New Bern, NC Fishing: Fishing in the Athens of the South

New Bern is Craven County’s riverfront city in eastern North Carolina. It is Craven County’s county seat and the New Bern Metropolitan Statistical Area’s principal city. The city is situated at the confluence of the Neuse River and Trent River near the North Carolina Coast. Before European settlement, Tuscarora Indians resided along the city’s riverbanks in a village called Chattoka. In 1710, New Bern was settled by Swiss and Palatine immigrants led by the first Baron of Bernberg, Christopher von Graffenreid. The settlement was named after Switzerland’s capital, Bern. It is the second oldest colonial town in the state and was the capital of the state’s government. New Bern was also North Carolina’s capital from 1770 to 1792.

New Bern boasts a picturesque setting and growing political prestige making it earn the moniker, ‘Athens of the South.’ The city also showcases a rich art culture. One doesn’t have to look too far to enjoy the historic preservation and its Swiss influence, as it’s filled with award-winning museums, art galleries, fun shows, live music, festivals, local theater, and a vibrant food scene. The city is home to four historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of New Bern's official flowers, crape myrtles, can be found in buildings dating back to the 18th century. Anglers won’t have to go too far to find fantastic fishing spots in New Bern because fish-filled rivers and coastal waters are within reach.

New Bern Fishing

New Bern is a riverfront city, so it’s only fitting that river fishing there is excellent. Anglers also have their pick of whether they want to go inshore fishing for freshwater fish in the rivers or go saltwater fishing in the waters of the North Carolina Coast.

When the idea of fishing in New Bern, the Neuse River, and the Trent River comes to mind, the city sits at the junction of both rivers, giving easy access to anglers and providing scenic, panoramic views. The Neuse River has both commercial and sports fisheries. In the saltwater section below New Bern, anglers can find species like striped bass, speckled trout, southern flounder, red drum (locally called puppy drum), pinfish, Atlantic croaker, spot, bluefish, gray trout, channel bass, and tarpon. In the freshwater section above the city, there are largemouth bass, white bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white catfish, yellow perch, white perch, bowfin, chain pickerel, common carp, black bullhead, and warmouth. Anglers can opt to do bank fishing in the river or use fishing piers at Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, and Emerald Isle. The river is a slow-moving coastal river that is wide but not that deep, making boating very easy when navigating and fishing in its waters. The city operates a free boat ramp at Lawson Creek Park. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission also uses boat ramps on the northeast side of the river at Upper Broad Creek, Dawson Creek, and Oriental. Strong breezes can bring choppy waters quickly, so small boats might find the river unfriendly during certain times. An angler should check weather updates or the local fishing report before heading out the river. Common methods anglers use to catch fish in the river are fly fishing for red drum, trout, and bass, jigging for freshwater fish, or baitcasting using crayfish, worms, or insects. Using buzzbaits, red or white spinnerbaits, and pink floating worms beneath bald cypress trees that surround the river, at the mouth of ditches, and steel shorelines with the structure are also very effective for luring fish.

The Trent River houses similar species found in the Neuse River. Both rivers have many striped bass charters and excellent striper fisheries because they are anadromous fish that migrate between freshwater and saltwater to spawn. It is a more tranquil river showing beautiful waterscapes and forest landscapes. Anglers can access the free boat ramp facilities operated by the city at Lawson’s Creek and Union Point Park. One can also fish from its banks or the Trent River Bridge. Both the rivers’ banks are lined with plenty of fishing piers and docks where an angler can fish or launch their boats.

Brices Creek is one of the best local spots in the county. Anglers can access this creek in the Croatan National Forest. It holds the same freshwater fish the two major rivers have. It features a fishing dock, a pier, public restrooms, a fishing area, and a boat ramp for watercraft of all sizes. It’s a great destination for the angler who wants to escape the city as it’s located in the wild section of the county.

New Bern also offers deep sea fishing opportunities because it has access to the Crystal Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. A wide array of offshore fishing charters take patrons out fishing in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Some sport and game fish an angler can target include white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, amberjack, and snapper.

The city is home to many local fishing tournaments because it’s an inherently maritime community. One of the most popular tournaments is the Annual Neuse River Backwater Open, the only all-artificial fishing tournament in east North Carolina. New Bern is also the home of the Carolina Redfish Tournament series and the Neuse River Bassmasters Tournament.

Top 10 Fish Species in New Bern, NC

The top 10 fish species found in New Bern, NC, are striped bass, speckled trout, southern flounder, red drum, largemouth bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, yellow perch, and white perch.

Seasonal Fishing

Angling in New Bern is a year-round affair, as most species can thrive in any season. Striped bass is a good example of a fish available all year. It is also the most popular target for winter fishing. Summer is the busiest fishing season in New Bern because catfish, southern flounder, red drum, and largemouth bass are very active. The best fishing conditions in the inner and outer banks occur in the spring and fall. Panfish such as bluegill, crappie, perch, and sunfish can be caught any time of the year. The best season to target trout is during the spring when they're actively feeding.

New Sights in New Bern

New Bern is where everything comes together, from history, art, culture, nature, and entertainment.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

New Bern is the home base of many fishing charters because of its access to abundant rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. Striped bass fishing charters are particularly popular because it’s the main fish anglers target there. Book a fishing charter or go on fishing tours to experience the best of what New Bern has to offer. Boat rentals and bait and tackle shops are also readily available in the city. Charter services anglers can find around the area include Unreel Charters in Swansboro, On Deck Fishing Charters in Beaufort, Local Knowledge Charters in Atlantic Beach, and Top Predator Adventures in Charleston.

2. Visit the Masonic Temple and Theater

The structure is partly why New Bern is known as the Athens of the South. It was built between 1802 and 1809 and is located at 516 Hancock Street. It was initially a two-story Federal-style brick structure before being remodeled several times. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 16, 1972.

3. Visit the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola

People can visit where it all started for Pepsi-Cola in New Bern. It can be found in the city's historic downtown area at 256 Middle Street. The site was first a pharmacy where Caleb Bradham invented the drink in 1898. People can learn more about its history and browse through memorabilia, gifts, and souvenirs. The Birthplace is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and on Sundays from 12 NN to 4 PM.