Map

Tar Creek

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

North Carolina, United States

1 catch

Top fish species at Tar Creek

Spotted seatrout
Spotted seatrout
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Tar Creek fishing reports

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Spotted seatrout

length · weight

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General info

Tar Creek is a stream located in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. It is most popular for fishing Spotted seatrout.

Location

35°04′53.7″N 76°37′22.6″W
Directions

Fishing regulations at Tar Creek, 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

Season open: July 1 - February 5
Spotted seatrout

Spotted seatrout

Regulation boundaryNC North Carolina State Waters
Bag limit3

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.

Min size14" (Total Length)

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.

Max size20" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

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.

Required licenses
Eligible for NC Saltwater Fishing Tournament managed by Division of Marine Fisheries.
Additional information
North Carolina's Spotted Seatrout fishery will reopen to recreational and commercial harvest in joint and coastal waters on July 1, 2025, following a cold stun closure. Upon reopening of the fishery, new management from Amendment 1 to the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan will be implemented.A 14- to 20-inch slot limit with an allowance for one fish over 26 inchesA 3-fish individual bag limit For seasons, bag limits, size limits, or closures see Current Fisheries Proclamations. Mandatory Harvest Reporting Requirement: All seatrout that are kept must be reported to the Division of Marine Fisheries through an online form or iPhone App. Learn more.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Cynoscion nebulosus, Speckled Trout
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Local laws and licenses

North Carolina fishing license

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Cities nearby

Oriental

4.6 miles away

Vandemere

7.8 miles away

Mesic

8.5 miles away

Arapahoe

12.2 miles away

Minnesott Beach

13.2 miles away

Grantsboro

13.3 miles away

Aurora

17.9 miles away

Fairfield Harbour

18.9 miles away

Havelock

19.7 miles away

Atlantic

20.9 miles away

Davis

21.5 miles away

Morehead City

25.1 miles away

Marshallberg

25.3 miles away

New Bern

25.4 miles away

Harkers Island

26.6 miles away

Bayview

26.6 miles away

Swan Quarter

28.3 miles away

Bath

28.9 miles away

Broad Creek

29.7 miles away

Vanceboro

33.8 miles away

Pollocksville

34.2 miles away

Maysville

36.5 miles away

Emerald Isle

36.9 miles away

Swansboro

39.5 miles away

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FAQ about Tar Creek fishing

📍 Where is the Tar Creek located?
the Tar Creek is a stream located in Pamlico County, North Carolina, United States. Its coordinates are:
35°04′53.7″N 76°37′22.6″W
.
🎣 Where on the Tar Creek is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the Tar Creek by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in the Tar Creek?
The most common species in the Tar Creek are:
📢 What are the latest Tar Creek fishing reports?
The latest Tar Creek fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at the Tar Creek right now?
According to fishing regulations at the Tar Creek, some of the species in season this November include: Striped bass, Spotted seatrout, Cobia, Red grouper, and Atlantic bluefin tuna. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the Tar Creek?

Fishing in North Carolina requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination options, purchasable online or at vendors.

In North Carolina, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. Residents 70 and older qualify for a discounted lifetime license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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