By:
Fishing in North Carolina State can be an incredible experience, but before you start angling you’ll need to make sure you have the proper license.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about getting your fishing license in a state that takes fishing very seriously- they even have a fishing college there.
From the different types of fishing licenses available and how to obtain them to locations and future changes, get ready to become a pro on all things related to North Carolina fishing licenses.
Going fishing in North Carolina? Then give a read to our Best Bass Fishing Lakes in North Carolina review.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a North Carolina Fishing License
| NC Fishing License Requirements | |
| Residents | Non-residents |
| 16+ Years Old | 16+ Years old |
Individuals 16 years and older who wish to partake in recreational fishing in any coastal or joint waters of North Carolina are required to purchase either an NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) or an inland fishing license (freshwater).
North Carolina offers a lifetime license, that is valid for the lifetime of the licensee. Or anglers can purchase other privilege licenses, stamps, and certifications purchased are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
State Inland Fishing License
The NC inland fishing license is North Carolina’s freshwater fishing license. The license grants access to Public Mountain Trout Waters, trout waters on game lands, and joint waters.
Coastal Recreational Fishing
If you’re over the age of 16 and planning to fish recreationally in any water designated as Coastal and Joint Waters of North Carolina, you’ll need an NC saltwater fishing license, or Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL).
This license grants access to the state’s saltwater fishing locations.
Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing
North Carolina residents looking to get the most out of their next fishing trip can take advantage of The Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License.
This license grants access to both inland and coastal waters across the state.
Special Device (Inland Fishing)
In addition to regular fishing methods such as bait, lures, and poles, special devices are also allowed when inland fishing.
These include seines, cast nets, gill nets, dip nets, bow nets, reels, gigs, spear guns, baskets, fish pots, eel pots, traps, and hand-crank electrofishers.
The use of these devices allows the sale of non-game fish as well as taking them for personal use.
Archery equipment may also be used under any license providing hunting or inland fishing privileges.
Reciprocal Licenses
Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia all have agreements in place with NC that allow their fishing licenses to be honored when fishing designated boundary waters.
- In Georgia, that includes Chatuge Reservoirs and its tributaries.
- For Tennessee, it applies to the state line section of Slick Rock Creek and Calderwood Reservoir
- Virginia has an agreement with boat fishing sections of the Dan River, Staunton River, and Kerr and Gaston reservoirs
What Age Do You Need a Fishing License in North Carolina
Anyone over the age of 16 needs a fishing license in North Carolina, for both residents and non-residents.
How to Buy a North Carolina Fishing License
There are four ways you can purchase a North Carolina license for immediate use, with a possible $2 transaction fee applied to your total order.
Some special licenses require sensitive items for proof of purchase, so those will need to be bought directly through the Commission by mail or in person.
Online
You can purchase one online from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website. Go to ncwildlife.org.
Local Retailers
You can also purchase a fishing license from a Wildlife Service Agent, such as a Walmart or sporting goods store.
You can find the closest service agent to you by using the search tool on North Carolina’s website.
Resources Commission Office
You can get your fishing license directly from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission in person or by mail.
| North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Addresses | |
| In Person Office | NCSU Centennial Campus, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, N.C. |
| Mailing Address | NCWRC, 1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1700 |
Over the Phone
You can purchase a North Carolina Fishing License by phone. Call: 888-248-6834 and staff will help guide you through the process.
How Much is a Fishing License in NC?
A NC fishing license cost will vary depending on the kind of license and whether or not you are a resident.
| License | License Description | Resident Price | Non-resident Price |
| Inland Fishing 10-Day | This license authorizes statewide inland fishing during the 10-day period specified on the license and allows you to fish in Public Mountain Trout Waters, trout waters on game lands, and joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters | $9 | $23 |
| Coastal Recreational Fishing 10-Day | This license authorizes fishing in both coastal and joint waters during the 10-day period specified on the license – allowing you to take advantage of all the great fishing spots located along North Carolina’s coast. It does not, however, authorize fishing in inland waters, so make sure that you get the license that is best suited to your needs. | $6 | $11 |
| Annual State Inland Fishing | This license authorizes statewide inland fishing for an entire license term and provides access to Public Mountain Trout Waters, trout waters on game lands, and joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters, so make sure you choose the license that best fits your needs. | $25 | $45 |
| Annual Coastal Recreational Fishing | This license authorizes fishing in both coastal and joint waters during a license term, allowing you to make the most of your time spent exploring North Carolina’s amazing coastal waters. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters, so make sure that you get the license that best suits your needs. | $16 | $32 |
| Annual Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing | The Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License is the perfect choice for any North Carolina resident looking to make the most of their time spent on the water. This license authorizes both statewide inland and coastal fishing during a license term, giving you access to an array of incredible spots across the state. | $41 | Not Available |
| Annual Subsistence Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License Waiver | The Subsistence Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License Waiver is for any North Carolina resident who receives Medicaid, Food Stamps, or Work First Family Assistance through the County Department of Social Services. This license provides access to statewide inland and coastal fishing during a license term – covering everything from Public Mountain Trout Waters, trout waters on game lands, and even joint waters. | FREE | Not Available |
| Annual Special Device (inland fishing) | This license allows you to catch fish using tools other than a fishing pole. | $80 | $530 |
| Lifetime Comprehensive Inland Fishing | With this lifetime license, state residents have access to all of North Carolina’s incredible inland spots – from Public Mountain Trout Waters to trout waters on game lands and even joint waters. | $265 | Not Available |
| Lifetime Senior Fishing | North Carolina state residents, ages 65 or 70 and over depending on birth year, are now eligible for the Senior Lifetime License. This license grants seniors access to an array of fishing spots throughout the state – from Public Mountain Trout Waters to trout waters on game lands and joint waters. | $16 | Not Available |
| Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing | With the Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License, state residents have access to all of North Carolina’s inland and coastal spots – from PublicMountain Trout Waters to trout waters on game lands and even joint waters. | $477 | Not Available |
| Lifetime Adult Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 12 & older) | The Coastal Recreational Fishing License grants anglers access to all of North Carolina’s coastal and joint waters. | $265 | $530 |
| Lifetime Youth Coastal Recreational Fishing (ages 1–11) | The Coastal Recreational Fishing License grants anglers access to all of North Carolina’s coastal and joint waters. | $159 | $159 |
| Lifetime Infant Coastal Recreational Fishing (under age 1) | The Coastal Recreational Fishing License grants anglers access to all of North Carolina’s coastal and joint waters. | $106 | $106 |
| Lifetime Senior Coastal Recreational Fishing | The Coastal Recreational Fishing License grants anglers access to all of North Carolina’s coastal and joint waters. | $16 | Not Available |
| Disabled Veteran Inland Fishing | The Disabled Veteran Inland Fishing License offers North Carolina’s disabled veterans access to all of the state’s inland streams and waters – including Public Mountain Trout Waters, trout waters on game lands, and joint waters. | $11 | Not Available |
| Disabled Veteran Coastal Recreational Fishing | The Disabled Veteran Coastal Recreational Fishing License grants access to all of North Carolina’s coastal and joint waters. | $11 | Not Available |
| Totally Disabled Inland Fishing | The Totally Disabled Inland Fishing License allows disabled North Carolinians access to the state’s inland streams and waters. Whether fishing in PublicMountain Trout Waters, trout waters on game lands, or joint waters | $11 | Not Available |
| Totally Disabled Coastal Recreational Fishing | The Totally Disabled Coastal Recreational Fishing License provides disabled North Carolinians with access to the state’s coastal and joint waters. With this license, totally disabled persons can take advantage of the Atlantic Ocean, its tributaries and all the amazing fishing spots along the North Carolina coast – without needing a separate license for inland fishing. | $11 | Not Available |
| Legally Blind Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing | The Legally Blind Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License offers disabled North Carolinians the opportunity to fish in all public waters statewide – regardless of whether it is inland or coastal water. | FREE | Not Available |
| Adult Care Home Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing | The Adult Care Home Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License provides disabled North Carolinians living in an adult care home with access to all public waters statewide, regardless of whether they are inland or coastal. | FREE | Not Available |
Related Articles
- New Mexico Fishing License
- New York Fishing License
- North Dakota Fishing License
- Ohio Fishing License
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fish without a license in NC?
You cannot fish without a license in NC.
A valid and legal fishing license is necessary to recreationally take finfish in the Coastal Fishing Waters.
Additionally, if you’re looking to fish in Joint Waters (areas managed by both the Marine Fisheries and Wildlife Resources commissions) you will need either a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) or an Inland Fishing License from the Wildlife Resources Commission.
Can I get an NC fishing license online?
You can get an NC fishing license online from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website, ncwildlife.org.
Does a 70-year-old need a fishing license in North Carolina?
A 70-year-old does need a fishing license in North Carolina. They can purchase a lifetime senior license for $16.
What is the difference between an NC freshwater fishing license and a saltwater fishing license?
The difference between an NC freshwater fishing license and a saltwater fishing license is that an inland license is required to fish in freshwater, and a saltwater license is required to fish in coastal water, or saltwater.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a recreational angler looking for some occasional fishing trips or an avid sportsman who fishes regularly, make sure that you have the proper license before hitting the water to hunt for bass.
On top of following the regulations and supporting conservation efforts, having a license is also a sign of respect for our waterways and demonstrates your commitment to being a responsible angler.
Once you have your North Carolina fishing license, be sure to download our bass fishing cheat sheet, so you always know the best lure to throw and when to throw it.