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North Carolina · Fishing
North Carolina's fishing runs the full spectrum, from mountain trout creeks to coastal surf, and the 86 listings on Roamze reflect that range.
130 spots9 townsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 130 spots
North Carolina's fishing runs the full spectrum, from mountain trout creeks to coastal surf, and the 86 listings on Roamze reflect that range. In the western part of the state, fly anglers work the Hiwassee River near Copperhill at 1,540 feet and Wilson Creek near Collettsville at 1,350 feet, both holding rainbow, brown, and brook trout in moderate-gradient water. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests add miles of accessible river fishing, while Standing Indian and Big Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park put you on mountain streams with minimal crowds if you're willing to walk. Moving east, the Roanoke River near Weldon drops to 85 feet elevation and holds largemouth and smallmouth bass in easy-access water that suits anglers who'd rather not wade a technical current. Ledbetter Lake near Rockingham and Badin Lake Recreation Area round out the freshwater options for those who prefer still water. On the coast, Ocracoke, Cedar Point, and Bandits Roost are among several surf fishing spots, and Massey Branch Fishing Pier offers a platform option for anglers who don't want to deal with surf casting. Whether you're rigging a fly rod in a mountain canyon or throwing cut bait into the Atlantic, North Carolina has a legitimate version of it.
Wilson Creek near Collettsville holds rainbow, brown, and brook trout, while the Hiwassee River near Copperhill carries rainbow and brown trout. Both are moderate-difficulty water, meaning wading is manageable for most anglers but you'll want felt-sole or rubber-studded wading boots rather than sneakers. Brook trout in particular tend to hold in the upper, cooler reaches of creeks like Wilson.
Spring is the most productive window on the Roanoke near Weldon, when largemouth and smallmouth bass are moving shallow ahead of and after the spawn. The access is rated easy and the elevation sits at just 85 feet, so heat and low water in late summer can slow things down. Early mornings and evenings in summer will outperform midday fishing by a significant margin.
Curtis Creek Campground
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Lake Powhatan Glamping
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Murray Hilton Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Lake Lure - Chimney Rock Access
~30 min drive
Easy
Linville River - Linville Falls Access
~1h 10m drive
Expert
Davidson River - Avery Creek Access
~1h 12m drive
Moderate
Sycamore Flats Picnic Shelter
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Black Mountain Campground
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Lake Powhatan
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
Mount Pleasant Fishing Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NC.
South Toe River - Black Mountain Campground Access
~56 min drive
Easy
Wilson Creek - Mortimer Recreation Area
~1h 18m drive
Moderate
riverWild TroutFly fishing
Pisgah Forest, NC
rainbow trout, brown trout
creekWild TroutFly fishing
Collettsville, NC
rainbow trout, brown trout
Lake fishing
NC
Lake fishing
NC
Lake fishing
NC
Lake fishing
NC
River fishing
NC
Pier fishing
NC
Surf fishing
NC
Lake fishing
White Oak, NC
Lake fishing
NC
Lake fishing
NC
River fishing
NC
River fishing
NC
River fishing
NC
Lake fishing
NC
Lake fishing
NC
River fishing
NC
Lake fishing
Bladenboro, NC
River fishing
NC
Lake fishing
NC
River fishing
NC
River fishing
NC
River fishing
NC
riverRiver fishing
Lincolnton, NC
rainbow trout, brown trout
Lake fishing
NC
Surf fishing
NC
reservoirLake fishing
Brasstown, NC
largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Surf fishing
NC
Yes. A valid North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, as well as on most waters within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. GSMNP has its own specific regulations that differ from standard state rules, so check the park's current guidelines before you go rather than assuming your state license covers everything.
A medium-heavy to heavy surf rod in the 10-12 foot range is standard for North Carolina coastal fishing, paired with a spinning reel that can hold at least 200 yards of 20-pound monofilament or braided line. Pyramid sinkers hold bottom in the surf better than bank sinkers. Check current Outer Banks and coastal access rules before driving onto beach areas, as vehicle permits and seasonal closures apply at some locations.
Both Wilson Creek and the Hiwassee River are listed as moderate difficulty, which means they're workable for beginners who have basic casting down but may be frustrating for someone picking up a fly rod for the first time. The Hiwassee near Copperhill has longer, more open runs that give you room to cast, while Wilson Creek is tighter and more technical in spots. A guided half-day on either water before going solo is worth considering if you're new to moving-water fly fishing.
