Photo credit
Fly fishing Meadow Creek in the Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana. Photo: Brandan W. Schulze, US Forest Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
North Carolina fishing license
You need one to fish in North Carolina. Buy it from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Where to buy it
Online from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Many fly shops and sporting goods stores sell them too.
Buy a license on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website (opens in a new tab)
Where this link comes from
The agency's license store, opened Nov 8, 2026.
Before you go
| License | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Resident annual fishing license | $32 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident annual fishing license | $56 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident 10-day license | $29 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
Who needs one
- No license needed under 16 Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Extra permits
- None separate for Public Mountain Trout Waters (included in State Inland Fishing); Mountain Heritage Trout licence for designated Mountain Heritage Trout Waters only: needed for designated Mountain Heritage Trout Waters only Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
- Carry it while you fish, on paper or on your phone if the state allows.
- Fishing for trout? Some states also need a trout stamp or permit; the agency's page says.
- Read the special regulations for the water you pick: seasons, lures and limits can differ.
- Veteran or service member? North Carolina concessions, quoted from the agency.