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Freshwater Fishing in North Carolina
North Carolina Fishing at a Glance
We’re not kidding when we claim that North Carolina is one of the top fishing states on the East Coast. You may come to climb the Smoky Mountains or admire the Blue Ridge, but it’s North Carolina’s fishing that will blow your mind.
The state has over 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline to explore and 11,000 miles of rivers and streams. And with a variety of fish species to target, there’s something for everyone.
Bass, in its many varieties, is king in NC. Whether it’s largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, or striped, any lake or pond you stumble upon, you’re likely to find bass there.
Trout are also popular with some areas being stocked, and others having wild fish so you can take your pick. There are even tiger trout if you’re looking for a special challenge. In addition there are catfish, crappie, bluegill, and sunfish. The choice is yours!
North Carolina ranks #18 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 13.26% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- North Carolina is a top fishing state on the East Coast with over 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline and 11,000 miles of rivers and streams.
- The state offers a variety of fish species including bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, and striped), trout (stocked or wild), tiger trout, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and sunfish.
- Anglers must have a valid North Carolina fishing license which can be obtained online or at various locations throughout the state.
- North Carolina ranks #18 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita with over 13.26% of the population having fishing licenses.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 10,439,388 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 1,384,370 |
| Fishing License % | 13.26% |
| Hunters Rank | 18 |
The state of North Carolina is mostly private land with just 6.99% of acres considered public land -ranking #31 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 31,179,500 | ||
| Public | 2,180,470 | 6.99% | 31 |
| Private | 28,942,430 | 92.83% | 20 |
| Tribal | 56,600 | 0.18% | 21 |
North Carolina Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the North Carolina DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
North Carolina DNR
1751 Varsity Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
- (919) 707-0010
Fishing in North Carolina’s rivers and streams brings a unique set of challenges for anglers of all levels of experience. Bluegill, crappie, striped bass, rainbow trout, and brown trout are among the most sought-after catch – but the real thrill comes from catching large game fish like largemouth bass and catfish. Many fishermen vie to best the sizes they’ve caught in these waters, making it a popular spot for those looking to take home a big one!
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Fishing private land in North Carolina
Fishing on private land in North Carolina has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in North Carolina or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Jordan Lake
2. Falls Lake
3. Kerr Lake
4. Shearon Harris Lake
5. Lake Norman
Fishing private land in North Carolina
Fishing on private land in North Carolina has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in North Carolina or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.