North Carolina offers an array of stream fly-fishing opportunities for bank, wading and canoe fishing. The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has set up free fishing opportunities at more than 100 Public Fishing Areas (PFA) and Community Fishing Program (CFP) locations with canoe access through city and county parks throughout the state. The Commission also stocks a number of the CFP locations with fish from April to September. Canoe fishing allows anglers to navigate waters otherwise inaccessible if wading or fly fishing from the bank.
Popular Fly Fishing Spots
The Piedmont region offers anglers in canoes hundreds of miles of warm water fishing for a variety of fish species. The Dan River flows south through Western Piedmont offering access mostly by canoe. The Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County gives canoes a launch point. Lindsey Bridge in Rockingham County also provides an access point for canoes. The Mayo River connects with the Dan River close to Madison County. While it’s difficult to access, the river supplies one of the most unspoiled streams in Piedmont with an abundance of fish. You can access it from Troy WRC Access in Madison County. A complete list of canoe access points for Piedmont North Carolina is available in the Piedmont Streams Fishing Guide of North Carolina. In addition, the City Lakes Fishing Guide provides a list of PFA and CFP locations throughout the Piedmont region. See Resources.
Canoe Access
The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission rates streams on the ease of use for canoe and small boat access. The rating scale is from 1 to 5, with 1 supplying no ramp access and extreme conditions to carry a canoe to an access point, and 5 providing a paved ramp access equipped to handle an automobile and boat trailer. In some cases, a rating of N/A (non-applicable) is given, indicating a canoe launch is ill advised.
Type of Fish
Fish species, like largemouth bass, catfish, carp and sunfish, among others, live in streams throughout North Carolina. Trout is found in the upper parts of the Western Piedmont region where the Dan River flows south. The Commission stocks a number of public access streams and CFP with trout and catfish.
Canoe Rentals
Outdoor tourism companies offer canoe rentals and guided tours of North Carolina streams and waterways for fly fishing enthusiasts. Some of these companies even offer fishing opportunities on private waters, such as Headwaters Outfitters Outdoor Adventures in Western North Carolina. All you need to bring is your fishing gear; Headwaters will supply the canoe and paddles.
Fishing Regulations
Whether you’re fishing on the bank or from a canoe, familiarize yourself with North Carolina’s fishing regulations. Regulations cover fishing licenses, boat registry, fish size and creel limits, among other important rules. The 2009-10 North Carolina Fishing Regulations Guide is available on the North Carolina Wildlife Commission website and is updated annually.
Canoe Fishing Season
Fishing season is generally open throughout the year in North Carolina waters accessible by canoe. The exceptions are the Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, a designated refuge area where federal rules apply, and the winter period of December 1 to March 31, when fishing for largemouth bass on Sutton Lake is prohibited.
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