Summer brings anglers to Western North Carolina; the requirements for licensing are important to know to fish legally.
Western N.C. is known for its fishing waters, with tourism around the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters program and other inland fishing remaining a popular industry
. However, specific licensing is required, and licenses for out-of-state anglers are pricier than those offered to residents.Including specific types of licenses for certain groups of people such as individuals with disabilities, veterans and more, there are over 10 types of fishing licenses available to anglers in North Carolina. Prices vary widely based on the type of license, with the most expensive licenses costing over $600 and the cheapest temporary licenses costing under
$10. Waivers are also available to some groups who can legally fish with a free license.
As we close out July, here's what to know about fishing license requirements in the Tar Heel State.
Is it legal to fish without a license in NC? Can teenagers fish without a license in NC?
A fishing license is required for any individuals 16 years of age and older using any type of bait or gear to catch finfish while fishing in N.C.'s public waters. Children under 16 years old do not need a fishing license to catch finfish in N.C. waters.
Can I fish in my own pond without a license in NC?
Yes. Fishing in a private pond does not require a fishing license in the state.
Do I need a license to catch crabs, shellfish in North Carolina?
Licenses are not required in N.C. to catch limited amounts of shellfish for personal use. Licenses are also not needed to catch limited amounts of crabs from private piers or shorelines, with limits also applying to the size and type of traps used.
Western North Carolina trout fishing license. What to know and how to get one
Described on the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission website as a "cooperative effort" between the commission and local governments to "encourage trout fishing as a heritage tourism activity," the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Program is participated in by 17 Western N.C. cities. Each city provides public access to a trout stream that runs through or is adjacent to the city.
N.C. residents and non-residents who want to fish in Mountain Heritage Trout Water streams can purchase a three-day license valid only for such waters for $8.
How much does a fishing license cost in NC? How to get an NC fishing license
There are many types of fishing licenses in N.C.
Short-term, annual and lifetime licenses are available in N.C., with waivers available for certain groups including veterans, people with disabilities, people in adult care homes, people who fish primarily for food and more. Prices for some of the most popular licenses include:
- Inland fishing 10-day license - $12 for residents, $29 for nonresidents
- Coastal recreational fishing 10-day - $9, $15
- Annual state inland fishing - $32, $56
- Coastal recreational fishing - $20, $40
- Unified inland/coastal recreational fishing - $51, available only to residents
- Special device inland fishing - $99, $652
Licenses can be purchased at most Division of Marine Fisheries offices, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission offices and online at the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality website.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Summer brings anglers to Western NC. Here's what's legal, what's not
