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Fishing regulations at Broughton Pond, NC
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in North Carolina can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Channel catfish
NC Snagging
It is unlawful to snag fish by pulling or jerking a device equipped with one or more hooks through the water for the purpose of impaling fish. Applies to game and nongame fish.
NC Unlawful Possession
It is unlawful to possess:more than the daily creel limit while fishing, boating or afield; at any place more than three days' creel limit; fish whose size, creel or season restrictions are not in compliance with the regulations on the waters being fished.
NC Altering Fish
It is unlawful, while fishing, to change the appearance of fish subject to size limits or daily creel limits or remove the head and/ or tail from fish that are regulated by a size limit so that they may not be measured and/ or identified.
NC Trotlines Set-hooks and Jug-hooks
Trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks may be fished under any license that authorizes fishing privileges. It is unlawful to use live bait with trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks. Trotlines must be set parallel to the nearest shore in all public waters, where their use is authorized. Each trotline, set-hook and jug-hook shall have attached the user's name and address or the user's NCWRC customer number legibly inscribed. Each trotline shall be conspicuously marked at each end, and each set-hook shall be conspicuously marked at one end with a prominent flag or floating object. Metal cans and glass containers cannot be used as markers. The number of jug-hooks that may be fished is limited to 70 per boat. Trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks must be fished daily, and all fish must be removed daily. Exceptions:· No trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks may be used in the impounded waters of Sandhills Game Land. · No trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks may be used in Public Mountain Trout Waters, except impounded waters of power reservoirs and municipal water supply reservoirs open to the public for fishing. · In Lake Waccamaw, it is unlawful to use trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks from May 1–Sept. 30. · No trotlines, jug hooks, and set hooks in the inland fishing waters of the Roanoke River from April 1 to June 30.
NC Sale of Nongame Fish
Nongame fish caught on hook and line (including trotlines, set-hooks, and jug-hooks), grabbling and by special fishing devices with a Special Fishing Device License may be sold, subject to the following restrictions:Bowfin may not be sold. Blueback herring and alewife taken by any method in inland waters may not be sold, except for those fish less than six inches in length that are taken from Kerr Reservoir (Granville, Vance, and Warren counties).Blue crabs, Atlantic Croaker, Black Drum, Bluefish, Cobia, King Mackerel, Sheeps- head, Spanish Mackerel, Spot, and Weak- fish (Gray Trout) taken from inland fishing waters may not be sold.
NC Nongame Fish Harvest Method Restrictions
Nongame fishes, crustaceans (crayfish and blue crabs), and mollusks may be taken for personal use (bait or personal consumption) only with the equipment listed below, and with a valid license that provides basic inland fishing privileges. A dip net not greater than 6 feet across. » A seine not greater than 12 feet in length with a bar mesh measure of not more than 1/4 inch, except in Lake Waccamaw any length seine may be used to collectbait fishes.A cast net.A bow net in those counties and waterswith open seasons .Dip nets used in conjunction with a licensed hand-crank electrofisher where authorized by local law.Minnow traps not exceeding 12 inchesin diameter and 24 inches in length, with funnel openings not exceeding one inch in diameter. All fish and animals must be removed daily, and the traps must be labeled with the user's name and address or WRC customer number.A gig except in Public Mountain Trout Waters.Traps (no more than three) in those counties and waters with open seasons Eel pots (no more than two).A spear gun in those counties and waters with open seasons Hand-held lines with single baits attached to each.A single, multiple bait line for taking crabs not to exceed 100 feet in length that is under the immediate control and attendance of the user and is limited to one line per person and no more than one line per vessel. The line is required to be marked on each end with a solid float no less than five inches in diameter and bearing legible and indelible identification of the user's name and address.A collapsible crab trap with the largest opening not greater than 18 inches and which, by design, collapses at all times when in the water, except when being retrieved or lowered to the bottom.Nongame fish may be taken year-round with archery equipment in water- fowl impoundments located entirely on game lands and in all inland fishing waters other than the impounded waters on the Sandhills Game Land, Public Mountain Trout Waters, and reservoirs with restrictions on taking grass carp. In the PeeDee River downstream of Blewett Falls Dam to the South Carolina state line and all tributaries, archery equipment may only be used to take catfish, subject to size and creel limits .
NC Single Barbless Hook
In the inland waters of the Roanoke River upstream of the U.S. 258 bridge, only a single barbless circle hook when fishing with live or natural bait or other tackle with a single barbless hook may be used from April 1 to June 30. "Barbless" means that the hook either does not have a barb or that the barb is bent down. Tandem rigs are prohibited.
NC Special Fishing Devices
Special fishing devices for the taking of non- game fishes with a Special Fishing Device License, include the following: seines, cast nets, gill nets, dip nets, bow nets, reels, gigs, spear guns, baskets, fish pots, eel pots, traps (excluding crab traps and automobile tires), and hand-crank electrofishers where authorized by local law. Special fishing devices may only be used in inland fishing waters during designated seasons. Each user of a special device must have their own license in possession, except that a bow net or dip net may be used by another person who has the owner's license in their possession. Only the principal owner or operator must be licensed when drag seines are used at inland beaches to take mullet. Dip nets may be used in conjunction with a licensed hand-crank electrofisher where authorized by local law to take nongame fish for bait or personal consumption in inland fishing waters with any valid license that provides basic inland fishing privileges. Stationary nets must not exceed 100 yards in length and must be spaced at least 50 yards apart. "Attendance" requires that a netter be within 100 yards of their net at all times. Stationary nets must run parallel to the nearest shoreline. Anchored, fixed or drift gill nets must be marked at each end with two separate yellow buoys, which shall be of solid foam or other solid buoy- ant material no less than five inches in their smallest dimension. Buoys on each of the nets shall be marked (by engraving buoys or attaching engraved metal or plastic tags) with one of the following: owner's N.C. vessel registration number, owner's U.S. vessel documentation name or owner's last name and initials. No wires or ropes associated with a special fishing device may extend across any navigable waterway. A fish trap may be no more than 60 inches in length and no more than 30 inches in depth or width. No lead nets, wing nets or other devices may be attached to the trap nor used within 25 feet of the trap. Such devices, when set and left unattended, shall be affixed with a card or tag furnished by the license-holder and upon which their name and address shall be legibly inscribed. It is unlawful to use eel pots with mesh sizes smaller than one-half inch by one-half inch. Each eel pot must be marked by attaching a floating buoy, which shall be of solid foam or other solid buoyant material and no less than five inches in diameter and no less than five inches in length. Buoys may be any color except yellow. The owner shall always be identified on the attached buoy by using engraved buoys or by engraved metal or plastic tags attached to the buoy. Such identification shall include one of the following: owner's N.C. vessel registration number, owner's U.S. vessel documentation name, or owner's last name and initials. Hand-crank electrofishers are any manually operated device capable of generating a low- voltage electrical current, not to exceed 300 volts, for the taking of catfish. No special fishing devices, including crab pots, may be used in designated waterfowl impoundments located on game lands. Seasons and waters, in which use of special devices with a Special Fishing Device License are indicated by the following counties:Alamance: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Alamance Creek below N.C. 49 bridge and Haw River. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters. Alexander: July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters; and with spear guns in Lake Hickory and Lookout Shoals Reservoir. Alleghany: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in New River, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Anson: July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Pee Dee River below Blewett Falls Dam. July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except Pee Dee River from Blewett Falls Dam downstream to the Seaboard Coastline Railroad trestle. Ashe: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in New River (both forks), except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Beaufort: July 1 – June 30 with traps in the Pungo River and in the Tar-Pamlico River above Norfolk and Southern Rail- road bridge; and with gigs in all inland public waters. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters. Bertie: July 1 – June 30 with traps in Broad Creek (tributary of Roanoke River). March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Bladen: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Black River; July 1 – March 1 with hand-crank electrofishers in Cape Fear River between Locks and Dams 1 and 3 and Black River (local law), except that hand-crank electrofishing is prohibited within 800 feet downstream and 400 yards upstream of Lock and Dam 1; 400 yards downstream and upstream of Lock and Dam 2; and 400 yards downstream of Lock and Dam 3. Brunswick: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Alligator Creek, Hoods Creek, Indian Creek, Orton Creek below Orton Pond, Rices Creek, Sturgeon Creek and Town Creek. Buncombe: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Burke: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except Johns River and Public Mountain Trout Waters. July 1 – June 30 with traps, gigs and spear guns in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters and Lake James. Fishing by use of an unattended float is prohibited on Lake James (local law). Cabarrus: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters. July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters. Caldwell: July 1 – June 30 with traps, gigs and spear guns in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Camden: July 1 – June 30 with traps in all inland public waters. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Carteret: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, except South River and the tributaries of the White Oak River. Caswell: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters. July1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except Moons Creek. July 1 – June 30 with traps in Hyco Reservoir.Catawba: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except Catawba River below Lookout Dam. July 1 – June 30 with traps, spear guns and gigs in all public waters. Chatham: Dec. 1 – April 15 with dip and gill nets in the Cape Fear River, Haw River, Deep River and Rocky River (local law). July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in the Cape Fear River and Haw River. July 1 – June 30 with traps in Deep River; and with gigs in all public waters. Cherokee: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Chowan: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. July 1 – June 30 with traps in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Clay: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Cleveland: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters. July 1 – June 30 with gigs, traps and spear guns in all public waters. Columbus: Dec. 1 – March 1 with gigs in all inland public waters, except Lake Waccamaw and its tributaries. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Livingston Creek. July 1 – March 1 with hand-crank electrofishers in Waccamaw and Lumber rivers (local law). Craven: July 1 – June 30 with traps in the main run of the Trent and Neuse rivers. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, except Pitch Kettle, Grindle, Slocum (downstream from the U.S. 70 bridge), Spring and Hancock creeks and their tributaries; and with seines in the Neuse River. Currituck: July 1 – June 30 with traps in Tulls Creek and Northwest River. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Dare: July 1 – June 30 with traps in Mashoes Creek, Milltail Creek, East Lake and South Lake. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Davidson: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters; and with traps in all public waters except Leonard's Creek, Abbott's Creek below Lake Thom- A-Lex Dam and the Abbott's Creek arm of High Rock Lake upstream from the N.C. 8 bridge. Davie: July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters. July 1 – Aug. 31 for taking only carp and suckers with seines in Dutchman's Creek from U.S. 601 to Yadkin River and in Hunting Creek from S.R. 1338 to South Yadkin River. Duplin: Dec. 1 – June 5 with seines in the main run of the Northeast Cape Fear River downstream from a point one mile above Serecta Bridge. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in the main run of the Northeast Cape Fear River downstream from a point one mile above Serecta Bridge. Durham: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Neuse River. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters. Edgecombe: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all public waters. Forsyth: July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters, except traps may not be used in Belews Creek Reservoir. Franklin: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Tar River. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Parrish, Laurel Mill, Jackson, Clifton, Moore's and Perry's ponds, and in the Franklinton city ponds. Gaston: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters. July 1 – June 30 with gigs, traps and spear guns in all public waters. Gates: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Graham: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Special devices are not permitted on Santeetlah Lake, Fontana Lake, Cheoah Reservoir and Calderwood Reservoir (local law). Granville: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Kerr Reservoir. July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in the Tar River below U.S. 158 bridge. July 1 – June 30 with dip and cast nets in Kerr Reservoir. Greene: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets and reels in Contentnea Creek. Guilford: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Haw River, Deep River below Jamestown Dam and Reedy Fork Creek below U.S. 29 bridge. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters. Halifax: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Beech Swamp, Clarks Canal, Conocon- nara Swamp, Fishing Creek below the Fishing Creek Mill Dam, Kehukee Swamp, Looking Glass Gut, Quankey Creek and White's Mill Pond Run. April 1 – June 15 in Fishing Creek on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, shad and herring (not to exceed 6 inches in length) may be taken with skim or gill nets having a bar mesh of not less than 1.5 inch (local law).Harnett: Jan. 1 – May 31 with gigs in Cape Fear River and tributaries. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Cape Fear River. Haywood: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Lake Junaluska and Public Mountain Trout Waters. Henderson: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Hertford: July 1 – June 30 with traps in Wiccacon Creek. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Hyde: July 1 – June 30 with traps in all inland waters. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, ex- cluding public lakes, ponds and other im- pounded waters. Iredell: July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters; and with spear guns in Lookout Shoals Reservoir and Lake Norman. Jackson: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Johnston: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Black Creek, Little River, Middle Creek, Mill Creek, Neuse River and Swift Creek. Jones: July 1 – June 30 with traps in the Trent River below U.S. 17 bridge and White Oak River below U.S. 17 bridge. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, except the tributaries to White Oak River. Lee: Dec. 1 – April 15 with dip and gill nets in Cape Fear River and Deep River (local law). July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Cape Fear River. July 1 – June 30 with traps in Deep River; and with gigs in all public waters. Lenoir: July 1 – June 30 with traps in Neu- se River below U.S. 70 bridge at Kinston. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Neuse River and Contentnea Creek upstream from N.C. 118 bridge at Grifton; and with seines in Neuse River. Lincoln: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters. July 1 – June 30 with traps, gigs and spear guns in all public waters. McDowell: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. July 1 – June 30 with traps, gigs and spear guns in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters and Lake James. Fishing by use of an unattended float is prohibited on Lake James (local law). Macon: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Madison: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Martin: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Mecklenburg: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters. July 1 – June 30 with traps, gigs and spear guns in all public waters, except Freedom Park Pond and Hornet's Nest pond. Montgomery: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except in Pee Dee River between Tillery Dam and Rocky River. July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters. Moore: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except Deep River. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public wa- ters, except lakes located on the Sandhills Game Land; and with traps in Deep River and its tributaries. Nash: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Tar River. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in the Tar River below Harris' Landing and Fishing Creek below the Fishing Creek Mill Dam.New Hanover: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, except Sutton (Catfish) Lake. Northampton: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Gaston and Roanoke Rapids reservoirs and the Roanoke River above the U.S. 301 bridge. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Occoneechee Creek, Old River Landing Gut and Vaughns Creek below Watsons Mill. Onslow: July 1 – June 30 with traps in White Oak River below U.S. 17 bridge. Aug. 1 – March 31 with eel pots in the main run of New River between U.S. 17 bridge and the mouth of Hawkins Creek. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in the main run of New River and White Oak River, and in Grant's Creek. Orange: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Haw River. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters. Pamlico: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, except Dawson Creek. Pasquotank: July 1 – June 30 with traps in all inland waters, except Dawson Creek. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Pender: Dec. 1 – June 5 with seines in the main run of the Northeast Cape Fear River. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in the Northeast Cape Fear River, Long Creek, Moore's Creek approximately one mile upstream to New Moon Fishing Camp and Black River. July 1 – March 1 with hand- crank electrofishers in Black River (local law). Perquimans: July 1 – June 30 with traps in all inland waters. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Person: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Hyco Creek and Mayo Creek. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters. Pitt: July 1 – June 30 with traps in Neuse River and in Tar River below the mouth of Hardee Creek east of Greenville. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, except Grindle Creek, and Contentnea Creek between N.C. 118 bridge at Grifton and the Neuse River. Dec. 1 to June 5 with seines in Tar River. Polk: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Randolph: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Deep River above the Coleridge Dam and in Uwharrie River. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters. Richmond: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except Pee Dee River from Blewett Falls Dam downstream to the Seaboard Coastline Railroad trestle. July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters, except lakes located on the Sandhills Game Land. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Pee Dee River below Blewett Falls Robeson: Dec. 1 – March 1 with gigs in all inland public waters. Rockingham: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Dan River and Haw River. July 1 – June 30 with traps in Dan River; and with gigs in all public waters. Rowan: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters. July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters. Rutherford: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. July 1 – June 30 with traps, gigs and spear guns in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Sampson: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Big Coharrie Creek, Black River and Six Runs Creek. July 1 – March 1 with hand-crank electrofishers in Black River downstream of N.C. 1105 bridge (local law). Stanly: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters, except Pee Dee River between Tillery Dam and Rocky River. July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters. Stokes: July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters; and traps may not be used in Belews Creek Reservoir. Surry: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters; and with traps in the main stem of Yadkin River. Swain: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Special devices are not permitted on Santeetlah Lake, Fontana Lake, Cheoah Reservoir and Calderwood Reservoir (local law). Transylvania: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Tyrrell: July 1 – June 30 with traps in Scuppernong River and Alligator Creek. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all in- land public waters, excluding Lake Phelps, the drainage canals that connect Lake Phelps and Scuppernong River, public lakes, ponds and other impounded waters. Union: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in all running public waters. July 1 – June 30 with traps and gigs in all public waters. Vance: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in the Tar River. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Rolands, Faulkners, Southerlands and Weldon ponds, City Lake, and Kerr Reservoir. July 1 – June 30 with dip and cast nets in Kerr Reservoir. Wake: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Sunset, Benson, Wheeler, Raleigh and Johnson lakes. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in the Neuse River below Falls Lake Dam, and Swift Creek below Lake Benson Dam. Warren: July 1 – Aug. 31 with seines in Fishing Creek, Shocco Creek and Walker Creek, excluding Duck and Hammes Mill ponds. July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, except Duck and Hammes Mill ponds, Kerr Reservoir and Gaston Reservoir. July 1 – June 30 with dip and cast nets in Kerr Reservoir. Washington: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in all inland public waters, excluding Lake Phelps, the drainage canals that connect Lake Phelps and Scuppernong River, public lakes, ponds and other impound- ed waters. Wayne: March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Little River, Mill Creek and Neuse River. Wilkes: July 1 – June 30 with traps in Yadkin River below W. Kerr Scott Reservoir; and with gigs and spear guns in all public waters, except Public Mountain Trout Waters. Wilson: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in Contentnea Creek (except Buckhorn Reservoir), including unnamed tributaries between Flowers Mill and S.R. 1163 (Deans) bridge. March 1 – April 30 with bow nets in Contentnea Creek below U.S. 301 bridge and in Toisnot Swamp down-stream from the Lake Toisnot Dam. Yadkin: July 1 – June 30 with gigs in all public waters, and with traps in the main stem of Yadkin River.
No size or daily creel limit in all inland fishing waters except those listed below:
Daily creel limit 7 Channel Catfish; No size limit: Alamance County (Cedarock Park Pond), Alexander County (Ellendale Community Center Pond), Buncombe County (Azalea Park Pond, Charles Owen Park Pond, Lake Julian, Lake Louise, Lake Tomahawk), Cabarrus County (Frank Liske Park Pond, TN Spencer Park Pond), Cumberland County (Lake Rim*), Edgecombe County (Etheridge Pond*, Indian Lake, Newbold Pond*), Forsyth County (CG Hill Memorial Park Pond, Kernersville Lake, Village Point Lake, Winston Park Pond*), Franklin County (Owens Park Pond), Gaston County (Dallas Park Pond, George Poston Park Pond), Granville County (Lake Devin), Guilford County (Bur-Mill Park Ponds, Country Park Pond, Guilford County Farm Park, Hagan Stone Park Ponds, Keeley Park Ponds, Oka T Hester Pond), Jackson County (Cashiers Recreation Pond), Lee County (San-Lee Park Ponds), Lenoir County (Neuseway Nature Center Pond), Mecklenburg County (Elon Holmes Park Pond, Freedom Park Pond, Hor- net's Nest Park Pond, McAlpine Lake*, Robbins Park Ponds, Squirrel Lake), Moore County (Lake Luke Marion, Pages Lake), Nash County (Rocky Mount City Lake), Orange County (Anderson Community Park Pond, Lake Michael), Pitt County (River Park North Ponds), Polk County (Laughter Pond), Richmond County (Ellerbe Community Lake, Hamlet City Lake, Hinson Lake), Rowan County (Dan Nicholas Park Pond, Salisbury Community Park Lake, Lake Corriher), Stanly County (Albe- marle City Lake), Surry County (Big Elkin Creek, Tumbling Rock Reservoir), Union County (Dogwood Park Pond), Vance County (Fox Pond), Wake County (Bass Lake, Bond Park Pond, Harris Lake County Park Pond, Pine Lake in Apex Community Park, Lake Raleigh*, Shelley Lake, Simpkins Pond in Lake Wheeler Park), Yadkin County (Yadkin County Park Pond).
Ponds located on game lands - No size limit; daily creel limit 5 in combination (blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish):
Pee Dee River downstream of Blewett Falls Dam to the South Carolina state line and all tributaries.
For more information please see https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing/regulations
Largemouth bass
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
NC Snagging
It is unlawful to snag fish by pulling or jerking a device equipped with one or more hooks through the water for the purpose of impaling fish. Applies to game and nongame fish.
NC Unlawful Possession
It is unlawful to possess:more than the daily creel limit while fishing, boating or afield; at any place more than three days' creel limit; fish whose size, creel or season restrictions are not in compliance with the regulations on the waters being fished.
NC Altering Fish
It is unlawful, while fishing, to change the appearance of fish subject to size limits or daily creel limits or remove the head and/ or tail from fish that are regulated by a size limit so that they may not be measured and/ or identified.
NC Purchase and Sale of Gamefish
The purchase and sale of inland game fish are unlawful, except from and by licensed commercial trout ponds and fish propagators.
NC Trotlines Set-hooks and Jug-hooks
Trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks may be fished under any license that authorizes fishing privileges. It is unlawful to use live bait with trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks. Trotlines must be set parallel to the nearest shore in all public waters, where their use is authorized. Each trotline, set-hook and jug-hook shall have attached the user's name and address or the user's NCWRC customer number legibly inscribed. Each trotline shall be conspicuously marked at each end, and each set-hook shall be conspicuously marked at one end with a prominent flag or floating object. Metal cans and glass containers cannot be used as markers. The number of jug-hooks that may be fished is limited to 70 per boat. Trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks must be fished daily, and all fish must be removed daily. Exceptions:· No trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks may be used in the impounded waters of Sandhills Game Land. · No trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks may be used in Public Mountain Trout Waters, except impounded waters of power reservoirs and municipal water supply reservoirs open to the public for fishing. · In Lake Waccamaw, it is unlawful to use trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks from May 1–Sept. 30. · No trotlines, jug hooks, and set hooks in the inland fishing waters of the Roanoke River from April 1 to June 30.
NC Single Barbless Hook
In the inland waters of the Roanoke River upstream of the U.S. 258 bridge, only a single barbless circle hook when fishing with live or natural bait or other tackle with a single barbless hook may be used from April 1 to June 30. "Barbless" means that the hook either does not have a barb or that the barb is bent down. Tandem rigs are prohibited.
NC Game Fish Hook and Line only
Inland game fish may be taken only with a hook and line and landing nets may be used to land fishes caught on a hook and line.
14-inch minimum, except 2 may be less than 14 inches
For more information please see https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing/regulations
Size and daily creel limit exceptions to state waters regulations:
Lake Santeetlah (Graham Co.)
No minimum size limit, and only 5 large- mouth bass and smallmouth bass in combination may be greater than 14 inches
No daily creel limit for large- mouth bass and smallmouth bass less than 14 inches, and only 5 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in combination may be greater than 14 inches
Lake Cammack (Alamance Co.) and Lake Holt (Granville Co.)
No minimum size limit, and only 2 may be greater than 14 inches
10, including only 2 greater than 14 inches
New River (Alleghany Co. portion downstream of Fields Dam in Grayson Co., VA)
No minimum size, none between 14-22 inches may be possessed, and only 1 large- mouth bass, smallmouth bass, or spotted bass may be greater than 22 inches
5 largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass in combination, including only 1 largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, or spotted bass greater than 22 inches
Lake Chatuge (Clay Co.)
12-inch minimum
10 largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Alabama bass, and spotted bass in combination
In the following waters and their tributaries:
- Albemarle, Croatan, Currituck, and Roanoke Sounds
- Alligator River (including the Alligator/Pungo Canal (Intra- coastal Waterway) east of the U.S. 264/N.C. 45 bridge)
- Big Flatty Creek (Pasquotank Co.)
- Chowan River (including the Meherrin River)
- Little River (Pasquotank and Perquimans counties)
- North River (Camden and Currituck counties)
- Northwest River (Currituck Co.)
- Pasquotank River
- Perquimans River
- Roanoke River downstream of Roanoke Rapids Dam
- Scuppernong River
- Yeopim River
- All other associated tributaries and canals to the waters listed above
14-inch minimum; limit 5
New Lake (Hyde Co.)
14-inch minimum; limit 5
Pungo Lake (Hyde and Washington counties)
14-inch minimum; limit 5
Lake Raleigh (Wake Co.)
14-inch minimum; limit 5
Sutton Lake (New Hanover Co.)
14-inch minimum; limit 5
Lake Hampton (Yadkin Co.) and Shearon Harris Reservoir (Chatham and Wake counties)
14-inch minimum, except 2 may be less than 14 inches and none between 16-20 inches may be possessed 5, including only 2 less than 14 inches
Lake Phelps
14-inch minimum and none between 16-20 inches may be possessed; limit 5
Buckhorn Reservoir (Nash and Wilson counties) and Cane Creek Lake (Union Co.)
16-inch minimum; limit 5
Lake Mattamuskeet and associated canals (Hyde Co.)
16-inch minimum, and only 1 may be greater than 20 inches; limit 5, including only 1 greater than 20 inches
Lake Thom-A-Lex (Davidson Co.)
18-inch minimum; limit 5
Jean Guite Creek and assoicated canals within the Town of Southern Shores (Dare Co.) and Ponds associated with Martin Marietta Park (Craven Co.)
No largemouth bass may be possessed
For more information please see https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing/regulations
Rainbow trout
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
NC Snagging
It is unlawful to snag fish by pulling or jerking a device equipped with one or more hooks through the water for the purpose of impaling fish. Applies to game and nongame fish.
NC Unlawful Possession
It is unlawful to possess:more than the daily creel limit while fishing, boating or afield; at any place more than three days' creel limit; fish whose size, creel or season restrictions are not in compliance with the regulations on the waters being fished.
NC Altering Fish
It is unlawful, while fishing, to change the appearance of fish subject to size limits or daily creel limits or remove the head and/ or tail from fish that are regulated by a size limit so that they may not be measured and/ or identified.
NC Purchase and Sale of Gamefish
The purchase and sale of inland game fish are unlawful, except from and by licensed commercial trout ponds and fish propagators.
NC Trotlines Set-hooks and Jug-hooks
Trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks may be fished under any license that authorizes fishing privileges. It is unlawful to use live bait with trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks. Trotlines must be set parallel to the nearest shore in all public waters, where their use is authorized. Each trotline, set-hook and jug-hook shall have attached the user's name and address or the user's NCWRC customer number legibly inscribed. Each trotline shall be conspicuously marked at each end, and each set-hook shall be conspicuously marked at one end with a prominent flag or floating object. Metal cans and glass containers cannot be used as markers. The number of jug-hooks that may be fished is limited to 70 per boat. Trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks must be fished daily, and all fish must be removed daily. Exceptions:· No trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks may be used in the impounded waters of Sandhills Game Land. · No trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks may be used in Public Mountain Trout Waters, except impounded waters of power reservoirs and municipal water supply reservoirs open to the public for fishing. · In Lake Waccamaw, it is unlawful to use trotlines, set-hooks or jug-hooks from May 1–Sept. 30. · No trotlines, jug hooks, and set hooks in the inland fishing waters of the Roanoke River from April 1 to June 30.
NC Single Barbless Hook
In the inland waters of the Roanoke River upstream of the U.S. 258 bridge, only a single barbless circle hook when fishing with live or natural bait or other tackle with a single barbless hook may be used from April 1 to June 30. "Barbless" means that the hook either does not have a barb or that the barb is bent down. Tandem rigs are prohibited.
NC Mountain Trout Waters
Fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters Fishing is limited to hook and line only.It is unlawful to take fish bait or bait fish from Public Mountain Trout Waters.It is unlawful to possess natural bait while fishing Wild Trout and Catch and Release waters, unless those waters are also specifically classified for use of natural bait. Dropper flies may be used when fishing any Public Mountain Trout Waters.Fishing is not allowed in Hatchery Supported Trout Waters during the closed season except in the Linville River and tributaries within Linville Gorge Wilderness Area and on power reservoirs and municipal water supply reservoirs designated as trout waters (Bear Creek Lake, Buckeye Creek Reservoir, Calderwood Reservoir, Cedar Cliff Lake, Cheoah Reservoir, Cliffside Lake, Tanassee Creek Lake, Queens Creek Lake, and Wolf Lake). Non-trout species may be harvested from Delayed Harvest Trout Waters during the catch-and-release only trout season under applicable size and creel limits.It is unlawful to place hatchery-reared fish into Wild Trout Waters or move wild fish from one stream to another on game lands without prior written authorization.Information and regulations about trout fishing on game lands are listed on Other Trout Fishing Waters.Trout Fishing in Undesignated Waters Some waters that are not designated as Public Mountain Trout Waters contain mountain trout. When fishing in undesignated waters, there is no size limit or bait restrictions and the creel limit is seven trout per day, with no closed season.Public Mountain Trout Waters Some Public Mountain Trout Waters are managed for self-sustaining trout populations, while others have to be stocked periodically to provide a fishery. Public Mountain Trout Waters are as follows:Catch and Release/Artificial Flies and Lures Only Trout WatersDelayed Harvest Trout Waters -excluding tributaries except as noted, may be fished only with artificial lures with one single hook, no natural bait may be possessed, and no trout may be harvested or possessed while fishing these waters between Oct. 1 and 30 minutes after sunset on the Friday before the first Saturday of the following June. At 12 p.m. on the first Saturday of June, these waters open for all anglers under Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations. These waters are marked with black-and-white signs.Hatchery Supported Trout Waters - there is no size limit or bait restriction, and the creel limit is seven trout per day. These waters are marked with green-and-white signs.Special Regulation Trout Waters- These portions of Public Mountain Trout Waters, excluding tributaries except as noted, are subject to watercourse-specific, special regulations. These streams are marked with white-and-red signs.Wild Trout Waters- In all Wild Trout Waters, the minimum length limit is seven inches and the creel limit is four trout per day. Only artificial lures with one single hook may be used. All Public Mountain Trout Waters located on game lands are Wild Trout Waters unless classified and posted otherwise. Wild Trout Waters are marked with blue-and-yellow signs.Wild Trout/Natural Bait Waters - These waters and their tributaries, except as noted, may be fished with artificial lures or natural bait, except live fish. Lures and natural baits are restricted to one single hook. The minimum length limit is seven inches, and the daily creel limit is four trout. These streams are marked with brown-and-yellow signs.Some of these public trout waters are also classified as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters and are identified on Other Trout Fishing Waters.
NC Mountain Trout Regulations by County
Mountain Trout Regulations by CountyAlleghany CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Little River (S.R. 1133 bridge to 275 yards downstream of the intersection of S.R. 1128 and S.R. 1129 [marked by a sign on each bank])HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Big Pine Creek• Bledsoe Creek• Brush Creek (N.C. 21 bridge to confluence with Little River, except where posted against trespassing)• Cranberry Creek• (Big) Glade Creek• Little River (275 yards downstream of the intersection of S.R. 1128 and S.R. 1129 [marked by a sign on each bank] to McCann Dam) • Meadow Fork• Pine Swamp Creek• Piney Fork• Prathers CreekWILD TROUT WATERS• All waters located on Stone Mountain State ParkAshe CountyCATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS• Big Horse Creek (Virginia state line to Mud• Creek at S.R. 1363, excluding tributaries)DELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Big Horse Creek (S.R. 1324 bridge to North Fork New River)• Helton Creek (900 yards upstream of S.R. 1372 bridge [marked by a sign on each bank] to North Fork New River)• South Fork New River (upstream end of Todd Island to the S.R. 1351 bridge)• Trout LakeHATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Beaver Creek (N.C. 221 to confluence of Beaver Creek and South Beaver Creek)• Big Horse Creek (Mud Creek at S.R. 1363 to S.R. 1324 bridge)• Big Laurel Creek (S.R. 1315 bridge to confluence with North Fork New River)• Buffalo Creek (S.R. 1133 bridge to N.C. 194- 88 bridge)• Cranberry Creek (Alleghany Co. line to South Fork New River)• Nathans Creek• North Fork New River (Watauga Co. line to Sharp Dam)• Old Fields Creek (N.C. 221 to South Fork New River)• Peak Creek (upstream property boundary of NCDA-NCSU Upper Mountain Research Station to Trout Lake, except Blue Ridge Parkway waters)• Roan Creek• Three Top CreekAvery CountyCATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS• Elk River (portion on Lees-McRae College• property, excluding the millpond)• Lost Cove Creek (game land portion, excluding Gragg Prong and Rockhouse Creek) • Wilson Creek (game land portion)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Boyde Coffey Lake• Elk River (S.R. 1305 crossing immediately up-stream of Big Falls to the Tennessee state line)• Linville River (S.R. 1504 to the Blue Ridge Parkway boundary line, except where posted against trespassing)• Milltimber Creek• North Toe River—upper (Watauga St. to Roby• Shoemaker Wetlands and Family Recreational• Park, except where posted against trespassing) • North Toe River—lower (S.R. 1164 to Mitchell Co. line, except where posted against trespassing)• Squirrel Creek • Wildcat LakeWILD TROUT WATERS• Birchfield Creek• Cow Camp Creek• Cranberry Creek (headwaters to U.S.19E/N.C. 194 bridge) • Gragg Prong• Horse Creek• Kentucky Creek• North Harper Creek• Plumtree Creek• Roaring Creek• Rockhouse Creek• Shawneehaw Creek (portion adjacent to Banner Elk Greenway) • South Harper Creek• Webb ProngBuncombe CountyCATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS• Carter Creek (game land portion)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Bent Creek (headwaters to N.C. Arboretum boundary line)• Cane Creek (headwaters to S.R. 3138 bridge) • Corner Rock Creek (Little Andy Creek to confluence with Walker Branch)• Dillingham Creek (Corner Rock Creek to Ivy Creek)• Ivy Creek (Ivy River) (Dillingham Creek to U.S. 19-23 bridge)• Lake Powhatan• Reems Creek (Sugar Camp Fork to U.S.19-23 bridge, except where posted against trespassing)• Rich Branch (downstream from the confluence with Rocky Branch)• Stony Creek• Swannanoa River (S.R. 2702 bridge near• Ridgecrest to Wood Avenue bridge [inter- section of N.C. 81 and U.S. 74A in Asheville], except where posted againsttrespassing)Burke CountyCATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS• Henry Fork (portion on South Mountains State Park)DELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Jacob Fork (Shinny Creek to lower South Mountains State Park boundary)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Carroll Creek (portion on game lands above S.R. 1405)• Henry Fork (lower South Mountains State Park line downstream to S.R. 1919 at Ivy Creek)• Linville River (portion within Linville Gorge• Wilderness Area (LGWA) and portion be- low Lake James powerhouse from upstream bridge on S.R. 1223 to Muddy Creek) There is no closed season within LGWA.SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT WATERS• Catawba River (Muddy Creek to City of Mor- ganton water intake dam). The creel limit is two trout per day, and the minimum size limit is 14 inches. No bait restrictions. No closed season.WILD TROUT WATERS• All waters located on South Mountains State Park except Clear Creek Reservoir, the main stream of Jacob Fork between the mouth of Shinny Creek and the lower park boundary, and Henry Fork and its tributaries• Nettle Branch (game land portion)Caldwell CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Wilson Creek (game land portion below Lost Cove Creek to Phillips Branch)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Boone Fork Pond• Buffalo Creek (mouth of Joes Creek to Mc-Cloud Branch)• Joes Creek (first falls upstream of S.R. 1574 to confluence with Buffalo Creek)• Wilson Creek (Phillips Branch to Brown Mountain Beach Dam, except where posted against trespassing)• Yadkin River (Happy Valley Ruritan Community• Park to S.R. 1515)WILD TROUT WATERS• Buffalo Creek (Watauga Co. line to Long Ridge Branch including tributaries on game lands) • Joes Creek (Watauga Co. line to first falls upstream of the end of S.R. 1574)• Rockhouse CreekCherokee CountyHATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Davis Creek (confluence of Bald and Dockery creeks to Hanging Dog Creek)• Hyatt Creek (Big Dam Branch to Valley River) • Junaluska Creek (Ashturn Creek to Valley River) • Shuler Creek (Joe Brown Hwy. [S.R. 1325] bridge to Tennessee state line)• Valley River (S.R. 1359 to U.S. 19 Business bridge in Murphy)SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT WATERS• Apalachia Reservoir. The creel limit is three trout per day. There is no minimum size limit, but only one trout may be greater than 14 inches. No bait restrictions. No closed season.WILD TROUT/NATURAL BAIT WATERS• Bald Creek (game land portion)• Dockery Creek (game land portion)Clay CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Fires Creek (Rockhouse Creek to the foot bridge in the USFS Fires Creek Picnic Area)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Buck Creek (game land portion downstream of U.S. 64 bridge)• Fires Creek (foot bridge in the USFS Fires Creek Picnic Area to S.R. 1300)• Tusquitee Creek (Compass Creek to lower S.R. 1300 bridge)Graham CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• (Big) Snowbird Creek (USFS footbridge at the old railroad junction to USFS Road 2579)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Calderwood Reservoir (Cheoah Dam to Tennessee state line)• Cheoah Reservoir• Panther Creek (confluence of Stand Creekand Rock Creek to Lake Fontana• Santeetlah Creek (Johns Branch to Lake Santeetlah)• (Big) Snowbird Creek (USFS Road 2579 to S.R. 1127 bridge)• Stecoah Creek (upper game land boundary to Lake Fontana)• Tulula Creek (S.R. 1201 to lower bridge on S.R. 1275)• West Buffalo Creek• Yellow Creek (Lake Santeetlah Hydropower• Pipeline to Cheoah River)WILD TROUT WATERS• Little Buffalo Creek• South Fork Squally Creek • Squally CreekWILD TROUT/NATURAL BAIT WATERS• Long Creek (game land portion)Haywood CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• West Fork Pigeon River (Queen Creek to the first game land boundary upstream of Lake Logan)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Cold Springs Creek (Fall Branch to Pigeon River)• Jonathan Creek (upstream S.R. 1302 bridge to Pigeon River, except where posted against trespass)• Pigeon River (Stamey Cove Branch to up-stream U.S. 19-23 bridge)• Richland Creek (Russ Avenue [U.S. 276] bridge to U.S. 19 bridge)• West Fork Pigeon River (Tom Creek to• Queen Creek, including portions on game lands, except Middle Prong)Henderson CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• North Fork Mills River (game land portion below the Hendersonville watershed dam)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• (Rocky) Broad River (end of S.R. 1611 to Rutherford Co. line)• Cane Creek (railroad bridge upstream of S.R. 1551 bridge to U.S. 25 bridge)• Clear Creek (Laurel Fork to S.R. 1582)• Green River (Lake Summit powerhouse to• game land boundary)• (Big) Hungry River (S.R. 1885 to Green River)Jackson CountyCATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS• Flat Creek• (East Fork) Tuckasegee River (game land portion upstream of Tanasee Creek Lake, including Duke Energy powerline corridor)DELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Tuckasegee River (downstream N.C. 107 bridge to the falls located 275 yards up- stream of the U.S. 23-441 bridge [marked by a sign on each bank])HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Balsam Lake• Bear Creek Lake• Cedar Cliff Lake• Cullowhee Creek (Tilley Creek to Tuckasegee River)• Dark Ridge Creek (Jones Creek to Scott Creek)• Greens Creek (Greens Creek Baptist Church on S.R. 1370 to Savannah Creek)• Savannah Creek (Shell Branch to Cagle Branch)• Scott Creek (Dark Ridge Creek to Tuckasegee River, except where posted against trespassing)• Tanasee Creek Lake• Tuckasegee River—upper (John Brown Branch to the downstream N.C. 107 bridge)• Tuckasegee River—lower (falls located 275 yards upstream of U.S. 23-441 bridge [marked by a sign on each bank] to S.R. 1534 bridge at Wilmot)• Wolf Creek LakeWILD TROUT WATERS• Gage Creek• North Fork Scott Creek• Tanasee Creek• Whitewater River (downstream from Silver Run Creek to South Carolina state line)• Wolf Creek (except Balsam Lake and Wolf Creek Lake)WILD TROUT/NATURAL BAIT WATERS• Chattooga River (S.R. 1100 bridge to South Carolina state line)Macon CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Nantahala River (Whiteoak Creek to Nantahala hydropower discharge canal)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Burningtown Creek (Left Prong to Little Tennessee River)• Cartoogechaye Creek (downstream U.S. 64 bridge to Little Tennessee River)• Cliffside Lake• Cullasaja River (Sequoyah Dam to U.S. 64 bridge near junction of S.R. 1672)• Nantahala River—upper (Dicks Creek to Whiteoak Creek)• Nantahala River—lower (Nantahala hydropower discharge canal to Swain Co. line) • Queens Creek LakeWILD TROUT/NATURAL BAIT WATERS• Chattooga River (S.R. 1100 bridge to South Carolina state line)• Kimsey Creek • Park CreekMadison CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Big Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge to the U.S. 25-70 bridge)• Shelton Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge at Bel- va to the confluence with Big Laurel Creek)• Spring Creek (N.C. 209 bridge at Hot Springs city limits to iron bridge at end of Andrews Avenue)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Big Laurel Creek (Puncheon Fork to the S.R. 1318 [Big Laurel Road] bridge downstream of Bearpen Branch)• Big Pine Creek (S.R. 1151 bridge to French Broad River)• Little Ivy Creek (confluence of Middle Fork and Paint Fork at • Beech Glen to confluence with Ivy Creek at Forks of Ivy)• Max Patch Pond• Meadow Fork (Meadow Fork Campground to Spring Creek)• Puncheon Fork (Wolf Laurel Branch to Big Laurel Creek)• Roaring Fork (Fall Branch to Meadow Fork) • Shelton Laurel Creek (confluence of Big Creek and Mill Creek to N.C. 208 bridge at Belva) • Shut-in Creek• Spillcorn Creek• Spring Creek (junction of N.C. 209 and N.C. 63 to the confluence with Meadow Fork)• West Fork Shut-in Creek (lower game land boundary to confluence with East Fork Shut-in Creek)McDowell CountyCATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS• Newberry Creek (game land portion)DELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Catawba River (portion adjacent to Marion Greenway)• Curtis Creek (game land portion downstream of the USFS boundary at Deep Branch)• Mill Creek (U.S. 70 bridge to I-40 bridge)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Armstrong Creek (Cato Holler lower line downstream to upper Greenlee line)• Catawba River (Catawba Falls Campground to Old Fort Recreation Park)• Little Buck Creek (game land portion)• North Fork Catawba River (headwaters to North Cove School at S.R. 1569 bridge)Mitchell CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Cane Creek (N.C. 226 bridge to S.R. 1189 bridge) • North Toe River (U.S. 19E bridge to N.C.226 bridge)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Big Rock Creek (headwaters to N.C. 226 bridge at S.R. 1307 intersection)• Cane Creek (S.R. 1219 to N.C. 226 bridge)• East Fork Grassy Creek• Grassy Creek (East Fork Grassy Creek to mouth)• Little Rock Creek (Green Creek bridge to Big• Rock Creek, except where posted against trespassing)• North Toe River (Avery Co. line to S.R. 1121 bridge)WILD TROUT WATERS· Green Creek (above Green Creek bridge, except where posted against trespassing)· Little Rock Creek (above Green Creek, in-· cluding all tributaries, except where posted· against trespassing)· Wiles Creek (game land boundary to mouth)Polk CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS • Green River (Fishtop Falls Access Area to the confluence with Cove Creek)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS • Green River (Mouth of Cove Creek to the natural gas pipeline crossing) • North Pacolet River (Joels Creek to N.C. 108 bridge)Rutherford CountyHATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• (Rocky) Broad River (Henderson Co. line to U.S. 64/74 bridge, except where posted against trespassing)Stokes CountyHATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Dan River (Virginia state line downstream to a point 200 yards below the end of S.R. 1421)Surry CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Ararat River (portion adjacent to Ararat River Greenway)• Mitchell River (0.6 mile upstream of the end of S.R. 1333 to the lowermost bridge on S.R. 1330)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Ararat River (S.R. 1727 bridge downstream to the N.C. 103 bridge)• Big Elkin Creek (Dam 440 yards upstream of N.C. 268 bridge to a point 265 yards downstream of N.C. 268 [marked by a sign on each bank])• Fisher River (Cooper Creek) (Virginia state line to I-77 bridge)• Little Fisher River (Virginia state line to N.C. 89 bridge)• Lovills Creek (U.S. 52 Business bridge to Ararat River)• Pauls Creek (Virginia state line to 0.3 miles below S.R. 1625 bridge)Swain CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Tuckasegee River (U.S. 19 bridge to Slope Street bridge)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Alarka Creek (game land boundary to Fon- tana Reservoir)• Calderwood Reservoir (Cheoah Dam to Ten- nessee state line)• Cheoah Reservoir• Connelly Creek (Camp Branch to Tuckasegee River)• DeepCreek(GreatSmokyMountainsNational Park boundary line to Tuckasegee River) • Nantahala River (Macon Co. line to existing• Fontana Reservoir water level)Transylvania CountyCATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS• Davidson River (headwaters to Avery Creek,excluding Avery Creek, Looking Glass Creek, Grogan Creek, Cedar Rock Creek, and John Rock Branch)DELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS • East Fork French Broad River (East Fork Baptist Church to the downstream S.R. 1107 bridge) • Little River (confluence of Lake Dense to 100 • yards downstream of Hooker Falls)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS • Davidson River (Avery Creek to lower USFS boundary line) • French Broad River (confluence of North Fork French Broad River and West Fork French Broad River to the Island Ford Rd. [S.R. 1110] Access Area) • Middle Fork French Broad River (upstream U.S. 178 bridge to French Broad River) • West Fork French Broad River (S.R. 1312 to confluence with North Fork French Broad)WILD TROUT WATERS • All waters located on Gorges State Park• Whitewater River (downstream from Silver• Run Creek to South Carolina state line)WILD TROUT/NATURAL BAIT WATERS• North Fork French Broad River (game land portion downstream of S.R. 1326)• Thompson River (S.R. 1152 to South Carolina state line, except where posted against trespassing)Watauga CountyCATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS• Laurel Creek (confluence of North and South• Fork Laurel creeks to Elk Creek, excluding tributaries)• Pond Creek (headwaters to Locust Ridge• Road bridge, excluding the pond adjacent to Lake Coffey)DELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Lake Coffey• Watauga River—upper (S.R. 1114 bridge to• Valle Crucis Community Park lower boundary)• Watauga River—lower (S.R. 1103 bridge confluence with Laurel Creek)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Beaverdam Creek (confluence of Beaverdam Creek and Little Beaverdam Creek to an unnamed tributary adjacent to the intersection of S.R. 1201 and S.R. 1203)• Beech Creek• Buckeye Creek (Buckeye Creek Reservoir dam to Grassy Gap Creek)• Buckeye Creek Reservoir• Cove Creek (S.R. 1233 bridge at Zionville to• S.R. 1214 bridge at Sherwood)• Dutch Creek (S.R. 1136 bridge to the mouth) • Elk Creek (S.R. 1510 bridge at Triplett to• Wilkes Co. line, except where posted against trespassing)• Laurel Creek (S.R. 1123 bridge at S.R. 1157 intersection to Watauga River)• Meat Camp Creek (S.R. 1340 bridge at S.R. 1384 intersection to N.C. 194)• Middle Fork New River (adjacent to inter- section of S.R. 1539 and U.S. 321 to South Fork New River)• Norris Fork Creek• South Fork New River (canoe launch 70 yards upstream of U.S. 421 bridge to lower boundary of Brookshire Park)• Stony Fork (S.R. 1500 bridge at S.R. 1505 intersection to Wilkes Co. line)WILD TROUT WATERS• Dutch Creek (headwaters to S.R. 1136 bridge) • Howard Creek• Maine Branch (headwaters to North Fork New River)• North Fork New River (from confluence with• Maine and Mine branches to Ashe Co. line) • Watauga River (Avery Co. line to S.R. 1580 bridge)• Winkler Creek (lower bridge on S.R. 1549 to confluence with South Fork New River)Wilkes CountyDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• East Prong Roaring River (Bullhead Creek downstream to Stone Mountain State Park lower boundary) • Elk Creek—upper (Watauga Co. line to lower boundary of Blue Ridge Mountain Club) • Elk Creek—lower (portion on Leatherwood • Mountains Development) • Reddies River (Town of North Wilkesboro water intake dam to confluence with Yadkin River) • Stone Mountain Creek (from falls at Allegh- any Co. line to confluence with East Prong • Roaring River and Bullhead Creek)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS • Basin Creek (S.R. 1730 bridge to confluence with Lovelace Creek) • Bell Branch Pond • Boundary Line Pond • Cub Creek (0.5 miles upstream of S.R. 2460 bridge to S.R. 1001 bridge) • Darnell Creek (North Prong Reddies River) (downstream ford on S.R. 1569 to confluence with North Fork Reddies River) • East Prong Roaring River (Stone Mountain • State Park lower boundary to S.R. 1002 bridge) • Fall Creek (S.R. 1300 bridge to confluence with South Prong Lewis Fork, except where posted against trespassing) • Middle Fork Reddies River (Clear Prong) headwaters to bridge on S.R. 1580) • Middle Prong Roaring River (headwaters to second bridge on S.R. 1736) • North Fork Reddies River (Vannoy Creek) (headwaters to Union School bridge on S.R. 1559) • Pike Creek • Pike Creek Pond • South Fork Reddies River (S.R. 1355 bridge to· confluence with Middle Fork Reddies River) · South Prong Lewis Fork (Fall Creek to U.S. 421 bridge adjacent to S.R. 1155 intersection)WILD TROUT WATERS• All waters located on Stone Mountain State Park, except East Prong Roaring River from Bullhead Creek downstream to the Stone Mountain State Park lower boundary where Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply, and Stone Mountain Creek from falls at Alleghany County line to confluence with East Prong Roaring River and Bullhead Creek in Stone Mountain State Park where Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply.Yancey CountyCATCH AND RELEASE/ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS• South Toe River (headwaters to Upper Creek) • Upper CreekDELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS• Cane River (Blackberry Ridge Road to down- stream boundary of Cane River County Park)HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS• Bald Mountain Creek (except where posted against trespassing)• Cane River (Bee Branch [S.R. 1110] to Bowlens Creek)• Price Creek (junction of S.R. 1120 and S.R. 1121 to Indian Creek)• South Toe River (Clear Creek to lower bound- ary line of Yancey Co. recreation park, except where posted against trespassing)WILD TROUT WATERS• Cattail Creek (bridge at Mountain Farm Com- munity Road to N.C. 197 bridge)• Lickskillet Creek• Middle Creek (game land boundary to mouth)Heritage Trout Waters are marked with signs posted conspicuously along the watercourses. A resident or nonresident of this State who served as a member of the Armed Forces and who separated under honorable conditions is exempt from fishing license requirements while fishing in waters designated by the Wildlife Re- sources Commission as Mountain Heritage Trout waters. In order to qualify the individual shall have valid documentation of their service on their person at all times during the fishing activity.Ashe County • Lansing: Big Horse Creek (S.R. 1324 bridge to North Fork New River) [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply] • Todd: South Fork New River (upstream end of Todd Island to S.R. 1351 bridge) [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply]Avery County • Newland: North Toe River (Watauga St. bridge to Roby Shomaker Wetlands and Fam- ily Recreation Park) [Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations apply]Haywood County • Maggie Valley: Jonathan Creek (upstream S.R. 1302 bridge to S.R. 1309 bridge) [Hatch- ery Supported Trout Waters regulations apply] • Waynesville: Richland Creek (Russ Avenue bridge to U.S. 19 bridge) [Hatchery Sup- ported Trout Waters regulations apply]Jackson County • Dillsboro: Scott Creek (Hometown Place Road to Tuckasegee River) [Hatchery Sup- ported Trout Waters regulations apply] • Tuckasegee River (Falls located 275 yards upstream of U.S. 23-441 bridge to Scott Creek) [Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations apply] • Tuckasegee River (Savannah Creek to falls located 275 yards upstream of U.S. 23-441 bridge) [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply] • Sylva: Scott Creek (Hospital Road to Home- town Place Road) [Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations apply] • Webster: Tuckasegee River (downstream N.C. 107 bridge to Savannah Creek) [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply]Madison County • Hot Springs: Spring Creek (N.C. 209 bridge at Hot Springs city limits to iron bridge at end of Andrews Avenue) [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply]McDowell County • Old Fort: Mill Creek (U.S. 70 bridge to the I-40 bridge) [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply]Mitchell County • Bakersville: Cane Creek (N.C. 226 bridge to S.R. 1189 bridge) [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply] • Spruce Pine: North Toe River (U.S. 19E bridge to N.C. 226 bridge) [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply]Swain County • Bryson City: Tuckasegee River (U.S. 19 bridge to Slope Street bridge) [Delayed Har- vest Trout Waters regulations apply]Watauga County • Beech Mountain: Buckeye Creek (Buckeye Creek Reservoir dam to Grassy Gap Creek) [Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations apply] • Buckeye Creek Reservoir [Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations apply] Lake Coffey [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply] • Pond Creek (headwaters to Locust Ridge • Road bridge, excluding the pond adjacent to Lake Coffey) [Catch and Release/Artificial Flies and Lures Only Trout Waters regulations apply]Wilkes County • North Wilkesboro: Reddies River (Town of North Wilkesboro water intake dam to confluence with Yadkin River) [Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations apply] • Wilkesboro: Cub Creek (0.5 miles upstream of S.R. 2460 bridge to S.R. 101 bridge) [Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations apply]Yancey County • Burnsville: South Toe River (property bound- aries of the Yancey County Toe River Camp- ground) [Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations apply]
NC Game Fish Hook and Line only
Inland game fish may be taken only with a hook and line and landing nets may be used to land fishes caught on a hook and line.
Mountain waters that support trout and are open to public fishing are designated as "Public Mountain Trout Waters" by the Wildlife Resources Commission and are managed for public trout fishing.
Maps of trout water and their classifications may be viewed at ncwildlife.org/trout.
UNDESIGNATED TROUT WATERS
No closed season; No size limit; daily creel limit 7; no lures/ bait restriction
All other Public Mountain Trout Waters are as follows:
HATCHERY SUPPORTED TROUT WATERS
Season: Aug. 1, 2023 – Feb. 29, 2024; 7 a.m. April 6, 2024 – July 31, 2024
No size limit; daily creel limit 7; no lures/ bait restriction
No fishing allowed: March 1, 2024 – April 5, 2024
Linville River and tributaries within Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Power reservoirs and municipal water supply reservoirs
No closed season; No size limit; daily creel limit 7 No lures /bait restriction
DELAYED HARVEST TROUT WATERS
Oct. 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024
No trout may be possessed
No fishing allowed from 1⁄2 hour after sunset on May 31, 2024, to 6 a.m. on June 1, 2024
Artificial lures with a single hook. Natural bait may not be possessed.
No size limit; daily creek limit 7
Aug. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2023
June 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024
(Note: youth under 18 years old only fishing from 6 a.m. until noon on June 1, 2024)
No size limit; daily creel limit 7; no lures /bait restriction
WILD TROUT WATERS
No closed season; 7 inches minimum size; daily creel limit 4; Artificial lures with a single hook.
WILD TROUT NATURAL BAIT WATERS
No closed season; 7 inches minimum size; daily creel limit 4; Artificial lures or natural bait with a single hook. No live fish allowed as bait.
CATCH AND RELEASE / ARTIFICIAL FLIES AND LURES ONLY TROUT WATERS
No closed season; No trout may be possessed; Artificial flies and lures with a single hook. Natural bait may not be possessed.
SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT WATERS
Catawba River from Muddy Creek to Morganton water intake dam
No closed season; 14 inches minimum size; daily creel limit 2; No lures /bait restriction
Apalachia Reservoir
No size limit but only one trout may be greater than 14 inches; daily creel limit 3 including only one trout greater than 14 inches; No lures /bait restriction
For more information please see https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing/regulations
FAQ about Broughton Pond fishing
- Channel catfish - 18 members reported to have caught this fish
- Largemouth bass - 22 members reported to have caught this fish
- Rainbow trout - 7 members reported to have caught this fish
- @RAM_21 reported a nice Largemouth bass.
- @cartervang reported a nice Largemouth bass.
- @edwardtopoleski reported a nice Largemouth bass.
- @williamsmith7464 reported a nice Channel catfish.
- @williamsmith7464 reported a nice Channel catfish.
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