On July 4th every year we celebrate Free Fishing Day! Anyone in North Carolina, regardless of age, can enjoy one of the state’s best outdoor activities for free!

Free Fishing Day, which runs from all day from midnight to midnight, 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.

Authorized by the N.C. General Assembly in 1994 and sponsored by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina’s annual free fishing day, which always falls on July 4th, was created to promote the sport of fishing.  

To give anglers a better chance of catching fish, the Commission stocks a variety of fish in waters across the state — including trout and channel catfish. The agency also provides access to fishing sites across the state, including public fishing areas and boating access areas. The interactive fishing maps on the Commission’s website list more than 500 public fishing and boating areas.

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

For local spots to fish, checkout our Raleigh Tot Spots review of Lake Crabtree or Harris Lake county park.