Fishing Regulation License

North Carolina State Fishing Regulation License

The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission(NCWRC) is North Carolina's wildlife management body. They created the designated fishing signs you will see posted around each trout stream in North Carolina.
Make sure your license is up to date and you follow all the regulations. If you need a fishing license choose from this list.
Preserving our trout streams depends on every outdoorsman following the guide lines.

Definitions:

  • Artificial lure definition: a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell
  • Artificial fly definition: one single hook dressed with feathers, hair, thread, tinsel, rubber, or any similar material to which no additional hook, spinner, spoon or similar device is added
  • Natural bait definition: 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
  • Single hook definition: a fish hook with only one point

Season is open from August 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022

  • No bait restrictions
  • No minimum length limit
  • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit
  • No fishing allowed from March 1, 2022 to April 1, 2022 Then from 7:00 a.m. April 2, 2022 to July 31, 2022
  • No bait restrictions
  • No minimum length limit
  • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit
  • There is no closed season for fishing on power reservoirs and city water supply reservoirs designated as trout waters
  • Stocking Schedule

Hatchery Supported
Hatchery Supported
Stream Sign

Season is open from October 1, 2021 to June 3, 2022

  • No trout may be harvested or possessed
  • Only artificial lures having one single hook may be used
  • No fishing allowed at all between 1/2 hour after sunset on June 3, 2022 and 6:00 a.m. on June 4, 2022
  • At 6:00 a.m. on June 4, 2022 these waters open to fishing for youths under 18 years old under Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations
  • No bait restrictions
  • No minimum length limit
  • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit
  • At 12:00 p.m. on June 4, 2022 these waters open for all anglers under Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations
  • Stocking Schedule Delayed Harvest
Delayed Harvest
Delayed Harvest
Stream Sign

  • Season is open year-round
  • You can only use a single hook artificial lure
  • You can only keep four (4) fish
  • The four fish must be at least seven (7) inches long
  • It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
Wild Trout
Wild Trout
Stream Sign

  • Season is open year-round
  • No fish may be harvested or possessed
  • Only artificial flies and lures having one single hook may be used
  • It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
Catch and Release Artificial Flies
Catch and Release Artificial Flies
Stream Sign

  • Season is open year-round:
  • You can use a single hook artificial lure (or)
  • You can use a single hook with natural bait
  • You can only keep four (4) fish
  • The four fish must be at least seven (7) inches long
Wild Trout / Natural Bait Waters
Wild Trout / Natural Bait Waters
Stream Sign
  • The Special Regulation classification allows the Commission to implement site specific regulations on unique trout fisheries in the state that do not fit into existing categories. The regulations for each water body managed under Special Regulation will be displayed on each sign
Special Regulation
Special Regulation
Stream Sign