Fishing > Fishing Areas & Species
| Species | Scientific Name | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| common carp | Cyprinus carpio | Common Carp Information |
| flathead catfish | Pylodictis olivaris | Flathead Catfish Information |
| green sunfish | Lepomis cyanellus | Green Sunfish Information |
| hickory shad | Alosa mediocris | Hickory Shad Information |
What is the most common fish in NC?
Some of the most prevalent types of fish in NC streams and rivers include:
- Trout (Rainbow, Brook, Brown)
- Walleyes.
- Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
- Whitefish.
- Catfish.
- Pike.
- Bluegills.
What fish is North Carolina known for?
North Carolina is close to the Gulf Stream, where fisherfolk catch mahi-mahi, tuna, swordfish, and other large migratory species. Coastal species like drum, trout, shrimp, and blue crabs feel at home in the state’s extensive network of sounds, rivers, and estuarine environments.
What is the national fish of North Carolina?
The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation in 1971 designating channel bass (red drum) as the official state saltwater fish. NCPedia states that newspaper article at the time pointed out the Channel Bass has black spots on its tail, evoking North Carolina’s “Tar Heel ” nickname.
What is North Carolina state Freshwater Fish?
The General Assembly of 2005 named the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout as the official Freshwater Trout for the State of North Carolina (Session Laws, 2005, c. 387).
What saltwater fish are in NC?
- Hogfish. Lachnolaimus maximus.
- Knobbed Porgy. Calamus nodosus.
- Red Grouper. Epinephelus morio.
- Red Porgy. Pagrus pagrus.
Do alligator gar live in North Carolina?
Today alligator gars are known only to live in the lower Mississippi River Valley, from Oklahoma to the west, Arkansas to the north, Texas and portions of Mexico to the south, and east to Florida.
Can you eat fish from the Neuse River?
Fish from these waters are not safe to eat.
Are there pike fish in North Carolina?
North Carolina is home to 3 of the 4 species of Esox known to occur in North America: Redfin Pickerel, Esox americanus, Chain Pickerel, E. niger, and Muskellunge, E. masquinongy (Tracy et al.
Does North Carolina have scallops?
2022 scallop season is open through March 31. North Carolina Marine Fisheries opened the 2022 season for commercial and recreational bay scallop harvesting in Core Sound from 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 24, 2022 through 4 p.m. on March 31, 2022 on Monday and Wednesdays.
What is the biggest fish in North Carolina?
According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the record blue catfish was confirmed as weighing an astounding 127 pounds and 1 ounce (smashing the previous record 117 lb blue catfish). It was caught on the Roanoke River using a Mad Cat rod and Penn Squall reel with gizzard shad as bait.
Are Gar native to NC?
In North Carolina, longnose gar are found statewide, but are most abundant in coastal rivers and streams. They are the only species of gar found in the state.
Which state fishes the most?
Alaska
Alaska was named the top state “fishcation” destination. Due to the Alaska’s cold climate, little farming occurs so fishing is crucial for jobs and economic activity. Alaska is well known for its salmon, and Alaskan waters are swarming with 600 species of fish, including the king salmon (also known as Chinook).
What trout are native to North Carolina?
Southern Appalachian brook trout
The Southern Appalachian brook trout is North Carolina’s only native trout. Scientifically speaking the brook trout is actually a char. These beautiful fish are the only species of the salvelinus family that has worm-like markings called vermiculations on its back, dorsal fin, and tail.
What’s the biggest catfish caught in North Carolina?
127-pound
Rocky Baker of Four Oaks broke the blue catfish record with a 127-pound, 1-ounce whopper caught July 10 on the Roanoke River. It was 60 inches long and 40 ¼ inches wide and was weighed at EZ Bait and Tackle in Goldsboro.
What is the biggest crappie caught in North Carolina?
Other
| Species & Weight | Location | Picture |
|---|---|---|
| Bowfin 17 lbs, 15 oz | Black River | Larger image |
| Black Crappie 4 lbs, 15 oz | Asheboro City Lake #4 | No image available |
| Carp 48 lbs | Mecklenburg County Pond | Larger image |
| Freshwater Drum 23 lbs, 8 oz | Kerr Reservoir | Larger image |
Are NC puffer fish poisonous?
The Northern Puffer is not deadly poisonous like its tropical counterparts and has been eaten by humans for years. However, some scientists believe there are low-level toxins in the skin and organs. Fishermen are advised to thoroughly clean the Northern puffer of all skin and viscera before eating.
What fish are biting in North Carolina?
A few species like speckled trout and red drum remain active in the area all winter, until the arrival of the very coldest temperatures shut down the bite. Anglers’ favorites include flounder, speckled trout, red drum, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bluefish, pompano, gray trout, spot, croaker and whiting.
Can you keep flounder in NC?
The 2022 recreational flounder season will open at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 1 and close at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30 in internal and ocean waters of North Carolina. The minimum size limit will remain at 15 inches total length, and the creel limit will be 1 fish per person per day during the open recreational season.
Are there crocodiles in North Carolina?
Crocodiles are not native to North Carolina, but two extremely rare Orinoco crocodiles are now living on one of the state’s barrier islands.
How far north in North Carolina do alligators live?
In North Carolina the American alligator inhabits fresh and estuarine bodies of water as far west as Robeson and Cumberland Counties, building dens with submerged entrances at the water’s edge.