Fishing Charters in North Carolina

Browse fishing charters in North Carolina that can help you catch chain pickerel.

Salty Dawg Fishing Charters - Captain Harvey Wall
Verified
From $450
Captain Harvey Wall

Salty Dawg Fishing Charters

4.9(85)Top Rated

Salty Dawg Fishing Charters specializes in Inshore, Nearshore, Shark Fishing, and Kids Fishing Charters. Based in Ocean Isle Beach NC, but also serving Sunset Beach NC and Holden Beach NC. Veteran-Owned.

inshorenearshoreoffshoreSpiny DogfishRedfish
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Up to 4
Wheels On Deck - Wheels On Deck
Wheels On Deck

Wheels On Deck

Wanchese, North Carolina

inshore
Wanchese, North Carolina
Biopsea - Biopsea
Biopsea

Biopsea

Nags Head, North Carolina

Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro, we strive to provide an enjoyable Outer Banks charter fishing trip for all aboard!

inshore
Nags Head, North Carolina
Captain Charles Cp Perry - Captain Charles Cp Perry
Captain Charles Cp Perry

Captain Charles Cp Perry

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

inshore
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters - X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters
X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters

X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters

Manteo, North Carolina

Past Trips, Photos, Fun, Outer Banks, Charter, Boat, Sport, fishing, x-spearmint, Pirates Cove, Captain Ryan Spear, Fishing Trip, Cobia, Mahi, Wahoo, Drum, Manteo, Nags Head, Carolina Custom, Inshore, Nearshore, Bait, Fish, North Carolina, NC

inshoreCobiaOno (Wahoo)
Manteo, North Carolina
Cape Fear Guide - Cape Fear Guide
Cape Fear Guide

Cape Fear Guide

Southport, North Carolina

Selami permainan berisiko tinggi di TAKERU365! Nikmati imbalan besar dan akses cepat dan aman dengan tautan login tepercaya.

inshore
Southport, North Carolina
Fletch Sports Fishing Charters - Fletch Sports Fishing Charters
Fletch Sports Fishing Charters

Fletch Sports Fishing Charters

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

inshore
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Off We Go - Off We Go
Off We Go

Off We Go

Wilmington, North Carolina

Private fishing, island hops, and sunset cruises. USCG-licensed captain.

inshore
Wilmington, North Carolina
Mad Kingz Fishing Charters - Mad Kingz Fishing Charters
Mad Kingz Fishing Charters

Mad Kingz Fishing Charters

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Ocean Isle Beach Location 6855 Beach Drive SW Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 910-579-2424

inshore
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
Carolina Fly Guy - Carolina Fly Guy
Carolina Fly Guy

Carolina Fly Guy

Leland, North Carolina

Oak Island fishing charters await with Carolina Fly Guy and Captain Ashley Hux! Experience unforgettable adventures on the water. Book your trip today!

inshore
Leland, North Carolina
Upper Creek Angler - Upper Creek Angler
Upper Creek Angler

Upper Creek Angler

Morganton, North Carolina

“We had a blast and I am so happy that Nick not only caught a trout on his fly rod but that he caught the biggest trout.  He said he learned so much from you yesterday as I also did.  A great experience. Thanks again and we will be repeat customers, maybe even a float…

freshwaterSpeckled Trout
Morganton, North Carolina
South End Anglers - South End Anglers
South End Anglers

South End Anglers

Holly Ridge, North Carolina

inshore
Holly Ridge, North Carolina

Best Time to Catch Chain Pickerel

Peak season: May, June. Also good: April, July, August, September. Right now in February, activity is poor.

Book a Chain Pickerel Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel

Various

While Charlotte might be known for its urban attractions, it's also a gateway to some decent Chain Pickerel fishing. The Catawba River and its impoundments, like Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake, offer pockets of suitable habitat. Focus your efforts on the upper ends of these lakes, where creeks enter and provide more natural cover. Look for areas with lily pads, submerged timber, and grass beds. Spring and fall are the most productive times to fish for pickerel here. A good approach is to use weedless soft plastics or small crankbaits. Be aware of boating traffic, especially on weekends, and always wear a life jacket. Pickerel in this region tend to be smaller than in other areas, but they still offer a fun and challenging fishing experience.

How to Catch Chain Pickerel

Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Chain Pickerel in Charlotte.

Chain Pickerel Fishing Regulations in North Carolina

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

No limit

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Unified Inland Fishing License

Consult the NC Wildlife Resources Commission regulations digest for local exceptions.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the North Carolina state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in North Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to target chain pickerel around Charlotte, NC?

While you can catch them year-round, chain pickerel fishing is often best during the cooler months, from fall through early spring. They tend to be more active when the water temperatures are lower.

What are some productive baits for catching chain pickerel in the Charlotte area?

Pickerel are aggressive predators and will hit a variety of lures. Spinnerbaits, spoons, crankbaits, and soft plastic lures that imitate baitfish are all good choices. Live minnows are also effective.

Do I need a special license to fish for chain pickerel in North Carolina?

No, you don't need a special license. A Unified Inland Fishing License from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission covers all inland fishing, including chain pickerel.

Are there any size or bag limits for chain pickerel in North Carolina?

Good news, there are no size or bag limits for chain pickerel in North Carolina. You can keep what you catch.

Other Species to Fish in Charlotte

Ready to Catch Chain Pickerel in Charlotte?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.