An Angler's Guide To
Fishing The World's Trophy Hot Spots
Fishing Cape Fear River, North Carolina
Cape Fear River, North Carolina, USA
Records have been set here for flathead catfish and white crappie.
"The Cape Fear River offers excellent freshwater fishing, with available species including largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, herring and American and hickory shad. Spring is the peak season for largemouths, which usually range between 1.5 to 3 pounds. Bass can be located near the mouths of the larger tributary creeks, such as Turnbull, Hammonds, Sturgeon, Livingston and the upper reaches of Town Creek. Bluegill are also plentiful and are available during the spring spawning season near locks and dams. Bluegills average one-half to three-quarters of a pound. American and hickory shad can be found in the lower Cape Fear River below Wilmington and can be taken below each of the three locks and dams above Wilmington. The three largest members of the freshwater catfish family -- the channel, blue and flathead -- can be found in the Cape Fear River from Lillington to the Black River. Catfish are considered non-game fish and therefore have no size or creel restrictions. They can be taken by a variety of fishing methods. April, May, September and October are the best catfish months. " Extract in quotes taken from Insiders.com, North Carolina Fishing
Cape Fear Charters and Guide Service
OutdoorCentral.com, Record Flathead Catfish Story
Anadromous Fish Species of the Cape Fear River System