North Carolina inland fishing, hunting & trapping regulations digest.

              NORTH CAROLINA
Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping
regulations
digest
Effective Aug.1, 2012 to July 31, 2013
Find the Regulations Digest online at ncwildlife.org.
This publication is furnished free by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
2012–2013
MELISSA McGAW/NCWRC
MELISSA McGAW/NCWRC JODY DUGGINS/NCWRC
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Bev Perdue, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Dee Freeman, Secretary
NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE
RESOURCES COMMISSION
(as of June 2012)
David W. Hoyle Jr., Chairman
Dallas
W. Ray White, Vice Chairman
Nags Head
Joe Barker
New Bern
Thomas A. Berry
Greensboro
John Litton Clark
Clinton
James W. Cogdell
Norwood
John T. Coley IV
Holly Springs
Mark R. Craig
Greensboro
Nat T. Harris
Burlington
Durwood S. Laughinghouse
Raleigh
Wendell H. (Dell) Murphy Jr.
Wallace
Hayden A. Rogers
Brasstown
Dalton Ruffin
Winston-Salem
Wes Seegars
Goldsboro
Berkley C. Skinner III
Rocky Mount
Mitch St. Clair Sr.
Washington
Steve Windham
Winnabow
Gordon Myers Executive Director
Mallory G. Martin Chief Deputy Director
Dear Wildlife Stakeholders,
Seventy-five years ago, the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act was signed
into law. It called for a federal excise tax on sporting equipment to ensure a
solid financial base for wildlife conservation and was brought about at the
urging of organized sportsmen. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration
program (WSFR) uses these tax revenues to help fund the cost of wildlife
programs and has contributed more than $258 million to North Carolina
with great results. Here are a few:
•In 1977, there were 4,800 wild turkey hunters who took 144 birds in
33,000 hunting days. In 2008, there were 72,609 turkey hunters, in 400,489
days. And there were 10,404 birds harvested–an increase of 7,200 percent.
•In the 1970s, striped-bass stocks had become severely diminished by
overfishing and other factors. To date, NCWRC has received up to $7.6
million annually, providing 17.2 million days of recreational enjoyment
to 1.2 million anglers. From the renowned striped bass fishery on the
Roanoke River to the blue-ribbon trout fisheries of western N.C., fishing
opportunities are plentiful.
Much has changed in the 75 years of partnership with WSFR as reflected in
this Regulations Digest. The rules within support our mission: To con serve the
diversity and abundance of North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habi -
tats and provide programs and opportunities that allow all North Carolina
citizens the opportunity for safe and readily available participation in hunting,
fishing, boating and other wildlife-related activities.
The future of wildlife in North Carolina is affected by two key factors:
The stress of development on habitat and the changing demographics of our
state’s citizens. Most live in urban areas, well isolated from daily contact with
wildlife and the outdoors.
Those of us who participate in wildlife-associated recreation have the
oppor tunity to influence the future of wildlife. As hunters and anglers, your
generous practice of mentoring others, introducing those unfamiliar with
North Carolina’s beautiful outdoors to our magnificent wildlife resources
goes far toward increasing stewardship. Just as your purchase of licenses
supports the Com mission, and your purchase of sporting equipment con -
tributes to WSFR funds, your advocacy and participation sustains our delicate
and honorable heritage. YOU are the reason for our success.
Thank you. You are wished a safe and bountiful season.
Sincerely,
Gordon Myers
Executive Director
N.C. WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION
CENTERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE EDUCATION
Visit us online at ncwildlife.org for maps to our facilities.
1
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Big Game Harvest Reporting ................................800-I-GOT-ONE
............................................................................(800-446-8663)
Boating Access Areas ..............................................919-707-0150
Boating Safety Course Information ..........................919-707-0031
Boater Safety Education - Replacement Certificates ......888-248-6834
Conservation Education Division ............................919-707-0170
Enforcement Operations Office ..............................919-707-0030
Engineering Division ..............................................919-707-0150
Hunter Safety Course Information ..........................919-707-0031
Hunter Safety Education - Replacement Certificates ....888-248-6834
Inland Fisheries Division ........................................919-707-0220
License Information ................................................888-248-6834
License Purchases by Credit Card ............................888-248-6834
Marine Fisheries......................................................252-726-7021
..............................................................................800-682-2632
Migratory Bird Hunting Dates & Shooting Hours ........800-675-0263
Personnel Officer ....................................................919-707-0101
Regulation Information ..........................................919-707-0030
Wildlife Calendar ....................................................866-945-3746
Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine/N.C. Wild Store Products
..............................................................................866-945-3746
Vessel Registration and Titling ................................800-628-3773
Violations Reporting ..............................................800-662-7137
..................................................919-707-0040 in the Raleigh area
....................................................................800-662-7137vTTY*
*(TTY machine available for people with hearing disabilities)
Wildlife Management Division ................................919-707-0050
CONTENTS
What’s New This Season..........................................2
License Information ..............................................3
General Information ..............................................................3
License Requirements and Exceptions ....................................3
License Type Descriptions ......................................................4
License Type Charts ..............................................................10
Disabled Sportsman Information ..............................12
The Wildlife Endowment Fund ................................12
Lifetime Hunting and Inland Fishing Licenses ......................12
Coastal Recreational Fishing License ..........................13
Inland Fishing Regulations and Information ................16
General Information ............................................................16
Inland Game Fish ................................................................16
Warmwater Game Fish ........................................................18
Mountain Trout ....................................................................21
Public Mountain Trout Waters ..............................................21
Nongame Fish......................................................................27
Fish Consumption Advisories ..............................................32
Miscellaneous Prohibitions ..................................................34
Other Fishing Information....................................................35
Trapping Regulations and Information ......................38
Nongame Regulations and Information ......................40
Hunting Regulations and Information ......................42
Manner of Taking ................................................................42
Hunting on Federal Lands ....................................................45
Big Game ............................................................................45
Bear ..................................................................................45
Deer ................................................................................46
Wild Turkey......................................................................56
Season Maps ........................................................................47
Big Game Harvest and Reporting ..........................................56
Small Game and Other Seasons ............................................57
Migratory Birds ....................................................................59
Federal Regulations..............................................................60
Game Lands ......................................................62
Game Lands License ................................................................62
Game Lands Restrictions......................................................62
Disabled Access and Disabled Sportsman Programs..............64
Either-Sex Seasons and Other Rules......................................65
Local Laws ......................................................72
Local Fox Laws ....................................................................72
Hunting and Trapping..........................................................72
Big Game Harvest Reports......................................80
Sunrise-Sunset Table ............................................85
COVER PHOTOS (Clockwise) No matter if you love casting for largemouth bass,
hunting spring gobblers or waiting for waterfowl to pitch into your decoy spread,
North Carolina has a wealth of opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts.
425,000 COPIES of this public document were printed at a cost of $77,830 or
$.18313 per copy. Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
s
9 8
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Ashe
Watauga Wilkes
Alleghany
Surry Stokes
Yadkin Forsyth
Avery
Caldwell
Alexander
Iredell
Davie
Davidson
Rockingham
Guilford
Randolph
Rowan
Cabarrus
Stanly
Montgomery
Catawba
Lincoln
Gaston
Mecklenburg
Union Anson
Richmond
Moore
Chatham
Alamance
Caswell
Orange
Person
Durham
Burke
Cleveland
Rutherford
McDowell
Mitchell
Yancey
Madison
Buncombe
Henderson
Polk
Haywood
Transylvania
Jackson
Swain
Macon
Graham
Cherokee
Clay
Lee
Wake
Harnett
Hoke
Scotland
Robeson
Cumberland
Sampson
Granville
Vance
Franklin
Nash
Wilson
Wayne
Johnston
Duplin
Pitt
Edgecombe
Halifax
Warren
Northampton
Bertie
Martin
Greene
Lenoir
Jones
Onslow
Beaufort
Pamlico
Washington
Hertford
Gates
Bladen Pender
Craven
Hyde
Tyrrell
Dare
Carteret
Columbus
Pasquotank
ChowanPerquimans
Camden
Currituck
New
Hanover
Brunswick Pisgah Center
for Wildlife Education
1401 Fish Hatchery Road
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
ncwildlife.org/pisgah
John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center
7489 Raeford Road
Fayetteville, N.C. 28304
ncwildlife.org/pechmann
 
Get N.C. Wildlife Update – news including season dates, bag limits,
legislative updates and more – delivered to your Inbox from the N.C.
Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to ncwildife.org/enews.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All
wildlife programs are administered for the benefit of all North Carolina citizens
without prejudice toward age, sex, race, religion or national origin. Violations of
this pledge may be reported to the Equal Employment Officer, 1703 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1703, Tel. 919-707-0101.
Centennial Campus Center
for Wildlife Education
NCSU–Centennial Campus
1751 Varsity Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
ncwildlife.org/centennial
Outer Banks Center
for Wildlife Education
1160 Village Lane
Corolla, NC 27927
ncwildlife.org/obx
   
 
 
 
 
 
What’s new this season….
As part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to keep you informed, we are reserving this page of the digest each year to
identify significant regulatory, legislative and agency-related changes that you should be aware of each season. Please
note that the information found on this page is not a complete list of regulatory changes. For your convenience, all
regulation changes appear throughout the digest in RED.
Following is a list of significant changes for the 2012–2013 season:
HUNTING
  On State-owned game lands, and all other lands unless prohibited by the landowner, persons may lawfully
carry any firearm openly that they are otherwise lawfully entitled to possess, and may also carry a con cealed
handgun if they possess a current and valid concealed handgun permit issued to them. However, persons may
not hunt with any firearm being carried unless such firearm is authorized as a lawful method of take for that
open season. The exempted game lands where concealed carry is prohibited are: Buckhorn, Harris, Sutton
Lake, Mayo, Hyco, Lee, Chatham, Pee Dee (area north of U.S. 74), Butner-Falls, Jordan, Vance, Kerr Scott,
and Wayne Bailey-Caswell (area north of U.S. 158 and east of N.C. 119). These game lands also have
restrictions for open carry of firearms during the closed seasons on game animals and game birds. Refer to
page 62 for more information.
  Feral swine may be trapped year-round on private lands and there are no bag limits. A permit is required in
addition to your hunting or trapping license. Only corral and box traps may be used and each trap must be
marked with the permit number. Refer to page 39 for more information and instructions for obtaining a
permit.
  Hunting coyote and feral swine at night continues to be of interest to North Carolina hunters and
landowners. Please visit ncwildlife.org for updates on this issue.
  Several counties in the eastern part of the state and parts of counties in the west are now open to bear
hunting. Refer to the map on page 47 for new bear hunting counties, season dates, and other changes to
bear seasons.
  Hats On is back! Keep North Carolina’s hunting heritage alive by mentoring a new hunter. See page 58 for
details about the Commission’s Hunting Matters Hats On Mentoring Campaign.
FISHING
  For black bass including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted, the general statewide creel limit is five fish
per day in combination, and the minimum size limit is 14 inches except two fish within the five-fish daily
creel may be less than 14 inches. Refer to pages 18 and 19 for a list of specific waters with regulations
that differ from these general statewide limits.
  Aquatic Invasive Species continue to pose a threat to North Carolina’s aquatic communities. Whether it’s
the potential introduction of new species like zebra mussels or algae such as didymo (rock snot) or simply
the spread of existing species like hydrilla, white perch, or blueback herring, extensive damage to aquatic
systems and to sport fisheries can result. Refer to pages 14, 34, and 35 for more information on how you
can help prevent the spread of nuisance species.
OTHER
  Earlier this year, our agency launched a mobile website that provides a wealth of information and services
to hunters, anglers, boaters, and other outdoors enthusiasts to get them in the field or on the water quickly
and easily. This new site is designed for small screens and touch technology com mon in smart phones, tablets,
and other portable devices. Mobile device users can purchase licenses, report harvests, check regulations, find
a nearby wildlife service agent, and view interactive maps of boating access areas, shooting ranges, game
lands and much more. To access the site, go to ncwildlife.org using your mobile device.
exercising the privileges conveyed by the license shall carry a
picture identification card and show it to any wildlife enforce -
ment officer upon request. The picture identification card
should include the license-holder’s correct name, address and
date of birth. (A North Carolina Driver License or Department
of Motor Vehicles identification card is acceptable.)
Residency Definitions and Requirements
Resident—You are considered a resident if you have resided in the
state for six months or have been domiciled (established a perma -
nent residence) for 60 days. When residency is used to establish
eligibility, the applicant must complete a Certificate of Residency,
available from a wildlife service agent or the Wildlife Resources
Commission, certifying that he has maintained his residence in a
county of the state for at least 60 days with the intent to reside
there permanently or indefinitely.
Students—Nonresident students may purchase a resident license
while attending a university, college or community college in
North Carolina. When pur chasing your license from a wildlife
service agent, you must show your valid student identification.
Military—Nonresident members of the armed forces (including
their spouses and children under 18) who are stationed in the
state are deemed residents of the state and of the counties in which
they reside for the purpose of purchasing resident licenses.
County—Resident county licenses are limited to the county in
which the person resides.
Nonresident—Nonresident status applies to anyone who does not
live in the state of North Carolina, with the exceptions noted
above (students and members of the armed forces).
Hunter Safety Course Requirement No person, regardless of age,
may procure a hunting license in this state with out first produc -
ing a Certificate of Competency showing comple tion of a hunter
safety course or a hunting license issued prior to July 1, 1991, or
a signed statement (shown on the license) that he or she had such
a license. Exception: Those purchasing or in possession of a life -
time license that includes hunting privileges, may not use the
hunting portion of that license without first having successfully
completed a hunter safety course or is accompanied by an adult
properly licensed to hunt in North Carolina. The accompanying
adult must maintain a proximity to the hunter, which enables
the adult to monitor the activities of, and communicate with, the
hunter at all times.
The hunter safety course is a min imum of 10 contact hours. Each
student must score a minimum of 70 on the written exam and must
also meet the “hands-on” min imum require ments. For more infor ma -
tion pertaining to hunter safety courses, visit us online at ncwild -
life.org, or write to the NCWRC Division of Wildlife Enforcement,
1718 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1718.
Big Game Harvest Report Card Requirement Big game harvest
report cards always expire on June 30 of each year. If your hunt -
ing license and big game hunting privilege license are still valid
after the big game harvest report card expires, you may obtain a
replenishment card at no charge from either the Wild life Resources
Commission or any wildlife service agent. Lifetime license-holders
also may obtain the big game harvest report card by going online
at ncwildlife.org, calling 888-248-6834, or visiting a wild life
service agent. Persons exempt by law from the big game hunt ing
license must obtain a “License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report
Card” for license-exempt hunters (at no charge) from a wild life
service agent. For more information on license exceptions, refer to
the “Exceptions to License Require ments” section on page 4.
Autho rization numbers for big game animals, taken prior to
receiving the big game harvest report card via the mail (when
General Information The services that the North Caro lina Wildlife
Resources Commission provides to the public are financed primarily
through the sale of licenses, which include hunt ing, fishing, trapping
and other licenses. The var ious types of licenses sold by the Commission
differ with respect to the activ ities they authorize, where and when the
activities occur, and where the license-holder resides. This section pro -
vides some gen eral information about these licenses, followed by
detailed sum maries of the various licenses available, the privileges they
authorize and the associated fees. All licenses are nontrans ferable.
Replacement Licenses To replace a license that becomes worn,
lost or destroyed, call 888-248-6834 or go to ncwildlife.org to
obtain an application. A $5 fee is charged to defray the cost
of processing.
Reciprocal Fishing License Agreements A reciprocal fishing
license agree ment is in effect between North Carolina and each
of the states listed below. The agreement provides
for the following: All state wide hook-and-line fishing licenses
obtainable from either North Carolina or the respective state
are honored on certain boundary waters as noted:
Georgia—The agreement with Georgia covers fishing from boats
not anchored to the shore or to a pier or boat dock connecting
to the shore on Chatuge Reservoir including all tributaries that
are accessible by boat from the main body of the reservoir.
Tennessee—The agreement with Tennessee covers the state-line por -
tion of Slick Rock Creek and boat fishing on Calderwood Reservoir.
Virginia—The agreement with Virginia covers the Dan River east
of the Brantly Steam Plant Dam, the Staunton River east of the
Rt. 360 bridge, and Kerr and Gaston reservoirs and their tribu -
taries that are accessible by boat. The Rt. 360 bridge is the first
bridge crossing the Staunton River upstream of Kerr Reservoir.
The agreement also covers that portion of the New River between
the confluence of the North and South forks of the New River in
North Carolina (Alleghany County) and the confluence of the
New and Little rivers in Virginia (Grayson County).
No reciprocal agreements exist between North Carolina and South
Carolina that provide for honoring the other state’s fishing
licenses on any boundary waters.
Purchasing Licenses You can purchase a license in four ways:
  Visit a wildlife service agent—Most licenses, including life -
time licenses, can be obtained from your local wildlife service
agent. Be prepared to present your valid driver license or state
identification card.
  Visit us online at ncwildlife.org—Most licenses are avail able
for purchase online.
  Phone 888-248-6834—Have a pen, paper, VISA or MasterCard,
your driver license number and WRC customer number handy.
  All licenses may be obtained directly from the Wildlife
Resources Com mission in person at NCSU Centennial
Campus, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC or by mail.
Please note: Sportsmen purchasing licenses online or by telephone
will be eligible to exercise the privileges of the license immediately
after completing the transaction or telephone call.
License Information For more information on licenses, obtaining
license applications or obtaining a list of wildlife ser vice agents
nearest you, visit us online at ncwildlife.org, call us at
888-248-6834, or write to this address: NCWRC, 1707 Mail
Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS
License Identification Requirements To show entitlement to a
license issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission, any one
LICENSE INFORMATION
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. 3
4 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. LICENSE INFORMATION
license is purchased by telephone), must be recorded and avail -
able for inspection. Once the harvest report card is received by
mail, the big game kill authorization number must be recorded
on the harvest report card and the card validated for the appro -
priate animal. For more information on big game reporting, refer
to the “Big Game Harvest and Reporting” section on page 56.
HIP Certification Requirement All licensed hunters hunt ing
migratory game birds (doves, rails, woodcocks, gallinule, snipes
or water fowl) in North Carolina are required to have a certificate
of par ticipation in the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP).
This certification can be obtained free of charge by going online at
ncwildlife.org, calling 888-248-6834, or visiting a wild life
service agent. Persons exempt by law from the hunt ing license
requirement are not required to obtain the HIP certification.
Federal Duck Stamp In addition to the North Carolina water fowl
privilege, waterfowl hunters 16 years of age and older are required
to carry on their person the federal duck stamp, signed in ink across
the face. Federal duck stamps can be obtained at most U.S. post
offices or from selected wildlife service agents. Visit duckstamp.com
to order the duck stamp online or to find the duck stamp retailer
nearest you. The federal duck stamp expires June 30 of each year.
Exceptions to License Requirements
General
  A landowner or person leasing land primarily for cultivation,
their spouse, and dependents under 18 residing with them, may
hunt, trap and fish on such land without a license.
  A resident of this state who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces
serving outside N.C., or who is on full-time mil itary duty outside
the state in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces is exempt
from hunting, inland and coastal fish ing license requirements while
on leave in this state for 30 days or less. When hunting or fishing under
this exemption you must carry, on your person your military ID card
and a copy of the offi cial docu ment confirming you are on leave from
a duty station outside of N.C. You must also comply with all
report ing and hunter safety requirements as mandated by the
Resident Nonresident
$20 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$40 N/A
FREE N/A
LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
HUNTING AND INLAND FISHING COMBINATION LICENSES Purchase your license online at ncwildlife.org
Following is a list of annual and lifetime combination hunting and inland fishing licenses and the privilege license(s) and certification(s) associated with each. Privilege licenses
and certifications authorize a particular hunting or inland fishing activity not included with a basic license type. Privileges may be purchased separately if the purchaser
holds a valid basic license. If a privilege license is not listed, the license type includes the special hunting or inland fishing activity. HIP Certification is required for all those
planning to hunt migratory game birds, including lifetime license-holders. See page 8 for a complete list of privileges and certifications.
ANNUAL LICENSES Annual licenses, privileges and certifications are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Refer to page 13 for a list of annual Unified Sportsman/Coastal Fishing licenses.
•Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide hunting and inland fishing for resi dents
during a license term. Includes fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear, and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
•Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents during a license term. Includes the privileges
of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for water fowl (does not include federal duck
stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint
waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
Commission and purchase a federal duck stamp if waterfowl hunt ing.
Individuals exempt from the requirements of a hunting license must
obtain a “License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card” from
the Wildlife Resources Commission or a wild life service agent, at no
charge when hunting big game.
Individuals exempt from hunt ing and fishing license requirements
must adhere to designated seasons and limits.
Hunting
  Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of a hunt -
ing license provided they comply with the following: Youth who
have not obtained a Certificate of Competency showing their
completion of the hunter safety course must be accompanied by
a properly licensed adult when hunting. Youth who have obtained
this certificate, may hunt without being accompanied by an adult,
but must carry their certificate while hunting. Youths exempt from
the hunting license requirement must obtain a “License-Exempt
Big Game Har vest Report Card” when hunting big game.
Fishing
  Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of a fishing
license and trout privilege license.
  The game lands license is not required to fish in any waters on
game lands or Wildlife Conservation Areas.
  An inland fishing license is not required to fish in a private pond.
A private pond is a body of water arising within and lying wholly
upon the lands of a single owner or a single group of joint owners
or tenants in common, and from which fish cannot escape, and
into which fish of legal size cannot enter from public waters at
any time. A pond or lake located on land owned by a public body
such as a state-supported university or a governmental entity is
not a private pond.
  July 4th is declared “FREE FISHING DAY,” and a fishing license
and trout privilege license are not required in any public waters,
including coastal waters, on this date.
  Residents with a valid Unified Subsistence Inland/Coastal
Recreational Fishing License Waiver are exempt from the require -
ment of a basic inland and coastal recreational fishing license.
LICENSE INFORMATION
Resident Nonresident
$500 $1,000
N/A $125
FREE FREE
$350 $350
$200 $200
$15 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$100 N/A
FREE N/A
$100 N/A
FREE N/A
LIFETIME LICENSES Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license-holder. The privilege license and HIP
Certification are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Refer to pages 13–14 for a list of Lifetime Unified
Sportsman/Coastal Fishing licenses.
•Sportsman (ages 12 & older): Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game,
hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public
Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not
include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License and Certification Available:
Bear Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the lifetime sportsman license, to hunt bear.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Sportsman (ages 1–11): Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting
on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters.
•Sportsman (under age 1): Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting
on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters.
•Age 65 (or older) Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents. Includes hunting for
big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing
in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does
not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Disabled Veteran Hunting and Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide basic hunting and inland fishing for
residents who are 50 percent or more disabled veterans as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint
waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 12 for application instructions.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Totally Disabled Hunting and Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide basic hunting and inland fishing
for residents who are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration
or the Railroad Retirement Board. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters
on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 12 for
application instructions.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Disabled Veteran Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents who are 50 percent or more
disabled as determined by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands,
hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in
trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page
12 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Totally Disabled Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents who are totally and per -
manently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck
stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint
waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 12 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
5
LICENSE INFORMATION 6 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
HUNTING LICENSES
Following is a list of short-term, annual and lifetime hunting licenses and the privilege license(s) and certification associated with each. Privilege
licenses and certifications authorize a particular hunting activity not included with a basic license type. Privileges may be pur chased separately if
the purchaser holds a valid basic license. If a privilege license is not listed, the license type includes the special hunting activity. HIP Certification is
required for all those planning to hunt migratory game birds, including lifetime license-holders. See page 8 for a complete list of privileges and
certifications. See table below for reciprocal license fee information for GA, SC, TN, and VA residents.
Resident Nonresident
N/A $40*
N/A $40*
N/A $125
N/A $15
N/A $10
N/A FREE
$15 $60*
$10 $60*
N/A $125
$15 $15
$10 $10
FREE FREE
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
FREE N/A
$30 N/A
FREE N/A
$250 N/A
FREE N/A
License type GA SC TN VA
Season Hunt $100 $125 $ 90 $110
Season Big Game $195 $100 $160 $ 85
6-Day Hunt $ 40 $ 60 $ 50 $ 80
6-Day Big Game $110 $ 80 $ 90 $ 80
SHORT-TERM LICENSE Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license. Privileges and
certifi cations are valid 12 months from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. If planning to hunt on Sunday,
please indicate this at the time of purchase.
•State Hunting—Six-Day (basic): Statewide hunting for nonresidents during the six-day period specified
on the license.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting—Six-Day: Hunting of deer, bear and wild turkey during the six-day period specified
on the license. This license privilege is needed in addition to the basic state hunting license. Does not
include the nonresident bear hunting privilege.
Bear Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the short-term state hunting license and the big
game hunting privilege, to hunt bear.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual licenses, privileges, and certifications are valid for 12 months from the
date of purchase.
•State Hunting (basic): Statewide hunting during a license term.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey. Nonresidents hunting bear must also
purchase the Bear Privilege License.
Bear Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the annual state hunting license and the big game
hunting privilege, to hunt bear.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•County Hunting (basic): Hunting within the county of residence during a license term.
Additional Privilege Licenses and Certification Available:
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Comprehensive Hunting: Statewide hunting for residents during a license term. Also includes the
privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands and hunting for waterfowl (does not include
federal duck stamp).
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license-holder. The HIP Certification is valid
for 12 months from date of purchase.
•State Comprehensive Hunting: Statewide hunting, hunting for big game, hunting on game lands and
hunting for waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp).
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves,
rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
*License fees for residents of Georgia,
South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia
differ from the above listed fees due to
recip rocal pricing. Refer to the chart for
appropriate license fees for these states.
7
LICENSE INFORMATION
Resident Nonresident
$5 $10
$10 $10
$15 $30
$10 $10
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
$20 N/A
$10 $50
$100 $200
$250 N/A
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
SHORT-TERM LICENSE Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license. Privileges are valid 12
months from the date of purchase.
•State Inland Fishing 10-Day (basic): Statewide inland fishing during the 10-day period specified on the
license. Includes fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual licenses and privileges are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Refer to
page 13 for a list of annual Inland/Coastal Fishing licenses.
•State Inland Fishing (basic): Statewide inland fishing during a license term. Includes fishing in joint
waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
•County Inland Fishing (basic): Inland fishing within the county of residence during a license term.
Includes fishing in joint waters within the county of residence. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing
on game lands.
•Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents during a license term. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
•Special Inland Fishing Devices (basic/noncommercial): Authorizes the taking of nongame fish from
inland waters (does not include joint and coastal waters) during designated seasons with nets, traps, gigs,
reels, spear guns, baskets, bow and arrow, and any other authorized special fishing device. Includes the
sale of these nongame fish. Taking of nongame fishes with bow and arrow is authorized under any of the
licenses providing basic hunting or inland fishing privileges. This license is valid when no more than three
special fishing devices are used.
•Special Inland Fishing Devices (basic/commercial): Authorizes the taking of nongame fish from inland
waters (does not include joint and coastal waters) during designated seasons with nets, traps, gigs, reels,
spear guns, baskets, bow and arrow, and any other authorized special fishing device. Includes the
sale of these nongame fish. Taking of nongame fishes with bow and arrow is authorized under any of the
licenses providing basic hunting or inland fishing privileges. This license is valid when four or more special
fishing devices are used.
LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder. Refer to pages 13–14 for
a list of lifetime Unified Inland/ Coastal Fishing licenses.
•State Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing. Includes fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters.
•Age 65 (or older) Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
•Disabled Veteran Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents who are 50 percent or more
disabled veterans as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Includes fishing in Public Mountain
Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing
in coastal waters. Refer to page 12 for application instructions.
•Totally Disabled Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing for residents who are totally and permanently
disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Refer to page 12 for application instructions.
INLAND FISHING LICENSES
Following is a list of short-term, annual and lifetime inland fishing licenses and the privilege license(s) associated with each. The privilege license authorizes a
particular inland fishing activity not included with the basic license type. Privileges may be purchased separately if pur chaser holds a valid basic license. If a
privilege license is not listed, the license type includes the special inland fishing activity. These licenses include fishing in joint waters. They do not include fishing in
coastal waters. See page 8 for a complete list of privileges and certifications. Note: Individuals 16 years of age or older using any type of bait or gear to catch finfish
while fishing in North Caro lina’s public waters must possess a valid North Carolina fishing license. This license requirement does not apply to private ponds.
Individual residents who receive Food Stamps, Medicaid or Work First Family Assistance may obtain a written waiver (Annual Subsistence License Waiver) from this
fishing license requirement through their county Department of Social Services.
8 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. LICENSE INFORMATION
Resident Nonresident
$25 $100
$15 $15
$10 N/A
$15 N/A
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual and privilege licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
•State Trapping (basic): Statewide trapping during a license term.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
•County Trapping (basic): Trapping within the county of residence during a license term.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands.
TRAPPING LICENSES
PRIVILEGE LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
For your convenience, we have separately listed the privilege licenses and certifi ca tions below. Annual privilege licenses and certifica tions
authorize particular hunting or inland fishing activities and must be obtained in addition to the appropriate basic license. Privileges may be
purchased separately if the purchaser holds a valid license. Privilege licenses and certifications are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
HIP Certification is required for all those planning to hunt migratory game birds, including lifetime license-holders.
Resident Nonresident
$10 $60*
N/A $40*
N/A $125
$10 $10
$15 $15
$10 $10
FREE FREE
$10 $10
Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey. Nonresidents hunting bear must also
purchase the Bear Hunting Privilege License.
Big Game Hunting –Six-Day: Hunting of deer, bear and wild turkey during the six-day period specified on
the license. This license privilege is needed in addition to the basic state hunting license. Does not include
the nonresident bear hunting privilege.
Bear Hunting: Needed by nonresident license holders, in addition to the big game privilege, to hunt bear.
Nonresident lifetime license holders who purchased their license prior to May 24, 1994 do not have to
purchase this additional privilege license to hunt bear.
Bonus Antlerless Deer: Allows the harvest of two additional antlerless deer per report card in counties or
parts of counties with a maximum either-sex season or any municipality enrolled in the Urban Archery
Season. Not valid for use on game lands. Refer to the Big Game section for more information.
Game Lands: Needed to hunt or trap on game lands. See the Game Lands section for other uses that
require a game lands license.
Waterfowl Hunting: Needed to hunt waterfowl.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing on game lands.
*License fees for residents of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia differ from the above
listed fees due to reciprocal pricing. Refer to page 6 or ncwildlife.org for a list of fees.
9
Bobcat/Otter Tags: Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of bobcat or otter car casses or pelts.
All bobcat and otter car casses or pelts shall be properly tagged within 10 days following the close of the
appli cable hunting or trapping season.
Controlled Hunting Preserve: Needed to hunt fox or pen-raised game birds on a licensed commercial
hunting preserve. This license may be used without a basic hunting license. This license is not required
if you possess a basic hunting, comprehensive hunting or sportsman’s license.
Disabled Access Permit: Authorizes persons with limited physical mobility to operate vehi cles, including
ATVs, on any Commission-maintained road open for vehicular travel, those trails posted for vehicular
travel and only on OPEN-GATED or UNGATED roads, otherwise closed to vehicular traffic on game lands
listed in the Disabled Access Program and to have access to special disabled hunting blinds. It does not
authorize operation of vehicles on closed roads on game lands not listed in the Disabled Access Program.
One companion may accompany the disabled person, provided that person possesses the “companion
card” issued to the disabled hunter. The disabled hunter will also be issued a “vehi cle access card.” The
permit is valid as long as the qualifying disability persists. For more infor mation, refer to the “Disabled
Sportsman” and “Disabled Access Program” sections on pages 12 and 64.
Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification: This is a medical certification used to establish eligibility for
participation in disabled hunt opportunities. This certification is only necessary when the applicant
does not possess a lifetime disabled veteran or totally disabled license. This certification is not a license;
therefore, a valid hunting license, in addition to the hunt permit, is required when participating in a
disabled hunt opportunity. For more information, refer to the “Disabled Sportsman” section on page 12.
Falconry: Needed to hunt by the use of any raptor. A basic or comprehensive hunting or sportsman’s license
is needed in addition to the falconry license. License expires June 30 of each year. Call 919-707-0050
for an application.
Fox Tags: Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of a fox carcass or pelt. All fox carcasses or pelts
shall be properly tagged within 10 days following the close of the applicable hunting or trapping season.
Fur Dealer: Authorizes buying and selling furs anywhere in North Carolina. License expires June 30
each year.
Fur Dealer Station: Authorizes the license-holder and his or her employee(s) to buy or sell furs at an
established location in North Carolina and under the supervision of the license-holder. License
expires June 30 each year.
Hunting/Inland Fishing Guide: Needed to guide others for a fee. In cases where persons for hire are being
transported by vessel; a vessel-for-hire license may be required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Special Landholder and Guest Fishing License: May be purchased by the landholder of private property
bordering inland or joint fishing waters, including Public Mountain Trout Waters. This license shall entitle
the landholder, and guests of the landholder, to fish from the shore or any pier or dock originating from the
property without any additional inland fishing license. May not be used for commercial purposes. A guest
is defined as any individual invited by the landholder to fish from the property at no charge. A charge
includes any fee, assessment, dues, rent, or other consideration which must be paid, whether directly or
indirectly, in order to be allowed to fish from the property, regardless of the stated reason for such charge.
License valid 12 months from date of issue.
Taxidermy: Authorizes persons to practice taxidermy involving wildlife for any compensa tion. License
expires Dec. 31 each year.
OTHER LICENSES AND PERMITS
The Wildlife Resources Commission offers a wide range of special licenses and permits to serve the public. For information on the licenses or
permits listed below or to obtain an application, you may visit us online at ncwildlife.org, call us at 888-248-6834 or write to NCWRC, 1707 Mail
Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
$2.20 ea. $2.20 ea.
$15 $15
FREE FREE
FREE FREE
$10 $10
$2.25 ea. $2.25 ea.
$60 $300
$120 N/A
$10 $100
$50 $50
$10 N/A
LICENSE INFORMATION
Resident Nonresident
10 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED. LICENSE INFORMATION
Price Hunting & Inland Fishing
$20 Annual Combo Hunt & Inland Fish (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$40 Annual Sportsman X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$200 Lifetime Sportsman (under age 1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$350 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 1-11) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$500 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 12 & older) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$15 Age 65 (or older) Sportsman X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$10 Disabled Veteran (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$10 Totally Disabled (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$100 Disabled Sportsman X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Hunting
$15 Annual State Hunting (basic) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$10 Annual County Hunting (basic) (1) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$30 Annual Comprehensive Hunting X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$250 Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
$10 Big Game (2) X X X
$15 Game Lands (2) (8) X X
$10 N.C. Waterfowl (2) (3) X
Free HIP Certification (6) (7) X
Inland Fishing
$5 10-Day Inland Fishing (basic) X X
$15 Annual State Inland Fishing (basic) X X
$10 Annual County Inland Fishing (basic) (1) X X
$20 Annual Comprehensive Inland Fishing X X X
$250 Lifetime Comprehensive Inland Fishing X X X
Additional Inland Fishing Privilege
$10 Trout Fishing (4) X
Trapping
$25 Annual State Trapping (basic) (8) X
$10 AnnualCounty Trapping (basic) (1)(8) X
Other Licenses
$10 Annual Hunt/Inland Fish Guide X
$15 Controlled Hunting Preserve (5) X
$10 Noncommercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
$100 Commercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
(1) Valid for use only in the license holders’ county of residence.
(2) Must also possess the appropriate basic hunting license.
(3) Must also possess a federal duck stamp.
(4) Must also possess a valid inland fishing license.
(5) This license may be used without a hunting license.
(6) Required to hunt federal migratory & waterfowl birds.
(7) Must also possess either a basic hunting, comprehensive
hunting or sportsman’s license.
(8) Trapping on game lands requires a Game Lands License
and a Trapping License.
(9) Must have the HIP Certification.
= Lifetime Licenses
Additional Information
RESIDENT HUNTING, INLAND FISHING AND TRAPPING LICENSE TYPES
and Associated Privilege Licenses
Refer to License Type Section for a complete description of license types and privileges. Refer to page 15
for a list of Resident Coastal Fishing and Unified Sportsman/Coastal Fishing license types.
Deer
Bear
Turkey
Squirrel
Rabbit
Migratory Game
Birds (9)
Quail
Grouse
Pheasant
Raccoon
Opossum
Bobcat
Crow
Beaver
Groundhog
Coyote
Controlled Shooting
Preserves
Waterfowl (3) (9)
Game Lands (hunting)
Trapping
Game Lands (trapping) (8)
Basic Inland Fishing
Public Mtn. Trout Waters
Special Device Fishing
Nongame Fish
Bow & Arrow
Hunt\ Inland Fish Guide
L I C E N S E S P R I V I L E G E S
HUNTING
Big Game Basic Hunting OTHER
“X” indicates the privileges authorized for
each license type.
X
11
NONRESIDENT HUNTING, INLAND FISHING AND TRAPPING LICENSE TYPES
and Associated Privilege Licenses
Refer to License Type Section for a complete description of license types and privileges. Refer to page 15
for a list of Nonresident Coastal Fishing and Unified Sportsman/Coastal Fishing license types.
Price Hunting & Inland Fishing
$200 Lifetime Sportsman (under age 1) X XX X X XX X XX X X XX X X XX XX X
$350 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 1-11) X XX X X XX X XX X X XX X X XX XX X
$1,000 Lifetime Sportsman (ages 12 & older) X XX X X XX X XX X X XX X X XX XX X
Hunting
$40 Six-Day State Hunting (basic) (10) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$60 Annual State Hunting (basic) (10) X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
$40 Six-Day Big Game (2) (10) X X
$60 Big Game (season) (2) (10) X X
$125 Bear (1) X
$15 Game Lands (2) (8) X X
$10 N.C. Waterfowl (2) (3) X
Free HIP Certification (6) (7) X X
Inland Fishing
$10 10-Day Inland Fishing (basic) X X
$30 Annual State Inland Fishing (basic) X X
Additional Inland Fishing Privilege
$10 Trout Fishing (4) X
Trapping
$100 Annual State Trapping (basic) (8) X
Other Licenses
$100 Annual Hunt/Inland Fish Guide X
$15 Controlled Hunting Preserve (5) X
$50 Noncommercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
$200 Commercial Special Inland Fishing Device X
(1) Must also possess either a basic hunting or sportsman’s
license and a big game license.
(2) Must also possess the appropriate basic hunting license.
(3) Must also possess a federal duck stamp.
(4) Must also possess a valid inland fishing license.
(5) This license may be used without a hunting license.
(6) Required to hunt federal migratory & waterfowl birds.
(7) Must also possess either a basic hunting or sportsman’s license.
(8) Trapping on game lands requires a Game Lands License and a
Trapping License.
(9) Must have the HIP Certification.
(10) Reciprocal license fees apply to Georgia, South Carolina,
Ten nessee and Virginia residents. Refer to page 6 for a list of fees.
= Lifetime Licenses
Additional Information Deer
Bear
Turkey
Squirrel
Rabbit
Migratory Game
Birds (9)
Quail
Grouse
Pheasant
Raccoon
Opossum
Bobcat
Crow
Beaver
Groundhog
Coyote
Controlled Shooting
Preserves
Waterfowl (3) (9)
Game Lands (hunting)
Trapping
Game Lands (trapping) (8)
Basic Inland Fishing
Public Mtn. Trout Waters
Special Device Fishing
Nongame Fish
Bow & Arrow
Hunt\ Inland Fish Guide
L I C E N S E S P R I V I L E G E S
HUNTING
Big Game Basic Hunting OTHER
“X” indicates the privileges authorized for
each license type. LICENSE INFORMATION
12 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
General Information The N. C. Wildlife Resources Com mi s sion does
not honor disabled licenses or permits from other states. Disabled
licenses and permits must be obtained directly from the Wildlife
Resources Commission. To obtain a disabled license or permit application,
visit us online at ncwildlife.org, call us at 888-248-6834, or write to
NCWRC, 1707 Mail Ser vice Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
Disabled Sportsman Program Information The Wildlife
Resources Com mission has established increased access and
opportunities for persons with disabilities to hunt on agency
game lands and other lands. A brief description and the quali -
fica tions for each are provided below. To obtain an applica-tion,
you may visit us online at ncwildlife.org, call us
at 888-248-6834, or write to NCWRC, Disabled Sportsman
Program, 1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1707.
For specific informa tion on disabled hunt opportunities, refer
to the Permit Hunting Opportunities publication.
The Disabled Access Permit authorizes persons with limited
physical mobility to operate vehi cles, including ATVs, on any
Commission-maintained road open for vehicular travel, those
trails posted for vehicular travel and only on OPEN-GATED or
UNGATED roads, otherwise closed to vehicular traffic on game
lands listed in the Disabled Access Program, and allows access to
special disabled hunting blinds designated for hunters with dis -
abilities. See page 64 for a list of game lands or designated areas
within a game land in which this permit is valid. This permit does
not allow operation of vehicles on closed roads on game lands
unless the game land is listed in the Disabled Access Program. The
disabled hunter will be issued a companion and vehicle access
card. One companion may accompany the disabled hunter,
provided that person possesses the companion card. This permit
is valid as long as the qualifying disability per sists. There is no fee
Several types of lifetime licenses are available as noted under the
“License Information” section of this Digest, which begins on
page 3. Lifetime sportsman and lifetime comprehensive hunting
licenses include the state waterfowl privilege. Lifetime compre -
hen sive hunting licenses and lifetime comprehensive inland
fishing licenses are sold only to residents of North Carolina.
Nonresidents may purchase the nonresident lifetime sportsman
license. Lifetime licenses may also be personalized for an addi -
tional $5 fee (some exclusions apply). There are no residency
restrictions for the infant and youth lifetime licenses. You may
also give a lifetime license as a gift. All of these licenses are good
for the life of the license-holder. Even if you move out of North
Carolina, you can use the license anytime you return to the state.
Lifetime licenses can be purchased at your local wildlife service
agent, online at ncwildlife.org, by telephone 888-248-6834 or by
mail from the Wildlife Resources Commission. Please note that
infant and youth lifetime licenses require a copy of the birth
certificate; these two licenses cannot be purchased online or by
telephone. Disabled licenses must be purchased by mail or in
person at WRC Headquarters. To obtain a lifetime license appli -
cation visit our website at ncwildlife.org or call 888-248-6834.
Tax Deductible Contributions to the Wildlife Endow ment Fund
Donations to the Wildlife Endowment Fund are deductible from
your taxable income. Donations can be made directly to the
fund or as a bequest from a will or as a memorial gift to honor a
deceased friend or family member. The fund can also be named
as a beneficiary to a life insurance policy. When making a memo -
rial donation, include the name and address of the donor or
donors as well as the name of the person or persons who is/are
being remembered by the donation. A card will be sent to the
donor acknowledging the contribution.
For additional information, visit us online at ncwildlife.org, call
866-945-3746, or write to NCWRC, Wildlife Endowment
Fund, 1710 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1710.
Lifetime Hunting and Inland Fishing Licenses Lifetime hunting and inland fishing licenses are a great deal for sportsmen. Purchasing a life time
license saves you money over the years, may be charged to a VISA or MasterCard, and supports North Carolina’s rich wildlife heritage. Funds from lifetime
license sales are deposited directly into the Wildlife Endowment Fund, which supports wildlife conservation programs.
associated with this permit. Qualifications:
Com petent medical evidence must be submitted indicating
that a disability exists that limits physical mobility, to the extent
that nor mal utilization of the game lands is not possible without
vehicular assistance.
The Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification is a medical certifi -
ca tion used to establish eligibility for participation in disabled
hunt opportunities. This certification is only necessary when the
applicant does not possess a lifetime disabled veteran or totally
disabled license. This certification is not a license; there fore, a
valid hunting license, in addition to the hunt permit, is required
when participating in a disabled hunt opportunity. There is no
fee for this certification. For a list of disabled hunt opportunities,
refer to the Permit Hunting Opportunities publication. Qualifica -
tions: Medical certification in one of the following disabilities:
  missing fifty percent (50 percent) or more of one or more limbs,
whether by amputation or natural causes;
  paralysis of one or more limbs;
  dysfunction of one or more limbs rendering the individual
unable to perform the task of grasping and lifting with the
hands and arms or unable to walk without mechanical
assistance, other than a cane;
  disease, injury or impairment confining the individual to a
wheel chair, walker or crutches;
  legal deafness.
This certification shall remain valid as long as the qualifying
disability persists.
Within the national forests in North Carolina, off highway vehicles
(OHVs) are permitted only on designated routes. Further infor -
mation about areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service, includ ing
the Nantahala, Pisgah, Croatan and Uwharrie National Forests,
may be obtained online http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/.
THE WILDLIFE ENDOWMENT FUND DISABLED SPORTSMAN INFORMATION
Resident Nonresident
$5 $10
$15 $30
$250 $500
$150 $150
$100 $100
$15 N/A
$10 N/A
$10 N/A
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
The Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is required for individuals 16 years or older to recreationally take finfish in the state’s coastal fishing waters, which include
sounds, coastal rivers and tributaries and out to three miles in the ocean. Recreational anglers, who catch fish in the ocean greater than three miles offshore, are required
to have a coastal recreational fishing license in order to bring fish back to shore in North Carolina. Finfish harvested is for personal consumption only and cannot be sold.
For more information, contact: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, ncwildlife.org, 888-248-6834 or Division of Marine Fisheries, http://portal.ncdenr.org /web/mf/, local
252-726-7021, toll-free 800-682-2632. Following is a list of short-term, annual and lifetime coastal recreational fishing licenses valid in coastal and joint waters.
ANNUAL UNIFIED LICENSE Annual licenses and privileges are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
•Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and coastal recreational fishing
for residents during a license term. Includes the privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for
waterfowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on
game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
Additional Privilege License Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License: Statewide inland and coastal recreational fishing for
residents during a license term. Includes the privileges of fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout
waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Subsistence Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License Waiver: Statewide basic inland
and coastal recreational fishing for residents who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps, or Work First Family Assistance
through the county Department of Social Services. Includes fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in Public
Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on game lands. License Waiver can be obtained through
the County Department of Social Services upon request.
Additional Privilege License Available:
Special Trout Fishing: Needed to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters. Includes trout fishing on game lands.
UNIFIED LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder. The privilege license and HIP
Certification are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
HUNTING AND FISHING:
•Unified Adult Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 12 & older): Statewide hunting, inland and
coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does
not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands,
and fishing in joint waters.
Additional Privilege License and Certification Available:
Bear Hunting: Needed by nonresidents, in addition to the lifetime sportsman license, to hunt bear.
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Youth Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 1–11): Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl
(does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game
lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Infant Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing (under age 1): Statewide hunting, inland
and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl
(does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game
lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Age 65 (or older) Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and
SHORT-TERM LICENSE Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license.
•Coastal Recreational Fishing 10-Day: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters during the 10-day period
specified on the license. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
ANNUAL LICENSE Annual licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
•Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters during a license term.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
LIFETIME LICENSE Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder.
•Adult Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 12 & older): Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Youth Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 1–11): Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Infant Coastal Recreational Fishing (under age 1): Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Age 65 (or older) Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters.
It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.
•Disabled Veteran Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters for residents who
are 50 percent or more disabled veterans as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It does not authorize
fishing in inland waters. Refer to page 12 for application instructions.
•Totally Disabled Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters for residents who
are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement
Board. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters. Refer to page 12 for application instructions.
UNIFIED HUNTING, INLAND AND COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
Following is a list of annual and lifetime unified hunting, inland and coastal recreational fishing licenses valid in coastal and joint waters.
Resident Nonresident
$55 N/A
FREE N/A
$35 N/A
FREE N/A
$10 N/A
$675 $1350
N/A $125
FREE FREE
$450 $450
$275 $275
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE
13
coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not
include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and
fishing in joint waters.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Disabled Veteran Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and coastal
recreational fishing for residents who are 50 percent or more disabled veterans as determined by the Department of
Veterans Affairs. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include
federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in
joint waters. Refer to page 12 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
•Unified Totally Disabled Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and coastal
recreational fishing for residents who are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Admin -
istration or the Railroad Retirement Board. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for water -
fowl (does not include federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game
lands, and fishing in joint waters. Refer to page 12 for application instructions.
Additional Certification Available:
HIP Certification (federal requirement): Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails,
gallinule, snipe and woodcock).
FISHING:
•Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide inland and coastal recreational fishing. Includes
fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.
•Unified Legally Blind Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide fishing in all public waters for residents
who have been certified by the Department of Health and Human Services as being legally blind. Includes fishing in
Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on game lands. Refer to page 12 for application instructions.
•Unified Adult Care Home Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide fishing in all public waters
for residents of an adult care home. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on
game lands. License valid during time of residency at adult care facility. Call 888-248-6834 to obtain an application.
Resident Nonresident
$30 N/A
FREE N/A
$110 N/A
FREE N/A
$110 N/A
FREE N/A
$450 N/A
FREE N/A
FREE N/A
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE 14 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
STOPAQUATIC HITCHHIKERS!
CLEAN AND DRY ANYTHING THAT COMES INTO CONTACT WITH WATER
Invasive aquatic plants, such as hydrilla and giant salvinia; exotic mussels, such as zebra
and quagga mussels; and even algae, like didymo or rock snot, can hitch a ride on fishing
and boating gear. Once established, they cause extensive damage to aquatic systems.
We need your help to prevent the spread of nuisance species.
When you leave a body of water:
• Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.
• Eliminate water from equipment before transporting.
• Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.).
• Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.
For more information, including recommendations for cleaning anything that comes into contact with water,
visit: www.ProtectYourWaters.net
(1) Required to hunt federal migratory & waterfowl birds.
(2) Must also possess either a basic hunting, comprehensive hunting or
sportsman’s license.
(3) Must also possess a valid inland fishing license.
(4) Must also possess either a basic hunting or sportsman’s license and a
big game license.
(5) Must also have the HIP Certification.
(6) Must also possess a federal duck stamp.
(7) Trapping on game lands requires a Game Lands License and a Trapping License.
= Lifetime Licenses
Additional Information
UNIFIED HUNTING, INLAND AND COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE (CRFL) TYPES
and Associated Privilege Licenses
RESIDENT LICENSE TYPES
Price Hunting, Inland & CRFL
$55 Annual Unified Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$675 Lifetime Adult Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$450 Lifetime Youth Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$275 Lifetime Infant Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$30 Unified Age 65 & Older Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$110 Unified Disabled Vet Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
$110 Unified Totally Disabled Sportsman/CRFL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
Free HIP Certification (1) (2) X
Fishing
$5 10-Day – CRFL X
$15 Annual CRFL X
$35 Annual Unified Inland/CRFL X X X X
Free Annual Subsistence Inland/CRFL Waiver X X X
$250 Lifetime Adult CRFL X
$150 Lifetime Youth CRFL X
$100 Lifetime Infant CRFL X
$15 Age 65 & Older CRFL X
$10 Disabled Vet CRFL X
$10 Totally Disabled CRFL X
$450 Lifetime Unified Inland/CRFL X X X X
Additional Inland Fishing Privilege
$10 Trout Fishing (3) X
NONRESIDENT LICENSE TYPES
Price Hunting, Inland & CRFL
$1,350 Lifetime Adult Sportsman/CRFL X XX X X X XX XX X X XX X X XX X X X X
$450 Lifetime Youth Sportsman/CRFL X XX X X X XX XX X X XX X X XX X X X X
$275 Lifetime Infant Sportsman/CRFL X XX X X X XX XX X X XX X X XX X X X X
Additional Hunting Privileges
Free HIP Certification (1) (2) X
$125 Bear (4) X
Fishing
$10 10-Day – CRFL X
$30 Annual CRFL X
$500 Lifetime Adult CRFL X
$150 Lifetime Youth CRFL X
$100 Lifetime Infant CRFL X
COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE
15
Deer
Bear
Turkey
Squirrel
Rabbit
Migratory Game
Birds (5)
Quail
Grouse
Pheasant
Raccoon
Opossum
Bobcat
Crow
Beaver
Groundhog
Coyote
Controlled Shooting
Preserves
Waterfowl (5) (6)
Game Lands (hunting)
Trapping
Game Lands (trapping) (7)
Basic Inland Fishing
Public Mtn. Trout Waters
Special Device Fishing
Nongame Fish
Bow & Arrow
Coastal Recreational Fishing
L I C E N S E S P R I V I L E G E S
HUNTING
Big Game Basic Hunting OTHER
“X” indicates the privileges authorized for
each license type.
X
X
16 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
General Information Inland, Joint and Coastal Fishing Waters. Both
the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Div ision of Marine Fisheries
have licensing, management and regula tory authority in certain waters
along the coast of North Caro lina. These waters are designated
as inland, joint and coastal waters. The Wildlife Resources Commission
has juris dic tion in inland waters, and the Division of Marine Fisheries
has jurisdic tion (except that pertaining to inland game fishes) in
coastal waters. Both agencies have licensing and regulatory authority
in joint waters.
The boundaries between inland, joint and coastal fishing waters
are prominently marked with metal signs posted adjacent to
the affected waters. A list of these waters, with their boundaries
indicated, is available from the Wildlife Resources Com mis sion,
at ncwildlife.org (see Fishing–Where to Fish–Coastal, Joint and
Inland Fishing Waters Designations in N.C.), or by calling
919-707-0220. Maps are also available at
ncwildlife.org/fishingmap.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR JOINT FISHING WATERS
  It is unlawful to possess striped bass or Bodie bass (striped bass
hybrid) less than 18 inches in length.
  It is unlawful to possess striped bass or Bodie bass (striped bass
hybrid) between 22 and 27 inches in length in the joint waters
of the Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area.
  It is unlawful to possess striped bass or Bodie bass (striped bass
hybrid) from May 1 through Sept. 30 in the joint waters of the
Central-South ern and Albemarle Sound Striped Bass
Management Areas.
  It is unlawful to possess striped bass or Bodie bass (striped bass
hybrid) in the joint waters of the Cape Fear River.
  It is unlawful to possess more than one daily creel limit of striped
bass or Bodie bass (striped bass hybrid), in combination, per
person per day, regardless of the number of management areas
fished.
  It is unlawful to possess striped bass or Bodie bass (striped bass
hybrid) that are not in agreement with size and creel limits of
the waters being fished, regardless of other management areas
that may have been fished that day.
  It is unlawful to net fish for striped bass or Bodie bass (striped
bass hybrid) in joint waters except as authorized by rules of the
Marine Fisheries Commission.
  It is unlawful to use seines, gill nets or trawl nets in the Lake
Mattamuskeet canals.
  It is unlawful to use any net, net stakes, or electrical fishing
device within 800 feet downstream of the dam at Lock No. 1
on the Cape Fear River.
  It is unlawful to possess more than 10 American or hickory shad
in aggregate, per person per day, taken by hook-and-line.
Otherwise, in joint fishing waters, commercial fishing and licensing—
including commercial trotlines—are subject to the coastal
fishing laws and regulations; inland game fish and hook-and-line
licensing—exclusive of commercial trotlines—are subject
to the inland fishing laws and regulations.
How to Measure Inland Game Fish The harvest of several
game fishes is regulated by length limits. Fish length is deter -
mined by measuring along a straight line (in other words, not
along the curvature of the body) the distance from the tip of the
closed mouth to the tip of the compressed caudal (tail) fin.
INLAND GAME FISH
The following fishes are designated as inland game fish:
  Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted)
  Crappie (white and black)
  Sunfish
  Bluegill
  Redbreast sunfish (robin)
  Redear sunfish (shellcracker)
  Pumpkinseed
  Warmouth
  Green sunfish
  Roanoke bass
  Rock bass
  Flier
  All other species of the family Centrarchidae
  Mountain trout (including but not limited to brook, brown
and rainbow trout)
  Kokanee salmon
  Walleye
  Sauger
  Pickerel, chain (jack) and redfin
  Muskellunge
  White bass, in inland waters
  Bodie bass (striped bass hybrid), in inland waters
  Striped bass, in inland waters
  Shad (American and hickory), in inland waters
  White perch, in inland waters
  Yellow perch, in inland waters
  Spotted sea trout, in inland waters
  Flounder, in inland waters
  Red drum (channel bass, red fish and puppy drum), in inland waters
GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR INLAND GAME FISH
Purchase and Sale
  The purchase and sale of inland game fish are unlawful, except
from and by licensed commercial trout ponds and fish propagators.
Manner of Taking
  Inland game fish may be taken only with a hook and line.
  Landing nets may be used to land fishes caught on a hook and line.
  It is unlawful to snag fish by pulling or jerking a device equipped
with one or more hooks through the water for the purpose of
impaling fish.
  American and hickory shad may be taken with bow nets from
March 1 through April 30 in those counties and waters with
open seasons for the use of bow nets (see “Seasons and Waters”
pages 30–34) and are subject to daily creel limits (see page 20).
  In the inland waters of the Roanoke River upstream of the U.S.
258 bridge, only a single barbless hook or a lure with a single
barbless hook may be used from April 1 to June 30. “Barbless”
means that the hook either does not have a barb or that the
barb is bent down.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
17
Possession and Use of Game Fish
1. It is unlawful to take, in any one day, more than the daily creel
limit of any inland game fish having a specified creel limit.
2. It is unlawful to possess more than the daily creel limit while
fishing, boating or afield; or to possess at any place more than
three days’ creel limit.
3. It is unlawful to possess fish whose size, creel or season
restrictions are not in compliance with the regulations on
the waters being fished.
4. It is unlawful, while fishing, to change the appearance of fish
subject to size limits or daily creel limits or remove the head
and/or tail from fish that are regulated by a size limit so that
they may not be measured and/or identified.
5. It is unlawful to destroy unnecessarily any inland game fish
taken from public fishing waters.
6. Inland game fish may be used as bait if they are legally taken
and are in agreement with the size and creel limits of the waters
being fished and other regulations.
Seasons There are no closed seasons on inland game fishes with
the following exceptions:
1. In Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, where the season for all
fishes is closed and fishing is prohibited from March 1–April 5,
2013. This closed season for fishing does not apply to power
supply lakes or municipal water supply lakes.
2. In undesignated waters where it is unlawful to possess trout
caught during the closed season (March 1–April 5, 2013).
3. On U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuges,
where federal regulations apply. See page 45 for a list of refuges
and contact information.
4. On the Roanoke River, where the striped bass season is closed
from May 1–end of February from the Roanoke Rapids Dam
downstream to the mouth of the river at the Albemarle Sound,
unless changed by proclamation of the Executive Director,
Wildlife Resources Commission.
5. In the Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area where it
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Longest spine over twice as
long as shortest spine Deep notch between fins
No scales at
base of fin
No scales at
base of fin
Upper jaw extends
beyond eye
Horizontal band
One patch of
teeth on tongue
Longest spine less than twice
the length of shortest spine
Shallow notch between fins
Scales at
base of fin
Upper jaw
extends to
back of eye
Horizontal band
Horizontal streaks
Scales at
base of fin
Largemouth Bass
Found statewide
BASS IDENTIFICATION CHART MORONE IDENTIFICATION CHART
Stripes distinct and
usually broken
Two patches of
teeth on tongue
Spotted Bass
Found west of I-77 and in the Cape Fear River Basin
Longest spine less
than twice the length
of shortest spine Shallow notch between fins
Scales at
base of fin
Scales at
base of fin
Upper jaw doesn’t
extend beyond
back of eye
Vertical bars
Smallmouth Bass
Found west of I-77 and in the Uwharrie and Dan rivers
One patch of
teeth on tongue
Stripes often faint
White Bass
Bodie Bass
(striped bass hybrid)
Two patches of
teeth on tongue
Striped Bass
Stripes distinct and
usually continuous
Additional information on these and other species can be found at ncwildlife.org/ fishing
18 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
REGULATIONS FOR WARMWATER GAME FISH
LOCATION
Black bass (including largemouth, smallmouth and spotted)
-All public waters except those listed below
- Roanoke River downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam
- Tar River downstream of Tar River Reservoir Dam
- Neuse River downstream of Falls Lake Dam
- Lake Raleigh (Wake Co.)
- Haw River downstream of Jordan Lake Dam
- Deep River downstream of Lockville Dam
- Cape Fear River
- Waccamaw River downstream of Lake Waccamaw Dam
- Lumber River, including Drowning Creek
- All other public waters east of Interstate 95, except Tar River Reservoir
(Nash Co.), Sutton Lake (see below), and Lake Phelps (see below)
- South Yadkin River downstream of Cooleemee Dam
- Yadkin-Pee Dee River from Idols Dam to the South Carolina state line,
including High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Badin Lake, Falls Lake
(Stanly and Montgomery counties), Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake.
- Lake Luke Marion (Moore Co.)
- Reedy Creek Park lakes (Mecklenburg Co.)
- Lake Rim (Cumberland Co.)
- Sutton Lake (New Hanover Co.)
- Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson and Nash counties)
- Cane Creek Lake (Union Co.)
- Lake Thom-A-Lex (Davidson Co.)
- Shearon Harris Reservoir
- Lake Phelps
- New River (Alleghany Co. portion downstream of Fields Dam in
Grayson Co., Va.)
-Randleman Reservoir (Randolph and Guilford counties)
State waters are classified as: inland, joint and coastal (see “Gen eral Information" on page 16). These state waters are collectively
referred to as public fishing waters. Certain fishes, including large mouth bass, crappie and mountain trout are designated inland
game fish and under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Resources Com mission in all public waters; whereas, some species, including striped
bass, white and yellow perch, flounder and red drum, are desig nated as inland game fish only in inland waters (see list on page 16).
SIZE LIMIT
14-inch minimum, except 2 may be
less than 14 inches
14-inch minimum
14-inch minimum
Dec. 1–March 31:
No bass may be possessed.
16-inch minimum
18-inch minimum
14-inch minimum, except that 2 may be
less than 14 inches and no bass between
16-20 inches may be possessed
14-inch minimum and no bass between
16-20 inches may be possessed
No minimum size and no bass
between 14-20 inches
may be possessed.
14-inch minimum, except that 2 may
be less than 14 inches
and only one may be greater than
20 inches
DAILY CREEL LIMIT*
5 in combination, including only 2
less than 14 inches
5 in combination
5 in combination
Dec. 1–March 31:
No bass may be possessed.
5 in combination
5 in combination
5 in combination, including only
2 less than 14 inches
5 in combination
5 in combination, including
only 1 bass greater
than 20 inches
5 in combination, including only
2 less than 14 inches
and only 1 greater than 20 inches
*Please note: “In combination” means the total number for all species combined.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
is unlawful to possess striped bass or Bodie bass (striped bass
hybrid) from May 1 – Sept. 30.
6. In Cape Fear River and tributaries below Buckhorn Dam
where possession of striped bass and Bodie bass (striped bass
hybrid) is prohibited.
7. In Sutton Lake, where possession of largemouth bass is
prohibited from Dec. 1 – March 31.
8. Fishing is prohibited from Feb. 15 – April 15 in the Linville
River from the mouth, as marked at Lake James, upstream
to the N.C. 126 bridge.
9. Seasons and size and creel limits for spotted sea trout, flounder,
and red drum are the same as those recreational limits estab lished
by Division of Marine Fisheries in adjacent joint and coastal fish ing
waters. For current limits, see
portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/recreational-fishing-size-and-bag-limits
or call 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632.
TROTLINES, SET-HOOKS AND JUG-HOOKS
  Trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks may be fished under any
license that authorizes basic fishing privileges.
  It is unlawful to use live bait with trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks.
  Trotlines (a line with multiple hooks) must be set parallel to the
nearest shore in all public waters, where their use is authorized.
  Each trotline, set-hook and jug-hook shall have attached the
name and address of the user legibly inscribed.
  Each trotline shall be conspicuously marked at each end, and
each set-hook shall be conspicuously marked at one end with
a prominent flag or floating object. (continued on page 19)
- Lake Cammack (Alamance Co.)
- Lake Holt (Granville Co.)
No minimum size limit, and only 2 bass
may be greater than 14 inches
10 in combination, including only
2 greater than 14 inches
19
LOCATION
Striped bass and Bodie bass (striped bass hybrid)
(Inland impoundments and tributaries)
-Impounded inland waters and their tributaries except those listed below
- John H. Kerr Reservoir
- Dan River in Caswell Co., N.C., downstream of Danville, Va.
- Cape Fear upstream of Buckhorn Dam and the Deep and Haw rivers to the
first impoundment
- B. Everett Jordan Reservoir
- Lake Rhodhiss
- Lake Hickory
- Lookout Shoals Reservoir
- Lake Gaston
- Roanoke Rapids Reservoir
- Lake Norman
Striped bass and Bodie bass (striped bass hybrid)
(Coastal rivers and impoundments)
Roanoke River Striped Bass Management Area (including Roanoke, Cashie,
Middle and Eastmost rivers and their tributaries)
- Roanoke Rapids Dam downstream to mouth of the river at Albemarle Sound
Albemarle Sound Striped Bass Management Area (including Roanoke
Sound, Croatan Sound, Albemarle Sound, Currituck Sound and Chowan,
Yeopim, Perquimans, Little, Pasquotank, North, Alligator and
Scuppernong rivers and their tributaries)
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area, inland and joint
waters including:
- Tar-Pamlico River and tributaries from Rocky Mount Mill Dam
downstream to N & S Railroad Bridge at Washington
- Neuse River and tributaries from Milburnie Dam downstream to Southern
Railroad Bridge at New Bern
- Pungo River
- All other unlisted inland and joint waters of coastal rivers and their
tributaries, except Cape Fear River and tributaries
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area, coastal waters including:
- Tar-Pamlico River downstream of the N & S Railroad Bridge at Washington,
including Pamlico Sound and tributaries designated as coastal waters
- Neuse River downstream of Southern Railroad Bridge at New Bern,
including Pamlico Sound and tributaries designated as coastal waters
- All other unlisted coastal waters
Central-Southern Striped Bass Management Area, inland, joint and coastal
waters of:
- Cape Fear River and tributaries downstream of Buckhorn Dam
- Pee Dee River and tributaries downstream of Blewett Falls Dam
- Lake Mattamuskeet
SIZE LIMIT
16-inch minimum, except 2 may be
less than 16 inches
Oct. 1–May 31:
26-inch minimum.
June 1–Sept. 30:
No minimum size limit
20-inch minimum
Oct. 1–May 31:
20-inch minimum
June 1–Sept. 30:
No minimum size limit
Oct. 1–May 31:
16-inch minimum.
June 1–Sept. 30:
No minimum size limit
Season - March 1–April 30 (unless
closed by proclamation):
18-inch minimum, no fish
between 22-27 inches
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
Season - Oct. 1–April 30
18-inch minimum and no fish
between 22-27 inches
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
No striped bass may be possessed
18-inch minimum
DAILY CREEL LIMIT
8 in combination, including only 2
less than 16 inches
Oct. 1–May 31:
2 in combination
June 1–Sept. 30:
4 in combination
4 in combination
4 in combination
4 in combination
Season - March 1–April 30 (unless
closed by proclamation):
2 in combination including only
1 greater than 27 inches
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
Season- Oct. 1–April 30
2 in combination
Established by Division of
Marine Fisheries
No striped bass may be possessed
3 in combination
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
  Metal cans and glass containers cannot be used as markers.
  The number of jug-hooks that may be fished is limited to 70 per boat.
  Trotlines, throwlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks must be fished
daily, and all fish must be removed daily.
  Untended trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks, as evidenced by
the absence of bait, may be removed from the water by wildlife
enforcement officers.
  Blue crabs may be taken recreationally with a single line with
multiple baits without hooks (see restrictions under “Taking
Non game Fish, Crustaceans, and Mollusks for Bait or Personal
Consumption” on pages 28 –29).
Exceptions
  No trotlines or set-hooks may be used in the impounded waters
of Sandhills Game Land or in Public Mountain Trout Waters.
  In Lake Waccamaw, it is unlawful to use trotlines or set-hooks
from May 1– Sept. 30.
STATE FISH HATCHERIES
  It is unlawful to fish at any time in the waters or on the property
of any state fish hatchery, including Bones Creek from the Lake
Rim Dam to the U.S. 401 Bypass (Raeford Road), except McKinney
Lake Reservoir at McKinney Lake State Fish Hatchery.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
LOCATION
Sunfish (except species listed below)
- All public fishing waters except those listed below
In the following waters and their tributaries:
- Roanoke River downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam
- Tar River downstream of Tar River Reservoir Dam
- Neuse River downstream of Falls Lake Dam
- Haw River downstream of Jordan Lake Dam
- Deep River downstream of Lockville Dam
- Cape Fear River
- Waccamaw River downstream of Lake Waccamaw Dam, Lumber River,
including Drowning Creek,
-All public waters east of Interstate 95, except Tar River Reservoir (Nash Co.)
Crappie (black and white)
- All public fishing waters except those listed below
In the following waters and their tributaries:
- Tar River downstream of Tar River Reservoir Dam
- Neuse River downstream of Falls Lake Dam
- Haw River downstream of Jordan Lake Dam
- Deep River downstream of Lockville Dam
- Cape Fear River
- Waccamaw River downstream of Lake Waccamaw Dam
- Lumber River, including Drowning Creek
- All other public waters east of Interstate 95, except Tar River Reservoir
(Nash Co.), Sutton Lake (New Hanover Co.) and Roanoke River (see below)
- South Yadkin River downstream of Cooleemee Dam
- Yadkin-Pee Dee River from Idols Dam to the South Carolina state line,
including High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Badin Lake, Falls Lake
(Stanly and Montgomery counties) Lake Tillery, and Blewett Falls Lake
- Lake Norman, Lake Hyco, Lake Ramseur, and Cane Creek Lake
- All public waters west of Interstate 77
- B. Everett Jordan Reservoir
- Roanoke River (downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam), Cashie, Middle
and Eastmost rivers and their tributaries
- Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson and Nash counties)
Rock bass and Roanoke bass
- All other public fishing waters except those listed below
- All public waters east of Interstate 77
White bass
-All Inland fishing waters
American and Hickory shad
- All public fishing waters except those listed below
- Roanoke River downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam to the U.S. 258
bridge near Scotland Neck
- Neuse River and its tributaries
- Lake Gaston
- Roanoke Rapids Reservoir
- John H. Kerr Reservoir
Spotted sea trout, flounder, and red drum
- All inland fishing waters
Walleye
- All other public fishing waters except those listed below
- Lake James and tributaries
- Linville River upstream from N.C. 126 bridge
Muskellunge
- All public fishing waters
Sauger
- All public fishing waters
Kokanee salmon
- All public fishing waters
All other warmwater game fishes
- All public fishing waters
SIZE LIMIT
None
None
None
8-inch minimum
10-inch minimum
None
None
8-inch minimum
None
None
None
No American shad may be possessed
None
15-inch minimum
None
42-inch minimum
15-inch minimum
None
None
DAILY CREEL LIMIT
None
30 in combination, including no
more than 12 redbreast sunfish
None
20 in combination
20 in combination
20 in combination
None
2 in combination
25
10 in combination
10 in combination, including no more
than 1 American shad
No American shad may be possessed
8
8
4
1
8
7
None
Same as those recreational limits estab lished by Division of Marine
Fisheries in adjacent joint and coastal fishing waters. For current
limits, visit portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/recreational-fishing-size-and-
bag-limits or call 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632.
20
21
REGULATIONS FOR MOUNTAIN TROUT
Brook, brown and rainbow trout require cold, clean water and are
therefore generally restricted to mountain streams and lakes.
Those mountain waters that support trout and are open to public
fishing are designated as “Public Mountain Trout Waters” by the
Wildlife Resources Commission and are man aged for public
trout fishing. A significant amount of trout fishing oppor tunities
in western North Carolina are located on private property. These
landowners have generously allowed for public access for fish -
ing. Please respect their property. Your cooperation is needed to
protect fishing opportunities for future generations. The Com mis -
sion conspicuously marks Public Mountain TroutWaters with
regulation signs that indicate locations for public access. When
anglers encounter “posted against trespass” signs along these
designated sections on private lands, they should respect the
property owner’s rights and choose another location along that
stream to fish. Maps of trout water and their classifi ca tions may
be viewed at ncwildlife.org/fishingmap.
Public Mountain Trout Waters Public Mountain Trout Waters
are classified for management purposes as either “Hatchery-
Supported Trout Waters” or “Wild Trout Waters.” Hatchery-
Supported Trout Waters must be stocked periodically with trout
to sustain angling. Wild Trout Waters are high-quality waters that
sustain trout popu lations by natural reproduction. Some Public
Mountain Trout Waters are specially regulated to meet specific
management objectives. These are further classified as follows:
Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
LOCATION/SEASON SIZE LIMIT DAILY CREEL LURES/BAIT
LIMIT RESTRICTIONS*
HATCHERY-SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS
Aug. 1, 2012 – Feb. 28, 2013 None 7 None
7 a.m. April 6, 2013 – July 31, 2013
-All hatchery-supported waters not listed below
March 1, 2013 – April 5, 2013
**No fishing allowed ** ** **
-All hatchery-supported waters not listed below
No closed season
-Linville River and tributaries within Linville None 7 None
Gorge Wilderness Area
-Power supply lakes and municipal water
supply lakes
WILD TROUT WATERS
No closed season 7 inches 4 Artificial lures with a single hook.
WILD TROUT NATURAL BAIT WATERS
No closed season 7 inches 4 Artificial lures or natural bait with a
single hook. No live fish allowed as bait.
DELAYED-HARVEST TROUT WATERS
Oct. 1, 2012 – May 31, 2013 ** ** Artificial lures with a single hook.
**No trout may be possessed Natural bait may not be possessed.
**No fishing allowed from ½ hour after sunset on **
May 31, 2013, to 6 a.m. on June 1, 2013
Aug. 1, 2012 – Sept. 30, 2012 None 7 None
June 1, 2013 – July 31, 2013
(Note: youth under 16 years old only fishing from
6 a.m. until noon on June 1, 2013)
CATCH-AND-RELEASE ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS
No closed season ** ** Artificial lures with a single hook.
**No trout may be possessed Natural bait may not be possessed.
CATCH-AND-RELEASE ARTIFICIAL FLIES ONLY TROUT WATERS
No closed season ** ** Artificial flies with a single hook.
**No trout may be possessed Natural bait may not be possessed.
SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT WATERS
No closed season Only one fish may be 7 None
-Catawba River from Muddy Creek to greater than 14 inches long
Morganton water intake dam
UNDESIGNATED TROUT WATERS
Aug. 1, 2012 – Feb. 28, 2013 None 7 None
7 a.m. April 6, 2013 – July 31, 2013
March 1, 2013 – April 5, 2013
**Fishing allowed, but no trout may be ** ** None
possessed, except in waters listed below
No closed season
-Power supply lakes and municipal water None 7 None
supply lakes
*See page 22 for a definition of artificial lures and natural bait
REGULATIONS FOR MOUNTAIN TROUT
22 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
  “Catch and Release/Artificial Lures Only Trout Waters”
  “Catch and Release/Artificial Flies Only Trout Waters”
  “Wild Trout/Natural Bait Trout Waters”
  “Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters”
  or “Special Regulation Trout Waters”
  Some of these public trout waters are also classified as Mountain
Heritage Trout Waters and are identified on page 26.
Fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters
  Fishing is limited to hook and line only.
  An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither con -
tains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish
by the sense of taste or smell.
  Natural bait is defined as any living or dead organism (plant
or animal), or parts thereof, or prepared substances designed
to attract fish by the sense of taste or smell.
  It is unlawful to take fish bait or bait fish from Public Mountain
Trout Waters.
  It is unlawful to possess natural bait while fishing Wild Trout
and Catch-and-Release waters, unless those waters are also
specifically classified for use of natural bait.
  Dropper flies may be used when fishing any Public Mountain
Trout Waters.
  It is unlawful to fish with more than one line per person, except
on power reservoirs and city water supply reservoirs.
  Fishing is not allowed in Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters dur -
ing the closed season except in the Linville River and tributaries
within Linville Gorge Wilderness Area and on power reservoirs
and city water supply reservoirs designated as trout waters.
  Non-trout species may be harvested from Delayed-Harvest Trout
Waters during the catch-and-release only trout season under
applicable size and creel limits.
  It is unlawful to place hatchery-reared fish into a Wild Trout
Water or move wild fish from one stream to another on game
lands without prior written authorization.
  Information and regulations about trout fishing on game lands
are listed on page 27.
Trout Fishing in Undesignated Waters Some waters that are
not designated as Public Mountain Trout Waters (as identified
above) contain mountain trout. When fishing in these undesig -
nated waters, the trout fishing regulations are the same as for
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, except that the trout fishing
license is not required to fish undesignated waters, and there is
no closed season for fishing. However, trout may not be possessed
or retained in the creel when fishing undesignated waters during
the closed season for Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters except
on power reservoirs and city water supply reservoirs.
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters There are approxi mately
1,100 miles of Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters in North Caro -
lina. In hatchery-supported waters there is no size limit or bait
restriction, and the creel limit is seven trout per day. Hatchery-
Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and-white signs
that are posted conspicuously along the watercourses.
The following waters are classified as Hatchery-Supported Trout
Waters (streams that are underlined are stocked with
catchable-size trout at fre quent intervals during the
months of March through August):
Alleghany County
Little River (275 yards downstream of the intersection of S.R. 1128
and S.R. 1129 [marked by a sign on each bank] to McCann Dam)
Brush Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Big Pine Creek
(Big) Glade Creek
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
Bledsoe Creek
Piney Fork
Meadow Fork
Pine Swamp Creek
Prathers Creek
Cranberry Creek
Ashe County
North Fork New River (Watauga Co. line to Sharp Dam)
Big Horse Creek (Mud Creek at S.R. 1363 to S.R. 1324 bridge)
Buffalo Creek (headwaters to junction of N.C. 194-88 and
S.R. 1131)
Big Laurel Creek
Three Top Creek (except game land portion)
Cranberry Creek (Alleghany Co. line to South Fork New River)
Nathans Creek
Peak Creek (headwaters to Trout Lake, except Blue Ridge
Parkway waters)
Roan Creek
Beaver Creek
Pine Swamp Creek (all forks)
Old Fields Creek
Mill Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Avery County
North Toe River —upper (Watauga St. to Roby Shoemaker
Wetlands and Family Recreational Park, except where posted
against trespassing)
North Toe River—lower (S.R. 1164 to Mitchell Co. line, except
where posted against trespassing)
Squirrel Creek
Elk River (S.R. 1305 crossing immediately upstream of Big Falls
to the Tennessee state line)
Wildcat Lake
Boyde Coffey Lake
Linville River (Land Harbor line [below dam] to the Blue Ridge
Parkway boundary line, except where posted against trespassing)
Milltimber Creek
Buncombe County
Ivy Creek (Ivy River) (Dillingham Creek to U.S. 19-23 bridge)
Dillingham Creek (Corner Rock Creek to Ivy Creek)
Stony Creek
Corner Rock Creek
Reems Creek (Sugar Camp Fork to U.S. 19-23 bridge, except
where posted against trespassing)
Swannanoa River (S.R. 2702 bridge near Ridgecrest to Wood
Avenue bridge [intersection of N.C. 81 and U.S. 74A in Asheville],
except where posted against trespassing)
Bent Creek (headwaters to N.C. Arboretum boundary line)
Cane Creek (headwaters to S.R. 3138 bridge)
Lake Powhatan
Burke County
Henry Fork (lower South Mountains State Park line
downstream to S.R. 1919 at Ivy Creek)
Carroll Creek (portion on game lands above S.R. 1405)
Linville River (portion within Linville Gorge Wilderness Area,
(LGWA), including tributaries, and portion below Lake James
power house from upstream bridge on S.R. 1223 to Muddy
Creek) (Note there is no closed season within LGWA.)
Caldwell County
Wilson Creek (Phillips Branch to Brown Mountain Beach Dam,
except where posted against trespassing)
Boone Fork Pond
23
Yadkin River (Happy Valley Ruritan Community Park to SR 1515)
Buffalo Creek (mouth of Joe’s Creek to McCloud Branch)
Joes Creek (first falls upstream of S.R. 1574 to confluence with
Buffalo Creek)
Cherokee County
Shuler Creek (Joe Brown Hwy. [S.R. 1325] bridge to Tennessee line)
Davis Creek (confluence of Bald and Dockery creeks to Hanging
Dog Creek)
Valley River (headwaters to U.S. 19 business bridge in Murphy)
Hyatt Creek
Junaluska Creek (Ashturn Creek to Valley River)
Clay County
Fires Creek (foot bridge in the U.S. Forest Service Fires Creek
Picnic Area to S.R. 1300)
Tusquitee Creek (headwaters to lower S.R. 1300 bridge)
Buck Creek (game land portion downstream of U.S. 64 bridge)
Graham County
Calderwood Reservoir (Cheoah Dam to Tennessee state line)
Yellow Creek
Santeetlah Creek (Johns Branch to mouth, including portions of
tributaries on game lands, excluding Johns Branch and Little
Santeetlah Creek)
West Buffalo Creek
Mountain Creek (game lands boundary to S.R. 1138 bridge)
Big Snowbird Creek (old railroad junction to S.R. 1127 bridge
including portions of tributaries on game lands)
Tulula Creek (headwaters to lower bridge on S.R. 1275)
Cheoah Reservoir
Stecoah Creek
Panther Creek
Haywood County
Pigeon River (Stamey Cove Branch to upstream U.S. 19-23 bridge)
Cold Springs Creek
Jonathan Creek (upstream S.R. 1302 bridge to Pigeon River,
except where posted against trespass)
West Fork Pigeon River (Tom Creek to Queen Creek, including
portions on game lands, except Middle Prong)
Richland Creek (Russ Avenue [U.S. 276] bridge to U.S. 23-74
bridge)
Henderson County
(Rocky) Broad River (Rocky River Lane to Rutherford Co. line)
Green River—upper (mouth of Joe Creek to mouth of Bobs Creek)
Green River—lower (Lake Summit Dam to I-26 bridge)
(Big) Hungry River
Cane Creek (S.R. 1551 bridge to U.S. 25 bridge)
Clear Creek (S.R. 1591 bridge at Jack Mountain Lane to S.R. 1582)
Jackson County
Tuckasegee River—upper (confluence with West Fork
Tuckasegee River to the downstream N.C. 107 bridge)
Tuckasegee River—lower (falls located 275 yards upstream
of U.S. 23-441 bridge [marked by a sign on each bank] to
S.R. 1534 bridge at Wilmot)
Scott Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Dark Ridge Creek (Jones Creek to Scott Creek)
Savannah Creek (headwaters to Bradley’s packing house on N.C.116)
Green’s Creek (Green’s Creek Baptist Church on S.R. 1730 to
Savannah Creek)
Cullowhee Creek (Tilley Creek to Tuckasegee River)
Balsam Lake
Cedar Cliff Lake
Bear Creek Lake
Wolf Creek Lake
Tanasee Creek Lake
Macon County
Nantahala River—upper (Nantahala Dam to Whiteoak Creek)
Nantahala River—lower (Nantahala hydropower discharge
canal to Swain County line)
Queens Creek Lake
Burningtown Creek
Cullasaja River (Sequoyah Dam to U.S. 64 bridge near junction
of S.R. 1672, excluding the game land portions of Buck Creek
and Turtle Pond Creek)
Cliffside Lake
Cartoogechaye Creek (downstream U.S. 64 bridge to Little
Tennessee River)
Madison County
Shut-in Creek
Spring Creek (junction of N.C. 209 and N.C. 63 to U.S. Forest
Service Road 223)
Meadow Fork Creek
Roaring Fork
Max Patch Pond
Big Laurel Creek (Mars Hill watershed boundary to the S.R. 1318
[Big Laurel Road] bridge downstream of Bearpen Branch)
Spillcorn Creek (entire stream, excluding tributaries)
Shelton Laurel Creek (confluence of Big Creek and Mill Creek
to N.C. 208 bridge at Belva)
Big Pine Creek (S.R. 1151 bridge to French Broad River)
Puncheon Fork (Hampton Creek to Big Laurel Creek)
Little Ivy Creek (confluence of Middle Fork and Paint Fork at
Beech Glen to confluence with Ivy Creek at Forks of Ivy)
McDowell County
Catawba River (Catawba Falls Campground to Old Fort
Recreation Park)
Little Buck Creek (game land portion)
North Fork Catawba River (headwaters to North Cove School
at S.R. 1569 bridge)
Armstrong Creek (Cato Holler lower line downstream to
Greenlee upper line)
Mill Creek (upper railroad bridge to U.S. 70 bridge, except
where posted against trespassing)
Mitchell County
Big Rock Creek (headwaters to N.C. 226 bridge at S.R. 1307
intersection)
Little Rock Creek (Green Creek bridge to Big Rock Creek,
except where posted against trespassing)
Cane Creek (S.R. 1219 to N.C. 226 bridge)
Grassy Creek (East Fork Grassy Creek to mouth)
East Fork Grassy Creek
North Toe River (Avery Co. line to S.R. 1121 bridge)
Polk County
North Pacolet River (Joels Creek to N.C. 108 bridge)
Green River (Mouth of Cove Creek to the natural gas pipeline
crossing)
Rutherford County
(Rocky) Broad River (Henderson Co. line to U.S. 64/74 bridge,
except where posted against trespassing)
Stokes County
Dan River (Virginia state line downstream to a point 200 yards
below the end of S.R. 1421)
Surry County
Pauls Creek (Virginia state line to 0.3 miles below S.R. 1625 bridge)
Fisher River (Cooper Creek) (Virginia state line to Interstate
77 bridge)
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
24 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Little Fisher River (Virginia state line to N.C. 89 bridge)
Ararat River (S.R. 1727 bridge downstream to the N.C. 103 bridge)
Swain County
Calderwood Reservoir (Cheoah Dam to Tennessee state line)
Cheoah Reservoir
Deep Creek (Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary
line to Tuckasegee River)
Connelly Creek
Alarka Creek (game lands boundary to mouth)
Nantahala River (Macon Co. line to existing Fontana Lake
water level)
Transylvania County
French Broad River (confluence of North Fork French Broad
River and West Fork French Broad River to the Island Ford Rd.
[S.R. 1110] Access Area)
Davidson River (Avery Creek to lower U.S. Forest Service
boundary line)
Middle Fork French Broad River
West Fork French Broad River (S.R. 1312 and S.R. 1309
intersection to junction of west and north forks)
Watauga County
North Fork New River (from confluence with Maine and Mine
branches to Ashe Co. line)
Maine Branch (headwaters to North Fork New River)
Meat Camp Creek
Norris Fork Creek
Howard Creek (downstream from lower falls)
Middle Fork New River (Lake Chetola dam to South
Fork New River)
Stony Fork (headwaters to Wilkes Co. line)
Elk Creek (S.R. 1510 bridge at Triplett to Wilkes Co. line, except
where posted against trespassing)
Beech Creek
Buckeye Creek Reservoir
Buckeye Creek (Buckeye Creek Reservoir dam to Grassy
Gap Creek)
Laurel Creek
Cove Creek (S.R. 1233 bridge at Zionville to S.R. 1233 bridge
at Amantha)
Dutch Creek (second bridge on S.R. 1134 to mouth)
Beaverdam Creek (confluence of Beaverdam Creek and Little
Beaverdam Creek to an unnamed tributary adjacent to the
intersection of S.R. 1201 and S.R. 1203)
Wilkes County
East Prong Roaring River (lower state park boundary to Brewer’s
Mill on S.R. 1943)
Middle Prong Roaring River (headwaters to second bridge on
S.R. 1736)
Pike Creek Pond
Bell Branch Pond
Boundary Line Pond
Pike Creek
Cub Creek (0.5 miles upstream of S.R. 2460 bridge to S.R.
1001 bridge)
Middle Fork Reddies River (Clear Prong)(headwaters to bridge
on S.R. 1580)
South Fork Reddies River (headwaters to confluence with
Middle Fork Reddies River)
North Fork Reddies River (Vannoy Creek) (headwaters to Union
School bridge on S.R. 1559)
Darnell Creek (North Prong Reddies River) (downstream ford
on S.R. 1569 to confluence with North Fork Reddies River)
South Prong Lewis Fork (headwaters to Lewis Fork Baptist Church)
Fall Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Yancey County
Cane River (Bee Branch [S.R. 1110] to Bowlens Creek)
Bald Mountain Creek (except where posted against trespassing)
Price Creek (junction of S.R. 1120 and S.R. 1121 to Indian Creek)
South Toe River (Clear Creek to lower boundary line of Yancey
Co. recreation park, except where posted against trespassing)
Wild Trout Waters In all Wild Trout Waters, the minimum
length limit is seven inches and the creel limit is four trout per
day. Only artificial lures with one single hook may be used. All
Public Mountain Trout Waters located on game lands are Wild
Trout Waters unless classified and posted otherwise. The following
streams are also classified as Wild Trout Waters and are marked
with blue-and-gold signs, which are posted conspicuously along
the watercourses:
Alleghany County
Big Sandy Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Stone Mountain Creek (portion on Stone Mountain
State Park)
Avery County
Birchfield Creek
Cow Camp Creek
Cranberry Creek (headwaters to U.S. 19E/N.C. 194 bridge)
Gragg Prong
Horse Creek
Jones Creek
Kentucky Creek
North Harper Creek
Plumtree Creek
Roaring Creek
Rockhouse Creek
Shawneehaw Creek (portion adjacent to Banner Elk Greenway)
South Harper Creek
Webb Prong
Burke County
All waters located on South Mountains State Park except the
main stream of Jacob Fork between the mouth of Shinny Creek
and the lower park boundary and Henry Fork and its tributaries.
Nettle Branch (game land portion)
Caldwell County
Buffalo Creek (Watauga Co. line to Long Ridge Branch including
tributaries on game lands)
Joes Creek (Watauga Co. line to first falls upstream of the end of
S.R. 1574)
Rockhouse Creek
Graham County
Little Buffalo Creek
South Fork Squally Creek
Squally Creek
Henderson County
Green River (I-26 bridge to Henderson/Polk Co. line)
Jackson County
Gage Creek
North Fork Scott Creek
Tanasee Creek
Whitewater River (downstream from Silver Run Creek to South
Carolina state line)
Wolf Creek (except Balsam Lake and Wolf Creek Lake)
Mitchell County
Green Creek (headwaters to Green Creek bridge, except where
posted against trespassing)
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
25
Little Rock Creek (above Green Creek, including all tributaries,
except where posted against trespassing)
Wiles Creek (game land boundary to mouth)
Polk County
Green River (Henderson/Polk Co. line to Fishtop Falls Access Area)
Transylvania County
All waters located on Gorges State Park
Whitewater River (downstream from Silver Run Creek to South
Carolina state line)
Watauga County
Dutch Creek (headwaters to second bridge on S.R. 1134)
Howards Creek (headwaters to lower falls)
Watauga River (Avery Co. line to steel bridge at Riverside Farm Road)
Winkler Creek (lower bridge on S.R. 1549 to confluence with
South Fork New River)
Wilkes County
Big Sandy Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Garden Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Widow Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Yancey County
Cattail Creek (bridge at Mountain Farm Community Road to
N.C. 197 bridge)
Lickskillet Creek
Middle Creek (game land boundary to mouth)
OTHER REGULATED TROUT WATERS
Certain Public Mountain Trout Waters are managed under very
restrictive regulations to meet specific management objectives.
These waters are marked with signs that are posted
conspicuously along the watercourses.
Catch-and-Release/Artificial Lures Only Waters The following
trout waters and their tributaries, except as noted, may be fished
only with artificial lures having one single hook. No trout may
be harvested or possessed while fishing these streams. These
streams are marked with purple-and-gold signs.
Ashe County
Big Horse Creek (Virginia state line to Mud Creek at S.R. 1363,
excluding tributaries)
Unnamed tributary of Three Top Creek (game land portion)
Avery County
Wilson Creek (game land portion)
Buncombe County
Carter Creek (game land portion)
Burke County
Henry Fork (portion on South Mountains State Park)
Jackson County
Tuckasegee River (above the Clark property)
Flat Creek
McDowell County
Newberry Creek (game land portion)
Watauga County
Dugger Creek (portions on Blue Ridge Mountain Club including
tributaries.)
Laurel Creek (portions on Blue Ridge Mountain Club and
Powder Horn Mountain Development, including tributaries.)
Pond Creek (headwaters to Locust Ridge Road bridge, excluding
the pond adjacent to Coffee Lake)
Wilkes County
Dugger Creek (portions on Blue Ridge Mountain Club including
tributaries.)
Harris Creek (portion on Stone Mountain State Park)
Catch-and-Release/Artificial Flies Only Waters The following
trout waters and their tributaries, except as noted, may be fished
only with artificial flies having one single hook. No trout may be
harvested or possessed while fishing these streams. These
streams are marked with red-and-gold signs.
Avery County
Elk River (portion on Lees-McRae College property, excluding
the millpond)
Lost Cove Creek (game land portion, excluding Gragg Prong
and Rockhouse Creek)
Transylvania County
Davidson River (headwaters to Avery Creek, excluding Avery
Creek, Looking Glass Creek and Grogan Creek)
Yancey County
South Toe River (headwaters to Upper Creek, including
tributaries)
Upper Creek (headwaters to South Toe River, including
tributaries)
Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters The following trout waters,
excluding tributaries except as noted, may be fished only with
artifi cial lures with one single hook. No natural bait may be
possessed, and no trout may be harvested or possessed while
fishing these waters between Oct. 1, 2012 and 30 minutes
after sunset on May 31, 2013. These waters are closed to fishing
between 30 minutes after sunset on May 31 and 6 a.m. on June 1.
At 6 a.m. on June 1, 2013, these waters open to fishing for youths
under 16 years old under Hatchery-Supported regulations—
no bait restriction, no minimum length limit and seven-trout-per-
day creel limit. At 12 p.m. on June 1, 2013, these waters
open for all anglers under Hatchery-Supported regu la tions.
These waters are marked with black-and-white signs.
Alleghany County
Little River (Whitehead to 275 yards downstream of the
intersection of S.R. 1128 and S.R. 1129 [marked by a sign on
each bank])
Ashe County
Trout Lake
Helton Creek (Virginia state line to New River)
Big Horse Creek (S.R. 1324 Bridge to North Fork River)
Burke County
Jacob Fork (Shinny Creek to lower South Mountains State
Park boundary)
Caldwell County
Wilson Creek (game land portion below Lost Cove Creek to
Phillips Branch)
Haywood County
West Fork Pigeon River (Queen Creek to the first game land
boundary upstream of Lake Logan)
Henderson County
North Fork Mills River (game land portion below the
Hendersonville watershed dam)
Jackson County
Tuckasegee River: (downstream N.C. 107 bridge to the falls
located 275 yards upstream of the U.S. 23-441 bridge [marked
by a sign on each bank])
Macon County
Nantahala River (Whiteoak Creek to Nantahala hydropower
discharge canal)
Madison County
Big Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge to the U.S. 25-70 bridge)
Shelton Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge at Belva to the
confluence with Big Laurel Creek)
INLAND FISHING REGULATIONS & INFORMATION
26 Please note: For the convenience of the reader, major regulation changes appear in RED.
Spring Creek (N.C. 209 bridge at Hot Springs city limits to iron
bridge at end of Andrews Avenue)
McDowell County
Catawba River (portion adjacent to Marion Greenway)
Curtis Creek (game land portion downstream of the U.S. Forest
Service boundary at Deep Branch)
Mill Creek (U.S. 70 bridge to I-40 bridge)
Mitchell County
Cane Creek (N.C. 226 bridge to S.R. 1189 bridge)
North Toe River (U.S. 19E bridge to N.C. 226 bridge)
Polk County
Green River (Fishtop Falls Access Area to the confluence with
Cove Creek)
Surry County
Ararat River (N.C. 103 bridge to U.S. 52 bridge)
Mitchell River (0.6 mile upstream of the end of S.R. 1333 to the
S.R. 1330 bridge below Kapps Mill Dam)
Transylvania County
East Fork French Broad River (Glady Fork to French Broad River)
Little River (confluence of Lake Dense to 100 yards downstream
of Hooker Falls)
Watauga County
Watauga River (adjacent to intersection of S.R. 1557 and S.R.
1558 to N.C. 105 bridge and S.R. 1114 bridge to N.C. 194
bridge at Valle Crucis)
Coffee Lake
Wilkes County
East Prong Roaring River (mouth of Bullhead Creek down stream
to Stone Mountain State Park lower boundary line)
Stone Mountain Creek (from falls at Alleghany Co. line to con -
fluence with East Prong Roaring River and Bullhead Creek)
Reddies River (Town of North Wilkesboro water intake dam to
confluence with Yadkin River)
Elk Creek—upper (Watauga Co. line to lower boundary of Blue
Ridge Mountain Club)
Elk Creek—lower (portion on Leatherwood Mountains
Development)
Wild Trout: Natural Bait Waters The following trout waters
and their tributaries, except as noted, may be fished with
artificial lures or natural bait, except live fish. Lures and natural
baits are restricted to one single hook. The minimum length
limit is seven inches, and the daily creel limit is four trout.
These streams are marked with brown-and-gold signs.
Cherokee County
Bald Creek (game land portions)
Dockery Creek (game land portions)
North Shoal Creek (game land portions)
Graham County
Deep Creek
Long Creek (game land portion)
Franks Creek
Haywood County
Hemphill Creek
Hurricane Creek (including portions of tributaries on game lands)
Jackson County
Buff Creek (uppermost crossing on S.R. 1457 to Scott Creek)
Chattooga River (S.R. 1100 bridge to South Carolina state line)
Lower Fowler Creek (game land portion)
Scotsman Creek (game land portion)
Shoal Creek (Glenville Reservoir pipeline to mouth)
West Fork Tuckasegee River (Shoal Creek to existing water level
of Little Glenville Lake)
Macon County
Chattooga River (S.R. 1100 bridge to South Carolina state line)
Jarrett Creek (game land portion)
Kimsey Creek
Overflow Creek (game land portion)
Park Creek
Tellico Creek (game land portion)
Turtle Pond Creek (game land portion)
Madison County
Big Creek (headwaters to the lower game land boundary,
including tributaries)
Transylvania County
North Fork French Broad River (game land portions down -
stream of S.R. 1326)
Thompson River (S.R. 1152 to South Carolina state line, except
where posted against trespassing)
Special Regulation Trout Waters The following portions of
Public Mountain Trout Waters, excluding tribu taries except as
noted, are subject to the following special regulations. These
streams are marked wi