2026 regulation year
Cape Fear River (joint waters) 2026 — North Carolina Fishing Regulations
North Carolina statewide rules apply unless overridden below.
Last updated
Cape Fear River (joint waters) carries 3 special-regulation overlays on top of North Carolina's 2026 fishing rules — covering Red drum, Striped bass. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.
State-level special regulation
Joint waters: striped bass C&R only; inland + coastal licence both required
Per-species rules on Cape Fear River (joint waters)
Slot rule applies; inland + coastal licence required
Inland C&R; joint waters require coastal licence
Official source
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission publishes the authoritative 2026 North Carolina fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.