The Best Fishing Spots in North Carolina
North Carolina offers varied recreational fishing from mountain streams to a long Atlantic coast. In coastal waters and sounds anglers pursue red drum, speckled trout, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, cobia and offshore species like tuna and king mackerel, with common approaches including inshore light tackle, nearshore trolling and surf or pier fishing. Freshwater opportunities include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish and stocked trout in rivers and reservoirs. Whether you prefer fly fishing in mountain streams, casting from the shore, or boat-based offshore trips, North Carolina has something for every recreational angler.
Top Cities For Fishing
River Fishing
Sea Fishing
Boiling Spring Lakes
(13 km to coast)
Carolina Beach
(0 km to coast)
Elizabeth City
(3 km to coast)
Half Moon
(10 km to coast)
Havelock
(11 km to coast)
Jacksonville
(1 km to coast)
James City
(0 km to coast)
Kill Devil Hills
(0 km to coast)
Kings Grant
(8 km to coast)
Leland
(13 km to coast)
Long Beach
(0 km to coast)
Masonboro
(0 km to coast)
Morehead City
(1 km to coast)
Murraysville
(9 km to coast)
Myrtle Grove
(1 km to coast)
New Bern
(0 km to coast)
Oak Island
(0 km to coast)
Ogden
(5 km to coast)
Piney Green
(6 km to coast)
Silver Lake
(3 km to coast)
Washington
(2 km to coast)
Wilmington
(6 km to coast)
Other
Top Saltwater Fishing Spots
Albemarle Sound
A broad brackish sound known for spring striped bass action and steady catches of white perch, catfish, and seasonal speckled trout; trolling channels near Edenton and jigging river mouths from the Chowan River to the Pasquotank River are go-to tactics.
Beaufort
Historic coastal town serving as a prime launchpad to Beaufort Inlet , nearshore reefs, and marsh creeks for speckled trout, red drum, sheepshead, and seasonal pelagics; shoreline access, public docks, and charter fleets make it a convenient base.
Beaufort Inlet
This deep, well-marked inlet serves up Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and king mackerel along nearshore ledges, plus inshore speckled trout and red drum around marsh creeks; access is easy from Morehead City and Beaufort by boat or public piers.
Bogue Inlet
Between Emerald Isle and Bogue Banks , shifting bars around Bogue Inlet attract red drum, speckled trout, and summer flounder, with Spanish mackerel and bluefish blitzes along the tide rips; boats and surf casters both score.
Cape Lookout
Famed for fall blitzes of false albacore on light tackle and fly, Cape Lookout also sees strong runs of red drum, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish along the shoals; boats stage from Harkers Island and Beaufort , and surf anglers target sloughs around the point.
Hatteras Inlet
Powerful tides sweep bait through the inlet drawing red drum, speckled trout, and sheepshead inshore, while boats heading just outside find king mackerel, cobia, and nearshore amberjack; surf casters favor cuts near Ocracoke and the ferry docks.
Cape Hatteras
Iconic surf and nearshore fishery where the Labrador and Gulf Stream currents converge, Cape Hatteras produces exceptional runs of red drum (especially in fall), bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and seasonal shots at cobia and false albacore; boats work just off the bars while dedicated surf anglers fan out from the beaches near Buxton and Frisco .
Masonboro Inlet
Between Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach , jetties and nearby flats hold speckled trout, red drum, and black drum year-round, with summer shots at flounder and Spanish mackerel; boats drift the inlet rips while shore anglers work the rocks and beaches.
Oregon Inlet
A premier gateway to the Gulf Stream, Oregon Inlet supports a year-round mix: speckled trout, red drum, and flounder in the sound and marshes, while offshore charters chase yellowfin tuna, mahi, and spring bluefin; shore anglers work the catwalks and nearby beaches toward Pea Island .
Pamlico Sound
The largest lagoon on the East Coast offers expansive grass flats and creeks that hold speckled trout, red drum, sheepshead, and summer flounder; kayak and skiff anglers roam wind-protected waters between Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island while pier and shoreline access abound.
Wrightsville Beach
Easy access to surf, piers, and nearshore reefs makes Wrightsville Beach a versatile spot for red drum, speckled trout, and flounder inshore, with king mackerel and Spanish mackerel just off the beach; proximity to Masonboro Inlet expands options.
Top Freshwater Fishing Spots
Falls Lake
Renowned for trophy-class largemouth bass and abundant crappie, Falls Lake’s flooded timber, creek channels, and rocky banks also hold striped bass and catfish; anglers focus on the upper river arms toward Butner and points closer to Wake Forest .
Fontana Lake
A deep, clear mountain reservoir bordered by Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Fontana offers smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and cool-water species like walleye and seasonal lake trout; points, bluff walls, and creek mouths are consistent producers.
High Rock Lake
A tournament staple, High Rock is noted for shallow-power fishing for largemouth bass around docks and wood, plus quality crappie and catfish; spring and early summer crankbait and jig bites shine in creeks near Southmont and Abbotts Creek .
Lake Norman
North Carolina’s largest reservoir is famed for spotted bass with solid largemouth bass, plus open-water striped bass, catfish, and crappie; docks, points, and brush piles shine, with winter schooling fish around Cornelius and Mooresville .
Nantahala River
Cold, oxygenated flows support strong populations of rainbow trout and brown trout, with accessible roadside runs and boat-accessible lower sections; hatches and summer terrestrials keep action steady near Nantahala Gorge and into Fontana Lake .
Roanoke River
The Roanoke’s spring striped bass run draws anglers to Weldon , while year-round opportunities for catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass stretch downstream through cypress-lined backwaters toward Albemarle Sound .
John H. Kerr Reservoir
Straddling the NC–VA line, sprawling Kerr (Buggs Island) offers exceptional striped bass, crappie, and catfish, with strong largemouth bass around brush and flooded cover; popular access from Henderson and the Nutbush Creek area.
Top Saltwater & Freshwater Spots
Cape Fear River
From brackish tidal reaches near Wilmington to inland stretches and backwaters, the Cape Fear offers striped bass, catfish, and largemouth bass, with seasonal red drum and speckled trout in the lower river; boat ramps and bank access are widespread.
Neuse River
Flowing into Pamlico Sound , the Neuse transitions from freshwater largemouth bass and crappie upstream to brackish red drum, speckled trout, and striped bass near New Bern and Oriental ; anglers troll channels or cast to creek mouths and docks.