Throughout the state of North Carolina, you find lots of water and lots of opportunities to catch delicious fish! From the western part of the state with mountain streams to the Piedmont and central North Carolina’s beautiful lakes and on to the east and the Atlantic Ocean beaches, there are many types of fish to be caught. Whether you’re an angler, a seafood lover looking to eat more fish, or simply curious about the state’s aquatic biodiversity, this guide will help you learn more about the most common North Carolina fish.
Fish in North Carolina
North Carolina’s abundant waterways and coastline provide a rich and diverse habitat for fish, making the state a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts and seafood lovers alike. Let’s take a closer look at the freshwater and saltwater fish species available to fishermen, chefs, home cooks, and seafood aficionados throughout the state.
Freshwater Fish
North Carolina boasts over 200 species of freshwater fish, making its rivers, lakes, and streams a haven for anglers. These freshwater habitats range from the mountain streams in the west to the expansive reservoirs in the central and eastern parts of the state.
One of the most popular freshwater species of fish in North Carolina is bass, which is available in several varieties, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and Alabama bass. Beyond bass, other notable freshwater fish include channel catfish, prized for their size and fight, as well as yellow perch, which is a favorite among local fishermen.
Western North Carolina’s mountain waters are home to brook trout, a native species appreciated for its beauty and flavor. Brown trout, a non-native but well-established species, also thrive in the cool, clear streams of the mountains, making it a top destination for trout fishing.
Saltwater Fish
North Carolina’s coastal waters provide a large selection of saltwater fish species for anglers and seafood lovers to enjoy. Visitors and locals alike often search the Atlantic coastline for the best fishing spots.
Striped bass, a highly sought-after species North Carolina fish, is found in both coastal waters and rivers. Speckled trout, known for its delicious flavor, is another favorite among anglers and seafood enthusiasts. Hickory shad, known as the “poor man’s tarpon,” is another top North Carolina fish species commonly found in the coastal rivers.
The state’s marine fishes also include other species, and most notably, endangered species like the Atlantic sturgeon. The Atlantic sturgeon is a prehistoric fish that continues to inhabit NC’s waters but remains prohibited from recreational fishing. It is a federally protected fish species that must be released alive if caught.
Fishing in North Carolina
Whether you’re looking for a good recreational fishing spot for a relaxing afternoon or are a seasoned angler seeking your next big catch, there are endless opportunities for catching a variety of North Carolina fish.
- Largemouth Bass: A popular game fish known for its aggressive strikes and strong fight.
- Crappie: Available in white and black varieties, these are prized for their delicate flavor.
- Catfish: Includes both channel and flathead catfish, great for frying or grilling.
- Rock Bass: A feisty panfish commonly found in rivers and lakes.
- Bluegill: A small but tasty fish, often targeted by beginner anglers.
- Yellow Perch: Known for its firm, mild-flavored meat and distinctive golden color.
Recreational Fishing Opportunities in NC
North Carolina fishermen can enjoy a number of fishing experiences, including freshwater fishing at Lake Gaston, Falls Lake, Kerr Lake, and Lake Norman for:
Also, saltwater fishing is common at local beaches, estuaries, and from within the Atlantic Ocean for:
- Striped Bass: A highly sought-after sport fish known for its firm texture and mild flavor.
- Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, this flatfish is popular for its delicate, flaky meat.
- Speckled Trout: A favorite among anglers, this fish has a mild, buttery taste.
- Hickory Shad: A migratory fish prized for its roe and known for its strong fight when caught.
Top NC Fishing Spots and Guides
North Carolina is home to an incredible array of fishing locations across the state, including opportunities for a great catch in the following regions:
Western North Carolina’s Streams and Rivers
Popular locations include the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, and Smoky Mountains as well as Roanoke, New, Neuse, and Cape Fear Rivers.
Look for these top North Carolina fish when visiting those spots:
- Trout: Includes rainbow, brook, and brown trout, known for their delicate flavor and firm texture.
- Walleyes: A prized freshwater fish with a mild, sweet taste and firm, flaky meat.
- Smallmouth Bass: Known for its strong fight and slightly firmer texture compared to largemouth bass.
- Whitefish: A coldwater species with a mild flavor, ideal for smoking or grilling.
- Pike: A lean, firm fish with a distinct taste, often used in stews and fillets.
Central North Carolina’s Lakes and Reservoirs
Visit the fishing spots located at Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, and other reservoirs for these North Carolina fish species:
- Black Bass: Includes largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, known for their aggressive strikes and strong fight.
- Crappie: A popular panfish with a mild, flaky texture, ideal for frying or baking.
- Sunfish: A diverse group including bluegill and pumpkinseed, commonly caught in lakes and ponds.
- Perch: A flavorful freshwater fish, prized for its firm texture and mild taste.
Coastal North Carolina
These top North Carolina fish species are found in the Atlantic Ocean and nearby estuaries and sounds:
- Striped Bass: A popular game fish with firm texture and mild flavor, often found in coastal and estuarine waters.
- Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, this fish is a favorite among anglers due to its mild, buttery taste.
- Atlantic Sturgeon: Endangered and must be released alive, as it is illegal to possess in the U.S.
Fishing guides throughout North Carolina offer trips to hidden gems and lesser-known fishing locations, including private ponds and less-trafficked rivers. These guides are often familiar with both North Carolina, South Carolina, and the neighboring states, offering expertise for cross-state fishing trips.
NC Conservation Efforts and Fishing Regulations
Protecting North Carolina’s aquatic ecosystems is vital to ensuring the longevity of fish populations. Because of this importance, the state enforces a variety of fishing regulations and conservation efforts to safeguard its waterways and the NC fish species that inhabit them.
Recreational Fishing Regulations
- Fishing License: Anglers must obtain a valid fishing license before fishing in the state’s waters. Licenses are available for both residents and non-residents and can cover freshwater, saltwater, or both.
- Bag Limit Restrictions: Limits on the number of fish an angler can keep in a single day, varying by species.
- Size Requirements: Minimum or maximum size limits for certain fish species to ensure younger fish have time to grow and reproduce.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Specific species may have closed seasons to protect them during critical breeding periods.
Commercial Fishing Regulations
- Licensing Requirements: Commercial fishers must obtain permits and licenses to operate legally.
- Regulations and Quotas: Rules include quotas and gear restrictions to prevent overfishing and minimize bycatch (the unintentional capture of non-target species).
- Protected Species: Specific rules govern the harvesting of endangered or protected species, such as the Atlantic sturgeon, to support conservation efforts.
These regulations are enforced by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to ensure compliance and preserve fish populations for future generations.
NC Fish Conservation Efforts
North Carolina is actively involved in conservation initiatives aimed at restoring habitats, replenishing fish populations, and promoting sustainable fishing.
Efforts include improving water quality, replanting aquatic vegetation, and restoring natural water flow in streams and rivers to support healthy fish habitats. Projects like dam removal and streambank stabilization are undertaken to create ideal conditions for fish breeding and migration.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission runs extensive fish stocking programs, introducing species like trout, striped bass, and catfish into waterways to bolster natural populations and enhance fishing opportunities.
Anglers play a crucial role in conservation by adhering to regulations, reporting poaching or illegal activities, and handling fish responsibly to reduce injury. Educational programs and events are offered to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
Enjoy the Best Seafood in Raleigh at NC Seafood Restaurant
It’s always great to catch, clean, and cook yourself by visiting one of North Carolina’s pristine fishing locations. However, sometimes your fish and seafood cravings can only be met with a visit to NC Seafood Restaurant.
From expertly prepared fried fish platters to mouthwatering sides like creamy coleslaw and light and fluffy hush puppies, we’re proud to provide freshly prepared seafood.
Visit us today to dine-in or order from our seafood take-out menu for the best, freshest fish recipes in NC. And be sure to sign up for our once-monthly newsletter with a recap of recipes and restaurant happenings, and local events.