2026 regulation year
North Carolina Striped bass 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules
Morone saxatilis
Last updated
North Carolina striped bass have struggled — most inland populations are managed catch-and-release, and the Roanoke River run (the largest in the state) operates under a tight special-regs window with emergency in-season closures. Coastal striper rules track Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission management.
Season
Inland waters: most C&R only. Roanoke River: short spring harvest window. Coastal: special-reg, subject to in-season change.
– Roanoke River (subject to in-season change)
Bag & possession
- Daily bag
- 0 in most inland waters; 1 / day during Roanoke window
- Possession
- Same as daily bag
Size, slot, trophy rules
- Size
- Roanoke slot 18–22 in (typical); coastal slot varies by year
- Slot
- Roanoke River slot announced each spring by NCWRC
- Trophy rule
- All fish outside the active harvest window: catch-and-release only
Gear restrictions
- Circle hooks required when fishing with bait
- Roanoke River: barbless single hook in marked C&R sections
- Joint waters: inland + coastal licence both required
Named water-body overrides
Where statewide rules differ on specific North Carolina waters:
Roanoke River
Spring harvest slot window; subject to in-season change by NCWRC
Albemarle Sound
Coastal slot; tied to Roanoke run management
Cape Fear River (joint waters)
Inland C&R; joint waters require coastal licence
Outer Banks surf
Coastal ASMFC slot rules
Official source
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission publishes the authoritative 2026 North Carolinafishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.