FISHING IN NORTH CAROLINA
Whether it’s fishing a cold mountain stream, a warm Piedmont pond or a blackwater coastal river, North Carolina has many opportunities for the 1.2 million anglers who fish in North Carolina.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN NORTH CAROLINA
LAKE JAMES STATE PARK
In the beautiful rolling hills east of Asheville sits Lake James State Park, a great place for families that enjoy boating and fishing.
HARRIS LAKE
JORDAN RESERVOIR STATE REC AREA
Jordan Reservoir is the perfect spot to boat and fish and enjoy the outdoors. Fishing is a popular sport on the lake.
GET A NORTH CAROLINA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN NORTH CAROLINA
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
WHITE PERCH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Despite its common name, the white perch is actually a bass and a close relative of the white bass and the striped bass.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot surf spinning rod |
| Reel | 5000 Spinning reel |
| Line | 10 pound braided fishing line or 8 pound monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Natural Baits are best (Shrimp, Crabs, Small Fish), Artificial baits such as minnows or worms |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Ultralight spinning or spincast combos |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Fishing Hooks, Jigs (various colors and weights), Spoons, Mini-Crankbaits (use bobbers or floats as well) |
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
WHITEROCK BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The whiterock bass is a hybrid species produced by a female striped bass and a male white bass.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-8 foot 3-weight fly rod |
| Reel | 1800 fly reel |
| Line | 3-weight fishing line |
| Lure | Popper, Diver, Leech, Crayfish, Pike, Dragonfly, Baitfish Flies |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
SALTWATER BAY FISHING
Reefs, hills and shallows are some the best saltwater fishing locations.
