Fishing in North Carolina
Discover 46 state parks offering fishing in North Carolina
🐟 North Carolina Fishing License at a Glance
The State Inland license covers inland waters, including Public Mountain Trout Waters; coastal waters need the Coastal Recreational Fishing License. Mountain Heritage Trout Waters also sell a 3-day license for $10. A $5 transaction fee applies per order.
Checked against the official agency, September 2026. Fees and dates change yearly — always confirm current rates and free-fishing dates via the official link above before purchasing.
North Carolina State Parks with Fishing
Baldhead Island State Natural Area
Bear Paw State Natural Area
Bobs Creek State Natural Area
Carvers Creek State Park
Chowan Swamp State Natural Area
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park
Dismal Swamp State Park
Elk Knob State Park
Eno River State Park
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Macon State Park
Frutchey State Park
Goose Creek State Park
Gorges State Park
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Haw River State Park
Jones Lake State Park
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Lake James State Park
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lea Island State Natural Area
Lumber River State Park
Masonboro Island State Natural Area
Mayo River State Park
Medoc Mountain State Park
Merchants Millpond State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
New River State Park
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Pettigrew State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park
Raven Rock State Park
Reedy Creek State Park
Rendezvous Mountain State Forest
Salmon Creek State Natural Area
Singletary Lake State Park
South Mountains State Park
Stone Mountain State Park
William B. Umstead State Park
Other Places with Fishing in North Carolina (Not State Parks)
These places are run by a county, city, federal agency, another state agency, a tribe or a private owner, not by North Carolina’s state park system. State park passes, rules and reservations may not apply, so check with the operator before you go.
❓ Fishing in North Carolina — FAQ
Do you need a fishing license in North Carolina state parks?
Yes. North Carolina State Parks says fishing in its parks is regulated by all applicable North Carolina laws, "including those regarding fresh and coastal recreational fishing licenses." From age 16 you need the State Inland license ($32 residents, $56 non-residents) and, in coastal waters, the Coastal Recreational Fishing License ($20/$40). On July 4 anyone may fish without a license. (NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Division of Marine Fisheries and NC State Parks, as of September 2026)
Are there free fishing days in North Carolina?
Yes — July 4 every year (inland, coastal and trout waters). On free fishing days no license is required; confirm the dates with the official North Carolina agency before your trip.