Alligator River Fishing
Tyrrell County, Hyde County and Dare County.
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The Alligator River through an angler’s eyes
The Alligator River threads Tyrrell County, Hyde County and Dare County as a river. Its mapped line inside the state runs about 44 miles. Columbia lies closest, roughly 18 miles away. About 67% of its line lies in coastal or joint waters, where NCDMF rules also apply.
There are 2 launches along it.
Boating access on the Alligator River
- Frying Pan1 lane, 10 trailer spaces, 2 docks, Tyrrell County, inland waters
- Gum Neck Landing1 lane, 8 trailer spaces, 1 dock, Tyrrell County, inland waters
NCWRC Boating Access Areas, USACE, USFS and OpenStreetMap; midpoint from the NCWRC trout layer or USGS NHDPlus lines.
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On the class map the Alligator River runs 33% inland, 58% joint and 9% coastal. The access areas are classed 2 inland.
The Wildlife Resources Commission has jurisdiction in inland waters, and the Division of Marine Fisheries has jurisdiction (except that pertaining to inland game fishes) in coastal waters. Both agencies have licensing and regulatory authority in joint waters.
| County | Boundary in 15A NCAC 03Q .0202 |
|---|---|
| Dare | Coastal Waters north and Joint Waters south of a line beginning at a point on the west shore 35° 54.2903' N – 76° 01.6818' W; running along the south side of the US 64 bridge to a point on the east shore 35° 53.6835' N – 75° 58.8578' W. |
| Hyde | Inland Waters west and Joint Waters east of a line beginning at a point on the north shore at Cherry Ridge Landing 35° 42.2172' N – 76° 08.4686' W; running southerly to a point on the south shore 35° 42.1327' N – 76° 08.5002' W. |
| Tyrrell | Inland Waters west and Joint Waters east of a line beginning at a point on the north shore at Cherry Ridge Landing 35° 42.2172' N – 76° 08.4686' W; running southerly to a point on the south shore 35° 42.1327' N – 76° 08.5002' W. Coastal Waters north and Joint |
NCDMF limits on the tidal Alligator River
| Species | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum | 1 a day | 18-27 in | Year-round |
| Flounder (all species) | 1 a day | 15 in minimum | Sept. 1-14, 2026 |
| Spotted seatrout | 3 a day | 14-20 in, plus 1 over 26 in | Open (reopened July 1, 2026) |
| Weakfish | 1 a day | 12 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Black drum | 10 a day | 14-25 in, plus 1 over 25 in | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Sheepshead | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Striped bass (Albemarle Sound Management Area) | none may be kept | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Bluefish | 5 a day | no size limit | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
| Spanish mackerel | 15 a day | 12 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC CoastJointWatersNC polygons, 15A NCAC 03Q .0202 and NCDMF proclamations, checked October 2026.
What you may keep from the Alligator River
Special limits for the Alligator River:
| Species | Size limit | Daily creel |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 14-inch minimum | 5 |
| Species | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | No closed season |
| Crappie | 20 a day | 8 in minimum | No closed season |
| Sunfish | 30 a day | no size limit | No closed season |
| White bass | 10 a day | no size limit | No closed season |
| Walleye | 8 a day | no size limit | No closed season |
| Rock and Roanoke bass | no creel limit | no size limit | No closed season |
| Blue, channel and flathead catfish | no creel limit | no size limit | No closed season |
| Trout (undesignated waters) | 7 a day | no size limit | No closed season |
NCWRC 2026-27 inland regulations. All North Carolina limits.
Neighbors of Alligator River on the map
Lakes close to Alligator River
- Lake Mattamuskeet12 miles
- Lake Phelps18 miles
Bait stores near Alligator River
- Cypress Cove Marina Incmarina, Columbia, 18 miles
- Alligator River Marinamarina, Columbia, 18 miles
- Mayo's Commercial Fishing Supplybait and tackle shop, Scranton, 21 miles
- Dowry Creek Marinamarina, Belhaven, 23 miles
- Old North State Fishingbait and tackle shop, Stumpy Point, 24 miles
Places to stay by Alligator River
- Engelhard15 miles
- Columbia18 miles
- Creswell19 miles
- Swan Quarter20 miles
Next rivers over from the Alligator River
- Pungo River19 miles
- Scuppernong River20 miles
- Pantego Creek28 miles
- Pamlico River32 miles
Which counties Alligator River crosses
- Tyrrell County
- Hyde County
- Dare County
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Before a trip to the Alligator River
What part of North Carolina holds the Alligator River?
Look in Tyrrell County, Hyde County and Dare County.
Which trout rules cover the Alligator River?
It is not Public Mountain Trout Water.
When do trout go into the Alligator River?
No 2026 stocking is scheduled.
Is a USGS station posted on the Alligator River?
USGS has no matched gauge on it.
Which put-ins reach the Alligator River?
Access records list 2 launches; Frying Pan is one.
What are the creel limits on the Alligator River?
Largemouth Bass: 14-inch minimum, 5.
What license fee applies on the Alligator River?
Joint waters accept either the inland license ($32 resident) or the Coastal Recreational Fishing License ($20 resident) from age 16.
Who sells bait close to the Alligator River?
Cypress Cove Marina Inc, about 18 miles away.
Where do I find lodging by the Alligator River?
Columbia is nearest, around 18 miles.
Spend time on the Alligator River
Check the class and the flow before you drive.