North Carolina species

Largemouth bass across North Carolina

Creel rules, records and waters for largemouth bass.

  • 5 a daydaily creel
  • 15 lbs, 14 ozrecord
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Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: United States Fish and Wildlife Services, Public domain

North Carolina freshwater

About North Carolina largemouth bass

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is listed among the state’s freshwater species. Anglers may keep 5 a day under NCWRC (all public waters except listed waters); size 14 in minimum.

Farm Pond Union County gave up the state record of 15 lbs, 14 oz in 1991. NCWRC records tie it to 14 lakes and 10 streams on this site. NCWRC requested 1,200 for 2026 stocking.

5 a daydaily creel
14 in minimumsize rule
15 lbs, 14 ozstate record
24waters listed
Agency profile

NCWRC notes on largemouth bass

“Largemouth bass belong to a group of fish collectively called black bass. Other black bass found in North Carolina include the smallmouth and spotted bass. All black bass belong to the sunfish family, but are distinguished from other sun fish by their elongated bodies. Largemouth bass are distinguished from other black bass by means of the lower jaw, which is longer than those of other bass. The largemouth bass is also a bigger species than the smallmouth or spotted bass. There are two subspecies of largemouth bass: the Florida largemouth bass and the northern largemouth bass.”

“The largemouth bass is a native species of North Carolina. Largemouth bass are found statewide in lakes, ponds and sluggish streams and rivers. They prefer locations with lots of structure, such as submerged vegetation, brush piles, stumps, boat docks and standing timber. Underwater points, humps, drop-offs, bridge pilings and old road beds are also favored haunts, particularly in reservoirs.”

  • Fishing tipsUse a wide variety of fishing methods to catch largemouth bass. Artificial baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwaters, jigs and soft plastic lures imitating minnows, crayfish, salamanders and worms are good choices. Live baits such as minnows, nightcrawlers and crayfish also can be effective.
  • Where to fishIn the Coastal Plain, the best fishing places to catch largemouth bass are the numerous blackwater rivers found through-out the region. In the Piedmont and Mountains, the best places are ponds and reservoirs.
  • AbundanceCommon throughout NC.

Quoted from the NCWRC species profile, checked October 2026.

Limits

The largemouth bass creel

AgencyWhereDaily creelSizeSeason
NCWRCAll public waters except listed waters5 a day14 in minimumNo closed season

NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.

Records

The largemouth bass record

CategoryWeightWhereYear
hook and line by weight15 lbs, 14 ozFarm Pond Union County1991

NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.

Where to look

Waters to try for largemouth bass

Reservoirs with largemouth bass

Flowing water with largemouth bass

  • Roanoke RiverBertie
  • Chowan RiverGates
  • Alligator RiverTyrrell
  • Perquimans RiverPerquimans
  • Scuppernong RiverTyrrell
  • Meherrin RiverHertford
  • Pasquotank RiverPasquotank
  • Northwest RiverCurrituck
  • New River, Alleghany CountyAlleghany
  • Big Flatty CreekPasquotank

NCWRC stocking lists, regulation tables, species profiles and records; largest waters first.

More species

Fish that pair with largemouth bass

Pictures

Nearby water from Largemouth bass, in photos

Lake Gaston, North Carolina
Lake Gaston
Photo: Maj7589, CC BY-SA 4.0
Ahoskie, North Carolina
Ahoskie
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Albemarle, North Carolina
Albemarle
Photo: Jon Platek, CC BY-SA 3.0
Angier, North Carolina
Angier
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Answers

Before you target largemouth bass

What is the creel limit on largemouth bass?

5 a day (All public waters except listed waters), size 14 in minimum.

What is the biggest largemouth bass caught in North Carolina?

15 lbs, 14 oz from Farm Pond Union County (1991).

Which lakes hold largemouth bass?

24 waters on this site, including Chatuge Lake, Lake Santeetlah and Lake Sutton.

Are largemouth bass on the stocking list?

1,200 on the 2026 warmwater list.

What is largemouth bass confused with?

Scientific name Micropterus salmoides.

When does the largemouth bass season run?

No closed season

Which North Carolina license do I need for largemouth bass?

Inland waters take an NCWRC inland fishing license from age 16 ($32 resident, $56 nonresident).

Can I hire a trip that targets largemouth bass?

Every operator appears on the guides page.

Map out a largemouth bass trip

Each listed water has its own page.