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Coastal Rivers Fisheries Reports

In eastern North Carolina, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission conducts springtime electrofishing sampling for striped bass, American shad and hickory shad. This sampling is conducted in the four major coastal rivers — the Roanoke, Tar, Neuse and Cape Fear. We will share results of Commission fish-sampling work as well as Commission and Division of Marine Fisheries' creel surveys now through mid-May. Check back weekly.

Scroll down the page for all four rivers. 


Roanoke River - April 23, 2021 

Sample Date Area Sampled Water Temp (F) Boat Ramp
4/19/21 Weldon 61.1 Weldon
4/22/21 Near Hwy 48 Bridge 60.4 Gaston BAA


Sampling Information for the Roanoke River:

Water temperatures decreased a few degrees this week as the week progressed. Flows during both sampling days were stable around 11,000 cfs but are expected to decrease some over the weekend and into next week. The abundance of Striped Bass near Weldon increased this week and should continue to increase over the next few weeks. The majority of the Striped Bass captured on Monday were above the rapids, and most were between 20-inches and 24-inches. A few Striped Bass were also collected on April 22, near the Hwy 48 bridge in Gaston. A few Hickory Shad were still seen near Weldon but were absent from the surveys near the Hwy 48 bridge, while American Shad abundance remained stable this week. Most female American Shad still contained eggs, but there was evidence that some females have begun to spawn. About 15-20 boat anglers were observed fishing on April 19 near Weldon, while one boat angler and three bank anglers were observed fishing on April 22.

 

Species Striped Bass American Shad Hickory Shad
Number Collected 258 22  
Min. Size (in) 12 16  
Max. Size (in) 25 20  
Max. Weight (lb) 7.5 3  
Sex Ratio (M:F) 219M; 36F; 3U 8M; 14F  


Larger Picture

NCWRC fisheries biologist, Chris Smith, netting Striped Bass collected during the weekly elelctrofishing survey near Weldon​.


Creel Survey Information for the Roanoke River:

April 3 – April 9

Upper Region (Roanoke Rapids Dam to Scotland Neck)

Anglers at Weldon and Scotland Neck reported excellent catches of Hickory Shad over the weekend and throughout this week despite the high flows resulting from recent rainfall. There were not many anglers trying for Striped Bass this week, and only two stripers were reported being caught and released from the Scotland Neck area. Anglers are reminded the Striped Bass harvest season will be open April 24–30 in the upper river zone (upstream of the U.S. 258 Highway bridge at Scotland Neck to the base of Roanoke Rapids Dam). The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no Striped Bass between 22 and 27 inches (the protective slot) may be possessed at any time. The daily creel limit is two fish, only one of which may be larger than 27 inches. Additionally, from April 1–June 30 in Inland Waters of Roanoke River upstream of U.S. Highway 258 bridge, only a single barbless hook or lure with a single barbless hook (or hook with barb bent down) may be used.

Lower Region (Scotland Neck to Plymouth)

Fishing effort was moderate in the lower river this week. A handful of Striped Bass were caught and released in Hamilton over the weekend, and decent catches of Hickory Shad were reported from Jamesville on Wednesday. Anglers are reminded that the harvest season for Striped Bass will be open April 10–16 in the lower river zone (downstream of the U.S. 258 Highway bridge at Scotland Neck to the mouth at Albemarle Sound. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no Striped Bass between 22 and 27 inches (the protective slot) may be possessed at any time. The daily creel limit is two fish, only one of which may be larger than 27 inches.

April 10–16

Upper Region (Roanoke Rapids Dam to Scotland Neck)

Fishing effort was relatively low around Weldon this week. Anglers reported decent catches of Hickory Shad over the weekend, but the bite slowed throughout the week. It appears the Hickory Shad run at Weldon is coming to an end. Only a couple anglers reported catching Striped Bass.

Lower Region (Scotland Neck to Plymouth)

The Striped Bass harvest season was open on the lower river this week, and fishing effort was high. Striped Bass appeared to be widely distributed throughout the lower river, as anglers caught and harvested Striped Bass from Scotland Neck to Plymouth. Anglers reported excellent catches of Striped Bass around Williamston and decent catches in Hamilton over the weekend. Anglers were also successful near Jamesville during the week. Most of the harvested fish were large keepers, around 20-21 inches, and anglers also reported releasing some fish in the protective slot of 22-27 inches. The harvest season will close at 11:59 pm on Friday, April 16.

Striped Bass Regulations

Shad Regulations

 

Tar River - April 23, 2021

Sample Date Area Sampled Water Temp (F) Boat Ramp
4/19/21 Dunbar to Swift Creek 66.2 Dunbar 
4/20/21 Fishing Creek to Tarboro Town Ramp 65.4 Tarboro Town Ramp

 

Sampling Information for the Tar River:

Moderate numbers of American Shad were collected between Dunbar and Swift Creek.  We were unable to sample in the Battle Park area this week due to low water levels, but we expect American Shad to remain near Battle Park for at least another week. Moderate to high numbers of Striped Bass were observed in both reaches of the river sampled. All fish sampled were returned to the river in good condition, except several Striped Bass were sent to the Edenton National Fish Hatchery to provide fish for the Tar River Striped Bass stocking program.

The river was relatively clear, at low levels, and decreasing. Rain forecasted for this weekend should increase flows and make access easier next week. Several boats were observed fishing in the vicinity of Fishing Creek, while one boat was observed near Dunbar. Several bank anglers were also observed fishing between Fishing Creek and Riverfront Park in Tarboro.

Species Striped Bass American Shad Hickory Shad
Number Collected 133 35 0
Min. Size (in) 16 15  
Max. Size (in) 29 21  
Max. Weight (lb) 11 3  
Sex Ratio (M:F) 2.5 0.7  


Larger Picture

Kirk Rundle, District 3 Fisheries Biologist, with an approximately 5-pound male Striped Bass near Fishing Creek​.

 

DMF Creel Survey Information for the Tar/Pamlico River:

Upper Region (Rocky Mount to Greenville)

April 12-18: The shad bite continues to decline around Greenville and only a few catches of American shad were reported around Rocky Mount. Striped Bass numbers are increasing, and anglers reported catching double digits around Tarboro and Rocky Mount. A few monster-sized flathead and blue catfish were pulled out around Tarboro. Anglers also targeted assorted sunfish species with great success in the tributaries and confluences along the main River.

Lower Region (Greenville to Washington) 

April 12-18: Last week in the lower Tar-Pamlico River, anglers saw an increase in the number of fish landed and a variety in species. Anglers reported catches of southern flounder, yellow perch, red drum, and striped bass in the main river. Along the creeks and tributaries, anglers targeted black crappie, largemouth bass and assorted sunfish species. 

 

Striped Bass Regulations

Shad Regulations

 

Neuse River - April 23, 2021  

Sample Date Area Sampled Water Temp (F) Boat Ramp
4/19/21 Smithfield 62 Smithfield BAA
4/20/21 Goldsboro 62 Cox's Ferry BAA
4/21/21 Smithfield 63 Smithfield BAA
4/22/21 Goldsboro 62 Goldsboro BAA

 


Larger Picture

NCWRC Fisheries Biologist Ben Ricks with an American Shad from the Neuse River​.

 

Sampling Information for the Neuse River:

The Striped Bass spawning run is in full swing, and Striped Bass are concentrated between Goldsboro and Clayton. While some Striped Bass have already spawned and are headed downstream, the cold front this week has slowed spawning activity and Striped Bass spawning should continue when water temperatures rise. American Shad numbers continue to increase as well. This week we observed the highest catches of American Shad so far this year. Lower flows this week prevented us from sampling at Raleigh, and the American Shad were only collected in the Goldsboro area.

Species Striped Bass American Shad Hickory Shad
Number Collected 170 69 0
Min. Size (in) 11 13  
Max. Size (in) 30 22  
Max. Weight (lb) 11 4  
Sex Ratio (M:F) 5:1 1:1  

 

DMF Creel Survey Information for the Neuse River:

Upper Region (Raleigh to Goldsboro)

April 12-18: Even with sunny weather and normal water levels, the number of anglers fishing for shad has decreased substantially last week. Anglers taking to the banks or their boats successfully caught assorted catfish and sunfish species, while there were no reports of shad or striped bass.

Middle Region (Core Creek to Seven Springs, Goldsboro Area)

April 12-18: Over the last week, anglers targeted largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. The best catches were around the Maple Cypress area where anglers landed plenty of bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass, and black crappie. No reports of shad or striped bass.

Lower Region (Spring Garden to New Bern)

April 12-18: Last week on the lower Neuse, there were no catches of shad or striped bass. Anglers fishing for largemouth bass, sunfish, white perch, and black crappie were successful on the Trent River and in Brice’s Creek.

Striped Bass Regulations

Shad Regulations

Cape Fear River - April 23, 2021

Sample Date Area Sampled Water Temp (oF) Boat Ramp
4/19/21 Lock and Dam 1 67 Lock and Dam 1
4/19/21 Lock and Dam 2 67 Lock and Dam 2
4/19/21 Lock and Dam 3 66 William O. Huske BAA

 


Larger Picture

WRC fisheries biologist April Boggs measuring an American Shad collected at Lock & Dam 3​.

 

Sampling Information for the Cape Fear River:

American Shad were very abundant at Lock & Dam 2 and Lock & Dam 3. A handful of Striped Bass were observed below Lock & Dam 1. Shad anglers were catching fish from boat and bank at both Lock & Dam 2 and Lock & Dam 3. Streamflow was well below normal, with 3800 cfs at Lock & Dam 1.

Species Striped Bass American Shad Hickory Shad
Number Collected 24  132  0
Min. Size (in)  11 15  
Max. Size (in) 30 21     
Max. Weight (lb) 11.5 3.6     
Sex Ratio (M:F) 1.8:1    1.9:1  

 

DMF Creel Survey Information for the Cape Fear River:

April 12-18:  The water level and weather both cooperated last week on the Cape Fear River. Most days were sunny with scattered clouds, and the water level remained low enough to see the rocks at all of the lock and dams. American shad were caught at Lock and Dams 1, 2, and 3, and some shad were even large enough to claim a citation certificate. Anglers reported catches of blue, channel, and flathead catfish downriver from the dams, primarily caught on cut bait. White perch, black crappie, and bluegill were also caught along the shoreline. 

Striped Bass Regulations

Shad Regulations

 

 

Striped Bass Regulations

UPDATE FOR 2021: 

Roanoke River:  

Striped bass harvest season is open from April 10–16 in the lower river zone (downstream of the U.S. Highway 258 bridge at Scotland Neck to the mouth at Albemarle Sound), and April 24–30 in the upper river zone (upstream of the Highway U.S. 258 bridge at Scotland Neck to the base of Roanoke Rapids Dam)

The daily creel limit for Striped Bass is two fish per angler, and the minimum size limit is 18 inches. No Striped Bass between 22 inches and 27 inches in total length may be possessed at any time, and only one fish greater than 27 inches may be included in the daily creel limit of two fish. 

From April 1–June 30 in Inland Waters of Roanoke River upstream of U.S. Highway 258 bridge, only a single barbless hook or lure with a single barbless hook (or hook with barb bent down) may be used.

Tar River: Striped Bass season is closed in all water of the Tar Pamlico and its tributaries downstream of Rocky Mount Mill dam. 

Neuse River: Striped bass season is closed in all waters and tributaries downstream of Falls Lake Dam.

Cape Fear River: Striped bass season is closed in all waters and tributaries downstream of Buckhorn Dam.

Shad Regulations

Roanoke River: The daily creel limit per angler is 10 Hickory Shad and American Shad in combination, only one of which can be an American (white) Shad, in all waters and tributaries downstream of Roanoke Rapids dam. From April 1–June 30 in Inland Waters of Roanoke River upstream of U.S. Highway 258 bridge, only a single barbless hook or lure with a single barbless hook (or hook with barb bent down) may be used.

Tar River: The daily creel limit is 10 Hickory Shad and American Shad (white), in combination, per angler, in the Tar Pamlico and its tributaries downstream of Rocky Mount Mill dam. 

Neuse River: The daily creel limit per angler is 10 Hickory Shad and American Shad in combination, only one of which can be an American (white) Shad, in all waters and tributaries downstream of Falls Lake Dam

Cape Fear River: The daily creel limit is per angler is 10 Hickory Shad and American Shad in combination, only five of which may be an American (white) shad on the Cape Fear River and its tributaries.

Fisheries Reports from 2013-2020

NOTE: There were no reports during the 2020 season due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Roanoke River Fisheries Reports

Tar River Fisheries Reports

Neuse River Fisheries Reports

Cape Fear River Fisheries Reports