In North Carolina, individuals 16 years of age or older must possess a valid fishing license when using any type of bait or gear to catch finfish in the state’s public waters. This requirement, however, does not apply to fishing in private ponds.
Types of Fishing Licenses in North Carolina
North Carolina offers several types of fishing licenses to both residents and non-residents:
Adult (ages 12 & older): $25 for residents, $45 for non-residents
Youth (ages 1–11): $16 for residents, $32 for non-residents
Infant (under age 1): $106 for both residents and non-residents
Senior (see page 15 for eligibility requirements): $16 for residents
Licenses are available for various time periods, including short-term (1-day, 10-day) and annual licenses. Lifetime licenses are also an option for adults, youth, and infants.
Exceptions and Discounts
There are a few exceptions to the fishing license requirement in North Carolina:
Children under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license
NC residents on leave from the military can fish for up to 30 days without a license, as long as they carry their military ID and leave papers
Everyone can fish without a license on the 4th of July
Additionally, North Carolina residents who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps, or Work First Family Assistance can get a license waiver from the county Department of Social Services and fish for free.
There are also licenses available for disabled anglers and those living in adult care homes who are residents of North Carolina.
Where to Purchase a Fishing License
Anglers have several options when it comes to purchasing a North Carolina fishing license:
Online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com
At a Wildlife Service Agent location
By phone at 888-248-6834
From a mobile device using the NC Fishing, Hunting & Boating app
To purchase a license, anglers will need a picture ID.
Reciprocity Agreements
North Carolina has reciprocity agreements with certain states that allow licenses from those states to be honored in certain boundary waters:
Georgia: On the Chatuge Reservoir and all its tributaries that are accessible by boat
Tennessee: On Slick Rock Creek and Calderwood Reservoir when fishing by boat
Virginia: On Kerr and Gaston Reservoirs, as well as the Dan River and the confluence of the New and Little Rivers