Trent River Fishing
Jones County, Craven County and Lenoir County.
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The Trent River through an angler’s eyes
The Trent River threads Jones County, Craven County and Lenoir County as a river. Its mapped line inside the state runs about 85 miles. Trenton lies closest, roughly 5 miles away. About 7% of its line lies in coastal or joint waters, where NCDMF rules also apply.
The stream has 2 active gauges. There are 2 launches along it.
Current on the Trent River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Trent River Near Trenton, Nc | 33 cfs, 3.81 ft gage height | Nov 14 6:45 am |
| Trent R At Pollocksville, Nc | 446 cfs, 1.42 ft gage height | Jun 30 11:45 pm Not updated since Jun 30, 2008. |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 14, 2026 7:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Boating access on the Trent River
- Trenton1 lane, 20 trailer spaces, Jones County, inland waters
- Pollocksville2 lanes, 26 trailer spaces, restrooms, 2 docks, Jones 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 Trent River runs 93% inland, 6% joint and 1% 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.
NCDMF limits on the tidal Trent 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 (Central Southern 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 Trent River
No NCWRC rule names the Trent River; statewide inland limits apply.
| 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 Trent River on the map
Lakes close to Trent River
- Brocks Mill Pond5 miles
- Neuseway Nature Park Ponds15 miles
Bait stores near Trent River
- River Bend Marinamarina, New Bern, 16 miles
- Guy C. Wiggins Hardwarecountry store with bait, Richlands, 16 miles
- Carolina Fish & Furbait and tackle shop, Kinston, 16 miles
- Uncle Sam's Wormsbait and tackle shop, New Bern, 18 miles
- Academy Sports + Outdoors New Bernsporting goods store, New Bern, 18 miles
Places to stay by Trent River
- Trenton5 miles
- Dover8 miles
- Cove City8 miles
- Pollocksville13 miles
Next rivers over from the Trent River
- Swift Creek20 miles
- Brice Creek20 miles
- White Oak River27 miles
- Upper Broad Creek27 miles
Which counties Trent River crosses
- Jones County
- Craven County
- Lenoir County
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Before a trip to the Trent River
What part of North Carolina holds the Trent River?
Look in Jones County, Craven County and Lenoir County.
Which trout rules cover the Trent River?
It is not Public Mountain Trout Water.
When do trout go into the Trent River?
No 2026 stocking is scheduled.
Is a USGS station posted on the Trent River?
USGS runs 2 USGS gauges; the table is above.
Which put-ins reach the Trent River?
Access records list 2 launches; Pollocksville is one.
What are the creel limits on the Trent River?
Nothing beyond statewide limits.
What license fee applies on the Trent River?
Inland waters take an NCWRC inland fishing license from age 16 ($32 resident, $56 nonresident).
Who sells bait close to the Trent River?
River Bend Marina, about 16 miles away.
Where do I find lodging by the Trent River?
Trenton is nearest, around 5 miles.
Spend time on the Trent River
Check the class and the flow before you drive.