July 4th, 2019 is Free Fishing Day in North Carolina. Everyone in North Carolina, including visitors, can fish in any public body of water without the need for a license.
Other regulations, such as size limitations and lure restrictions, still apply. Use this fishing map to find public fishing spots. There are many public fishing areas in the Triangle. Make sure to check the box to indicate what kind of fishing access you want to filter for.
If you don’t own fishing gear, you can still participate. Many fishing sites across the state participate in the Tackle Loaner Program, in which you can check out a rod and reel.
Kids under age 16 participating in the Tackle Loaner Program for the first time will receive a free mini-tackle box containing hooks, bobbers, sinkers, and a stringer when they return the gear.
Some of the locations in the Triangle that participate in the Tackle Loaner Program:
- Lake Michie Recreation Area, Durham County
- Eno River State Park Office, Durham County
- Anderson Community Park, Orange County
- Apex Park Office, Wake County
- Bass Lake, Wake County
- Bond Lake Park Office, Wake County
- Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County
- Harris Co. Park Office, Wake County
- Lake Benson, Wake County
- Umstead State Park Office, Wake County
- Wheeler Lake Complex, Wake County
More 4th of July celebrations in the Triangle
Read about the 4th of July celebrations across the Triangle, or check out this day-by-day list:
[…] Free Fishing DayThursday, July 4thOn July 4th, 2019, you can fish for free, with no fishing license, at any public body of water in the state of North Carolina. Many locations offer free loaner equipment. […]