Whether you’re an avid angler eager to catch the next state record, or you’re just looking to spend some quality time with family and friends, North Carolina is a great place to go fishing. With its vast aquatic resources, North Carolina supports a diverse and abundant freshwater fish fauna — from the tiny pumpkinseed, which averages about 5 ounces to the massive blue catfish, which can attain sizes well over 100 pounds.

To help you identify your catch, this fish identification guide provides color illustrations of 33 of North Carolina’s most popular freshwater sport fish species, along with information about identifying characteristics, habitats and habits, tried-and-true fishing techniques and the best places to go fishing in the state.

Click on an image below to learn more!