Newport, NC Fishing: Nature's Awe-Inspiring Beauty

Few tourist destinations have the luxury of having a beautiful mountainside while facing the sea. Newport, NC, seems to have it all as it’s surrounded by the Croatan National Forest and adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. Since its founding, Newport residents have taken advantage of the surrounding forests and the ocean. Newport thrived in logging, agriculture, and commercial fishing for many years. Today, it's is a popular destination for tourists to unwind from the stress of city life. There are many things to do, from touring distilleries in Bogue Sound or visiting petting zoos and ranches.

As Newport is home to far-ranging forests and strategic hills, many of these places were battles during the American Civil War. The Battle of Newport Barracks was the most famous battle in the region, where 2000 Confederates stormed the barracks. The site no longer stands, but a memorial and accurate replica of the area stands in place. There, families and history buffs can learn about America’s rich history. 

Watersports like kiteboarding and fishing are also popular ways for visitors to spend their vacation. The area is surrounded by major bodies of water like the Atlantic Ocean or the Neuse River. Newport River is also close. Here, anglers can catch a wide variety of fish. While Bogue Sound is fisherman friendly, some restricted zones are used explicitly for commercial oyster fishing. Otherwise, it’s safe to fish from anywhere in Newport and its surrounding areas. Tourists looking for some physical activities while on vacation can head on to the many hiking trails in the region. The Great Lake Recreation Lake, Catfish Lake Southern Wilderness, and Neusiok trail are great places to start hiking and even camp. Visiting these places is a must for any tourist.

Newport Fishing 

There are plenty of places to fish in the town of Newport. Starting with the Neuse River, the body of water is around 275 miles long. It is also the longest river in North Carolina, passing through major towns and cities like  Durham, Neuse, Newport, and many more; the river acts as a drain, starting with Piedmont running along with the state until it ends in the Atlantic Ocean. There are many fishing opportunities to be found in the river. Anglers traveling to Neuse River can expect to catch red drum, largemouth bass, pinfish, striped bass, blue catfish, summer flounder, channel catfish, and bluegill. Anglers of varying skill levels can catch these fish. The area is also adjacent to a camping and recreational site, making it easy for families on camping trips to go fishing. This will also be a great place to practice fly fishing and jigging techniques. 

Newport River and Harlowe Creek are two connected bodies of water that also drain water into the ocean.  It’s 12-mile long drains water to Harlowe Creek. The confluence with freshwater and saltwater makes it a great habitat for multiple fish species. The river is located in the middle of Newport and can be easily accessed. There, anglers will have the chance to catch red drum, spanish mackerel, bluefish, summer flounder, pinfish, stingray, southern puffer, spotted seatrout, black drum, and garfish. All of these are a great mix of freshwater and saltwater fish. 

Located in Croatan National are five medium-sized lakes. These lakes are Great Lake, Long Lake, Little Lake, Ellis Simon Lake, and Catfish Lake. Although most people come to the area to hunt game, the lakes are still open to the public for recreational fishing. Fish in the area include yellow bullhead, yellow perch, crappie, carp, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass. Hunters willing to try a different sport or have a few games to catch can head on over to any of the lakes. Baitcasting, spinning, and fly fishing are all popular methods to catch fish in the area. It’s also good to note that these shallow lakes can only take flat-bottomed boats. Each lake has a small boat ramp that anyone and a small camping site can access.

Finally, there’s no place better than Bogue Sound when it comes to saltwater fishing. The lagoon is part of North Carolina’s “Crystal Coast,’ an 85-mile coastline adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. Bogue Sound occupies a good 21 miles of the Crystal Coast. The lagoon is an important part of the commercial fishing industry as water sections are used for catching oysters. These areas aren’t allowed for public use. However, the rest of Bogue Sound is available to the public. The lagoon is known for its docks, bays, and vacation houses. Anglers can fish beside beaches, on docks, and on bays. Kayaking and using boats to fish are also very popular. Anglers in the area can expect to catch black drum, spanish mackerel, atlantic croaker, blacktip shark, summer flounder, red drum, and bluefish. A kayak or boat can use fishing techniques like bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing. Drift fishing and trolling can help maximize the space of the waters by slowly going around the area. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Newport, NC

The top 10 fish found in Newport, NC, are red drum, spanish mackerel, bluefish, summer flounder, atlantic croaker, and blacktip shark. yellow bullhead, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. 

Seasonal Fishing 

In Newport, fish are in season all year long. Most bass are best caught in spring from May to early June, during their spawning season. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are also plentiful and active during this time. Bluefish during this season swim in shallow water, where it’s easier to catch them. For summertime fishing, it’s best to look for red drum and atlantic croaker. Red drum, in particular, can be found deep beneath debris and jetties. Finally, channel catfish and summer flounder are easily caught when colder during fall. The flounder, in general, are much slower during this season. 

Enjoy the Outdoors in Newport, NC

1. Learn All About Southern Heritage

Being a strategic location, Newport has seen its share of battles throughout history. Many skirmishes during the American Civil War took place in the area. Many monuments and memorials can be found and visited by the public. Well-preserved relics like firearms and clothing from this era can be found in the local Newport Museum. One of the biggest battles in the area, The Battle of Newport Barracks, has some parts recreated and open to the public. The memorial park is a faithful recreation of a Confederate camp during the civil war. This is something history buffs and families alike can enjoy and learn. 

2. Hike and Hunt in the Croatan National Forest and Game Land

Characterized by the surrounding forests, there are a lot of tourists visiting solely for hunting and hiking around the area. Hunters will have plenty of games to catch, including sightings of black bears, turkey, rabbits, squirrels, and quail. In different seasons, ducks and geese also migrate in the forest. Hikers will also enjoy the beauty of the forest from its various parts. The Croatan National Forest is large enough to have different hiking trails.

3. Spend the Day Fishing

Newport and its surrounding areas have many bodies of water perfect for fishing. There are many ways to fish in Newport, from rivers to lakes and even the Atlantic Ocean. Anglers can enjoy fishing while camping, chartering a boat, or while on break from hunting. Given its many options, Newport is undoubtedly a place for those wanting to experience the outdoors.