Free Fishing Day North Carolina

Fish for FREE annually on Independence Day in any public body of water in NC, including coastal waters. Free Fishing Day offers residents and out-of-state visitors the opportunity to fish without having to purchase a license; however, all other fishing regulations apply, such as length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions. To give anglers a better chance of catching fish, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission stocks a variety of fish in waters across the state — including trout and channel catfish.

While anyone can fish for free on July 4, on all other days of the year, a fishing license is required for people age 16 and older, in order to fish in any public water in North Carolina.