DealerSupply, NC
Coastal boat dealer specializing in offshore fishing machines and family cruisers.
Cashion Fishing Rods
Rod BuilderSanford, NC
Manufacturer of high-performance carbon fiber fishing rods built in their Sanford facility.
Southern Custom Rods
Rod BuilderWilmington, NC
Specialist in crafting high-end, custom-designed fishing rods for serious coastal anglers.
Rigged and Ready Tackle
Rod BuilderShallotte, NC
Bait shop that offers custom rod building services and repairs for coastal fishermen.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.