Greenville, NC Fishing: Fishing in the Midst Greens

Greenville, North Carolina's most populous city and county seat, is located in the central-east of the county. The city serves as the entertainment, cultural, health, and educational hub for North Carolina's Coastal Plain and Tidewater regions. America’s Promise Alliance named the city one of the nation's "100 Best Communities for Young People" in 2008 and 2010. Greenville is a haven of natural resources, and the people continue to conserve them by being responsible citizens. The city is patched with numerous parks all over. Its people are fun-loving and motivated.

In 1771, Greenville was founded as its then name, “Martinsborough," in honor of Royal Governor Josiah Martin. However, in 1786, it was renamed “Greenesville” to honor the American Revolutionary War hero,  Nathanael Greene. Later, the name was shortened by a couple of letters. The Tar River, running in the north of the city, is an important part of its history, primarily because of transportation. In 1963, Greenville’s economic development began, and since then, it has become the financial center of eastern North Carolina.

With the Tar River flowing in the north of Greenville, mill runs and small creeks flow throughout the city. It also allowed the creation of small ponds in some of the city’s parks for more productive recreational fishing purposes.

Greenville Fishing

Greenville fishing is all about the Tar River and ponds. Freshwater fishing is productive throughout the city in parks and along the river banks throughout the year. Greenville and Pitt County are blessed with an abundance of active rivers, creeks, swamps, lakes, and ponds for recreational fishing. Within the city, ponds of the River Park North and the Tar River accessed through the Town Common are the most popular destinations for fishing.

In the north of the city, anglers can find River Park North, a 324-acre green land with campsites, walking and hiking trails, and picnic areas for families and groups to enjoy. Occasionally, educational programs are held here. Natural resources around the park also house different birds like wintering waterfowl. Campsites are also available in River North Park. Boating is popular here, whether for leisure relaxation or drift fishing. River North Park allows fishing boat rentals. This beautiful natural area also features five fishing ponds where anglers can bring their gear and fly fish along the shorelines or on the two piers. The park offers access to 1.2-mile long water along the Tar River for more shoreline fishing action. The largest pond in the park gets stocked with channel catfish each month from April through September for productive spring and summer recreational fishing. Other fish caught here include bluegill, sunfish species, and blue catfish.

In the 21-acre Town Common, north of Greenville, anglers have more opportunities to fish in the Tar River. The greenspace is adjacent to the city’s uptown district and is connected to South Greenville Greenway. There is a Town Creek Bridge and a 1500-foot river walk along the Tar River. A riverfront esplanade and a modern playground may also be enjoyed in the Town Common. The park holds annual events in the amphitheater, where the Tar River becomes a scenic backdrop. The peaceful park in Town Common provides an area for local and visiting anglers to find panfish in the river from the banks or through boats or kayaks. A boat ramp is found in the park for launching access.

The Tar River got its name from North Carolina pine forests’ history of providing tar, turpentine, and pitch needed to build ships and transport goods. The river is approximately 215 miles long, flowing southeast, and feeds into an estuary of the Pamlico Sound. Nearing its merge to the sound, the Tar River becomes the more brackish Pamlico River. The river's brown color is caused by the abundance of tannins produced by surrounding trees and soil movement in swampy areas during storms. Today, anglers will discover a slow-moving river shaded by beautiful trees. Fishing from the banks is productive here. Anglers may expect to catch any of the following species: largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bowfin, bluegill, spotted gar, white perch, black crappie, muskie, yellow perch, and American shad. For white crappie fishing, use live minnows. Worms and American eel prove most efficient for stripers. Catch white perch with nightcrawlers and largemouth bass with a shad.

Top 10 Fish Species in Greenville, NC

The top 10 fish species to catch in Greenville are largemouth bass, yellow perch, white perch, striped bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, American shad, bowfin, and crappie.

Seasonal Fishing

Greenville is a destination full of abundant freshwater fishing opportunities year-round. The parks near the Tar River and other locations along the banks allow fishing access in any season. However, fall fishing may be a challenge to anglers due to rainfall and cold fronts causing the rapid cooling of water. But if you are shying away from the summer crowd and do not mind the tougher fishing action, fall fishing is a good alternative. In the summer, catfish fishing is more productive. From April to September, 800 to 1000 channel cats are stocked in River Park North’s largest pond. This allows more successful fishing during said months. Stripers are brimming in the Tar River, and they tend to be in deeper waters during summer. Bass also go deeper in the hot summer season and stay shallow in spring and fall. Crappie fishing from the banks is also productive during spring because of the crappie run season, where they go shallow to spawn.

Anglers need to note that the invasive northern snakehead is in North Carolina waters. They may not be released back to the water, as they pose unpleasant threats to the water condition and ecosystem. These species alter the aquatic environment’s balance and can cause further harm when they grow in numbers. If caught, keep them and contact nearby departments to assist you.

Be One With the Arts in Greenville

1. Book a Fishing Guide

Greenville fishing is best enjoyed with a local fishing guide! Get one, and enjoy a smooth-sailing fishing trip, all without the hassles of researching the area on your own! Prepare your gear and tell your guide which fish you want to catch and what style to use!

2. Greenville Museum of Art

The Greenville Museum of Art displays magnificent works from its permanent 19th and 20th Century American art collection. The museum also proudly features traveling exhibits from various local, regional, and national artists. When you come to Greenville, do not miss the opportunity to get in one of the museum’s art classes and workshops. Keep updated to know when and what events will be held in the museum to promote arts in its community. The Greenville Museum of Art also offers space rental packages, a great area where you can have your event and be in a place full of beautiful arts!

3. The Art Lab

Founded in 2019, The Art Lab continues to be an Arts Incubator and Gallery in Greenville. It provides a venue for emerging artists to show their fine arts and crafts. The gallery holds diverse art exhibits, including drawing, painting, sculpture, jewelry, hand-dyed textiles, and photography. These are administered by the Pitt County Arts Council, in partnership with East Carolina University’s School of Art and Design, A Time for Science, and the City of Greenville. The Art Lab is a venue with four artist studios, providing space for any artist to explore, experiment, and create their art. The place also allows visitors to meet artists while they work. Do not forget to drop by this art hub when you are in Greenville!