Free Fishing Day in North Carolina on 4th of July

Photo: Depositphotos

July 4th, 2021 is Free Fishing Day in North Carolina. Everyone in North Carolina, including visitors, can fish in any public body of water without the need for a license.

Use this fishing map to find public fishing spots. Make sure to check the box to indicate which kind of fishing access you want to filter for.

There are many public fishing areas in the Charlotte area, including Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, McAlpine Creek Park, Spencer Park, and a whole slew of them along Lake Norman.

If you don’t own fishing gear, you can still participate. Many fishing sites across the state participate in the Tackle Loaner Program, in which you can check out a rod and reel.

Make sure to check with the facility in advance if you need to use the Tackle Loaner Program, to make sure it’s open.

Kids under age 16 participating in the Tackle Loaner Program for the first time will receive a free mini-tackle box containing hooks, bobbers, sinkers, and a stringer when they return the gear.

Charlotte area sites that normally participate in the Tackle Loaner Program include:

Camp TN Spencer, Cabarrus County
Frank Liske Park Office, Cabarrus County
Dallas Park, Gaston County
Rankin Lake Park, Gaston County
Latta Nature Preserve, Mecklenburg County
McDowell Nature Preserve, Mecklenburg County
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Mecklenburg County
Matthews Community Center (for use on Squirrel Lake), Mecklenburg County
Cane Creek Lake Marina, Union County

Kids under age 16 participating in the Tackle Loaner Program for the first time will receive a free mini-tackle box containing hooks, bobbers, sinkers, and a stringer when they return the gear.