FishKillFlea North Carolina offers a special Free Fishing Day every summer on a major holiday!
2026 NC Free Fishing Day
| Date | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| July 4, 2026 | Inland Free Fishing | July 4th! No inland license required! |
Important Caveats
The free fishing day in North Carolina applies only to public inland waters. Coastal waters (saltwater) still require a Coastal Recreational Fishing License on July 4th. Regulatory requirements like size limits and bag limits are still strictly enforced.
Best Spots to Fish for Free
| Water | Region | Species | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Norman | Charlotte Area | Bass, Catfish | Huge lake with tons of bank access |
| Falls Lake | Raleigh/Durham | Largemouth, Crappie | Excellent summer crappie fishing |
| Jordan Lake | Triangle | Striped Bass, Bass | Massive summer boat fishing presence |
| Davidson River | Pisgah Forest | Trout | World-class fly fishing |
See all NC fishing spots.