From the mountain tops to the ocean blues North Carolina promises a good catch. With thousands of acres worth of lakes, such as the beautiful Lake Tomahawk Park and Lake Norman, North Carolina is a perfect spot to fish, but if you’re not properly informed on fishing licenses it could go downhill fast.
North Carolina Fishing Regulations
- The State of North Carolina states:
- Purchasing and selling inland game fish is unlawful, unless from and by licensed commercial trout ponds and fish propagators
- Game fish can be taken only with a hook and line ( please note there are more specifics in how you obtain and take your fish)
- Fishermen may not continue to fish for species once their daily limit for that species has been reached
- Daily limit by species:
- Trout are limited to 4/day
- Most Bass are limited to 5/day
- Crappie are limited to 20/day
- Walleye are limited to 8/day
Fishing License Period
North Carolina fishing licenses are available as:
- 1-day fishing licenses (with the ability to add a day if needed)
- Annual fishing licenses
- 3-Year fishing licenses
- Lifetime fishing licenses
Extra Licensing Fees
North Carolina requires a special license for trout fishing.
Free or Reduced Fee North Carolina Fishing Licenses
The State of North Carolina offers free fishing licenses or reduced fishing licenses for :
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- Residents who are legally blind
- Residents in an adult care home
- Residents who are disabled veterans
- Residents who are totally disabled
North Carolina Fishing Licenses are NOT Required For
While some states offer certain groups the ability to fish without a license, North Carolina has no such policy.