North Carolina · Fishing license
North Carolina fishing license
Do I need one?
Yes — anyone 16 or older needs one.
A year costs $32 if you live here and $56 if you don't. Just passing through? Coastal recreational fishing, 10 days costs $15. Inland and coastal are separate licences here; the unified one covers both but is resident-only.
What it costs
If you live in North Carolina
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Inland fishing, annual | $32 |
| Coastal recreational fishing, annual | $20 |
| Unified inland and coastal, annualCovers both sides. Cheaper than the two separate licences together. | $51 |
| Inland fishing, 10 days | $12 |
| Coastal recreational fishing, 10 days | $9 |
| Inland fishing, senior lifetimeThe unified inland and coastal senior lifetime costs the same 20. | $20 |
| Comprehensive inland fishing, lifetime | $326 |
If you're visiting
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Inland fishing, annual | $56 |
| Coastal recreational fishing, annual | $40 |
| Inland fishing, 10 days | $29 |
| Coastal recreational fishing, 10 days | $15 |
North Carolina splits inland and coastal water. Fishing both sides on one licence means the unified licence — and that one is sold to residents only.
How long it lasts
Annual licences run 12 months from the day you buy them. The short-term ones cover the ten days they name.
Who doesn't need one
- Anyone under 16 years of age
- Fishing a private pond — the licence requirement covers public waters
NCWRC words the age rule this way: NCWRC: "Individuals 16 years of age and older using any type of bait or gear to catch finfish while fishing in North Carolina's public waters must possess a valid North Carolina fishing license." The commission words the youth side as "Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirements of any fishing license and trout privilege license."
Where to buy it
- Online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com
- At NCWRC licence agents — tackle shops and sporting goods stores
- By phone through NCWRC's licence line
Wondering about the big retailers? A shop like Walmart sells the state's license at the state's price — it sets none of its own.
Days you can fish without one
NCWRC publishes this as a recurring rule rather than a fixed date. Check the exact days on their free fishing page before you plan around it.
Where to use it today
Waters we read every morning in North Carolina.
- 5 Picky Hatteras
- 5 Picky Rocky River
- 4 Picky Chatuge Lake
- 4 Picky Fontana Lake
- 4 Picky Hiwassee Lake