July 4th, 2020 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.
That said, not every site might be participating this year, since some offices and community centers are closed due to health restrictions, so please make sure to check first!
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 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.
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