Fishing
Fishing in North Carolina
Discover 49 state parks offering fishing in North Carolina
🐟 North Carolina Fishing License at a Glance
Resident Annual
$25
Non-Resident Annual
$54
Youth
Under 16 free
Senior
60+: $7; 70+ free
Trout Stamp
$15
Saltwater
R: $16, NR: $32
🎉 Free Fishing Days
June 7, 2025; July 4th
Mountain Heritage Trout Waters require special regulations.
License fees and free fishing days shown as of June 2026 — fees and dates change yearly. Always confirm current rates and free-fishing dates via the official link above before purchasing.
49
State Parks
North Carolina State Parks with Fishing
Adventure Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Jones Lake State Park
+10
Wildlife Watching
Photography
Picnicking
Bird Watching
Scenic Overlooks
Kayaking
Paddling
Canoeing
RV
Biking
Baldhead Island State Natural Area
+1
Biking
Bear Paw State Natural Area
Bobs Creek State Natural Area
Cape Hatteras State Park
+6
Photography
Picnicking
Bird Watching
Stargazing
Scuba Diving
Surfing
Carvers Creek State Park
+4
Wildlife Watching
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Chowan Swamp State Natural Area
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
+4
Mountain Biking
Bird Watching
Kayaking
Biking
Crowders Mountain State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Dismal Swamp State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
DuPont State Recreational Forest
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Elk Knob State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Eno River State Park
+4
Picnicking
Kayaking
Paddling
Canoeing
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
+4
Mountain Biking
Bird Watching
Kayaking
Biking
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Fort Macon State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Frutchey State Park
Goose Creek State Park
+4
Kayaking
Paddling
Canoeing
RV
Gorges State Park
+5
Picnicking
Horseback Riding
Scenic Overlooks
Waterfall Viewing
Biking
Grandfather Mountain State Park
+4
Mountain Biking
Backpacking
Kayaking
Biking
Hammocks Beach State Park
+2
Paddling
Canoeing
Hanging Rock State Park
+6
Rock Climbing
Picnicking
Scenic Overlooks
Canoeing
Waterfall Viewing
RV
Haw River State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Jones Lake State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
+4
Mountain Biking
Bird Watching
Kayaking
Biking
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
+4
Mountain Biking
Bird Watching
Kayaking
Biking
Lake James State Park
+8
Picnicking
Mountain Biking
Paddleboarding
Scenic Overlooks
Kayaking
Canoeing
Waterfall Viewing
Biking
Lake Norman State Park
+8
Mountain Biking
Bird Watching
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Paddling
Canoeing
RV
Biking
Lake Waccamaw State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Lea Island State Natural Area
Lumber River State Park
+3
Kayaking
Paddling
Canoeing
Masonboro Island State Natural Area
+2
Beachcombing
Kayaking
Mayo River State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Medoc Mountain State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Horseback Riding
Biking
Merchants Millpond State Park
+4
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Canoeing
Biking
Morrow Mountain State Park
+3
Wildlife Watching
Kayaking
RV
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
New River State Park
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Pettigrew State Park
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Pilot Mountain State Park
+4
Scenic Overlooks
Kayaking
Canoeing
RV
Raven Rock State Park
+4
Kayaking
Paddling
Canoeing
RV
Reedy Creek State Park
Rendezvous Mountain State Forest
+3
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Salmon Creek State Natural Area
Singletary Lake State Park
+4
Mountain Biking
Kayaking
Biking
Nature
South Mountains State Park
+2
Waterfall Viewing
Biking
Stone Mountain State Park
+2
Waterfall Viewing
RV
William B. Umstead State Park
+4
Mountain Biking
Horseback Riding
Canoeing
Biking
More Fishing Destinations
More Activities in North Carolina
❓ Fishing in North Carolina — FAQ
Do I need a license to fish in North Carolina state parks?
Yes — fishing in North Carolina state parks generally requires a valid North Carolina fishing license. A resident annual license costs $25, and a non-resident annual license costs $54. Youth and seniors are often exempt or pay reduced fees. Fees shown as of June 2026 — confirm current rates with the official state agency.
Are there free fishing days in North Carolina?
Yes — North Carolina offers free fishing days when no license is required (June 7, 2025; July 4th). Exact dates change each year, so verify with the official North Carolina agency before your trip.