Fishing Spots in North Carolina
From redfish on the coast to bass in the Piedmont and trout in the mountains, explore top-rated fishing spots across North Carolina—organized by region, species, and season.
Coastal Fishing
Fish the surf, piers, and tidal creeks along North Carolina’s coast for redfish, flounder, speckled trout, and more. From the Outer Banks to Oak Island, coastal fishing offers year-round action and some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast withscenic access points!
Central Fishing
Discover prime freshwater fishing in central North Carolina’s lakes and rivers. Catch largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie at hotspots like Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, and High Rock Lake—perfect for boaters, kayak anglers, and weekend bank fishing.
Mountain FIshing
Explore beautiful trout streams, wild rivers, and deep mountain lakes in western North Carolina. Fly fish for rainbow, brook, and brown trout or target smallmouth bass in clear, cool waters surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.
Spring
Bass begin spawning in NC lakes, crappie stack near brush piles, and redfish move into the marshes. Trout fishing is at its peak in mountain streams.
Summer
Beat the heat with early morning topwater bass, night catfish, and pier flounder. Coastal surf fishing peaks with Spanish mackerel and pompano.
Fall
Fall is prime time statewide. Bass and crappie feed heavily in lakes, and bull redfish cruise the coast. Trout and smallmouth thrive in cooling mountain waters.
Winter
Slow but steady. Catch trout in clear streams, redfish in warm coastal creeks, and deep-channel catfish across central reservoirs. Dress warm.
Know a Hidden Gem? Share It with us!
Have a favorite pier, riverbank, or boat launch you think more people should know about? Submit your fishing spot and help others discover the best of North Carolina’s waters.