July 4th, 2019 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. Other regulations, such as size limitations and lure restrictions, still apply.
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.
Charlotte area sites that 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 Plantation 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.
More 4th of July fireworks and celebrations
See a big list of Charlotte fireworks and celebrations. Or look at a day-by-day list of 4th of July events:
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