North Carolina

A nonresident annual fishing license in North Carolina costs $45.00. For comparison, North Carolina residents pay $25.00. Short-term options: 10 Day Resident: $11.00; 10 Day Nonresident: $28.00. The license year runs 12 months from purchase date.

Purchase your North Carolina fishing license online at https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing. Valid ID; inland ($25) and coastal ($16) are separate licenses; $5 transaction fee applies. Licenses are administered by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Under 16 exempt; Residents 70+ lifetime $19. Always check the official North Carolina website for the most current exemption details and any additional categories that may qualify.

Mountain Heritage Trout Waters require trout license; Coastal fishing requires separate CRFL; $5 transaction fee on most orders. Be sure to purchase any required stamps or endorsements before heading out, as they are often checked during enforcement.

Fishing seasons in North Carolina: Year-round for most species; specific trout seasons in mountain waters. Bag limits: Varies by species and water body; trout limits specific to designated waters. Always consult the current North Carolina fishing regulations for the most up-to-date season dates and limits, as they can change annually.

Separate inland and coastal license systems; Unified license available to residents only. For the complete set of rules including gear restrictions, size limits, and special waters, visit the official North Carolina fish and wildlife website.

North Carolina has the following border water or reciprocal agreements: Border waters with Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia. Maine is not directly included in these agreements, so a standard nonresident license is required.

For the most current regulations, license prices, and season dates, visit the official North Carolina fishing page at https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing/fishing-licenses. To purchase a license online, visit https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing.