Is a Georgia Fishing License Valid in North Carolina?

As an avid angler, you may be wondering if your Georgia fishing license is valid in neighboring states like North Carolina. The answer depends on the specific reciprocal agreements between the states. In this article, we’ll explore the fishing license requirements and reciprocal agreements between Georgia and North Carolina to help you understand when you can use your Georgia license in North Carolina waters.

Georgia-North Carolina Reciprocal Agreement

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia has a reciprocal agreement with North Carolina that allows holders of a valid Georgia fishing license to fish in certain border waters without obtaining an additional license from North Carolina. This agreement applies specifically to Lake Chatuge and its tributary branches that are accessible by boat from the main body of the reservoir.

Under this agreement, anglers must follow these guidelines:

Fishing is only permitted from boats on Lake Chatuge. Boats may not be anchored to the shore or to a pier or boat dock connecting to the shore.
Senior citizen and youth license exemptions authorized by either state are honored by both states on Lake Chatuge.
All other laws and regulations of Georgia apply to the Georgia portion of Lake Chatuge, while all other laws and regulations of North Carolina apply to the North Carolina portion of the lake.

It’s important to note that this reciprocal agreement is limited to Lake Chatuge and its accessible tributaries. If you plan to fish in any other North Carolina waters, you will need to obtain a separate North Carolina fishing license.

North Carolina Fishing License Requirements

In North Carolina, anyone 16 or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in inland, joint, or coastal waters. There are several types of fishing licenses available to both residents and non-residents, including:

Inland fishing licenses
Coastal recreational fishing licenses
Lifetime licenses
Disabled licenses
Combination hunting and fishing licenses

To purchase a North Carolina fishing license, you can do so online, by phone, or from a local agent. You’ll need to provide a picture ID and have the appropriate fees ready.

North Carolina also offers license waivers for those who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps, or Work First Family Assistance. These waivers can be obtained from the county Department of Social Services.

Other Reciprocal Agreements

In addition to the agreement with Georgia, North Carolina has reciprocal agreements with several other states for fishing in specific border waters:

Virginia: Portions of the New River, Dan River, Kerr Reservoir, Lake Gaston, and their accessible tributary waters
Tennessee: Slick Rock Creek and Calderwood Reservoir

These agreements allow anglers to use valid fishing licenses from either state in the designated border waters without needing an additional license.

However, North Carolina does not have a reciprocal agreement with South Carolina. If you plan to fish in South Carolina waters, you will need to purchase a separate South Carolina fishing license.

Conclusion

Understanding the fishing license requirements and reciprocal agreements between states is crucial for anglers who enjoy fishing in multiple states. While Georgia and North Carolina have a limited reciprocal agreement for Lake Chatuge, it’s essential to research the specific regulations and licensing requirements for each state and body of water you plan to fish in.

By staying informed and following the appropriate regulations, you can ensure that you are fishing legally and contributing to the conservation efforts of the states you visit. Happy fishing!