View and/or print the entire Digest booklet here! (3.81 MB pdf)

Related information

For saltwater fishing regulations visit the NC Division of Marine Fisheries Web site

The 2009-10 North Carolina Fishing Regulations
(effective July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010)

North Carolina offers some of the nation's best fishing with abundant species and trophy game fish. If you are a resident or visitor to the state, please review these links to ensure that you understand the rules, regulations and other guidelines governing North Carolina's inland, joint and coastal fishing waters.

The following regulations are effective July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. For your convenience we have provided two ways to view the latest regulations. You can:

• view and/or print the Regulations Digest booklet in it's entirety OR
• view and/or print particular sections of interest below

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. Help! What is Acrobat Reader?

Note: Most of the following links will open to a new window. You can simply close the window to return to this page.

Inland Game Fish (pdf)
Regulatory authority between the Wildlife Resources Commission and Division of Marine Fisheries. Inland game fish regulations include Manner of Taking, Seasons and Using Trotlines and Set-hooks.

Warmwater Game Fish (pdf)
Game fish size and creel limits. Also, Bass and Morone (striped bass) Identification Charts.

Mountain Trout (pdf)
Mountain trout regulations include Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters and Special Regulated Trout Waters. Also, Blue Ridge Parkway and State Park regulations.

• View the Trout Maps here
• Trout seasons -- What do the trout signs look like and mean?
• Click here to download the trout signs and regulations in a printable format. - PDF

Nongame Fish (pdf)
Nongame fish regulations including Sale of Nongame Fish, Manner of Taking and Seasons and Waters listed by County.

Other Information

• Fish Consumption Advisories
• Miscellaneous Prohibitions/contact info for other agencies (pdf)
• NC Freshwater Fishing Records
• North Carolina Angler Recognition Program (NCARP)
• Obtaining a Weigh-In Permit for Fishing Tournaments

Saltwater Fishing Regulations
Visit the NC Division of Marine Fisheries Web site