A Neuse River Fishing Guide For New Bern, NC

Fishing is part of life on the water in New Bern, North Carolina. New Bern is located at the confluence of the Neuse River and the Trent River. For fishing enthusiasts, the area offers excellent access to a mix of rivers, creeks, and estuary fishing in a relatively small area. 

The Neuse is the longest river entirely within North Carolina and widens dramatically as it flows east from New Bern toward the Pamlico Sound. Around New Bern, freshwater from upstream begins mixing with saltier water moving inland from the sound. That changing salinity helps create habitat for everything from largemouth bass, crappie, and white perch to red drum, speckled trout, and striped bass. 

If you are planning a Neuse River fishing trip in New Bern, here is what to know about seasonal fishing, public boat access, local fishing guides, and staying right here on the river at New Bern KOA Holiday. 

What Fish Can You Catch in the Neuse River Near New Bern? 

One of the things that makes fishing in New Bern, NC interesting is the variety. The species you’ll find changes throughout the year as water temperature, rainfall, and salinity change. That is to say there is good fishing on the Neuse year-round! 

If you fish the Neuse River near New Bern, you’re likely to find plenty of largemouth bass, striped bass, white perch, crappie, catfish, sunfish, and shad. Nearby tidal creeks are also great spots to find red drum and flounder. 

North Carolina requires a Coastal Recreational Fishing License for most recreational fishing in coastal waters. Either a Coastal Recreational Fishing License or an inland fishing license can be used in designated Joint Waters.  

Seasonal Fishing Opportunities in New Bern 

Late Summer and Fall: Old Drum Season 

Red drum is arguably the most famous fish in the area. It’s the official saltwater fish of North Carolina, and the Neuse River is world-renowned by anglers as the premier hot spot for catching massive giant red drum called Old Drum. Old Drum, also known as Bull Reds, are the fully mature massive adult red drum. They can weigh anywhere from 35 to over 90 pounds and measure 40 to 50+ inches. And you’ll find them in the Neuse!  

Old drum season typically runs from mid-July through October. For most of the year, bull reds live out in the open ocean, but they move inshore up the Neuse River to spawn. 

Large red drum are catch-and-release only! It’s important to protect these fish to ensure the species continues to thrive. North Carolina's current regulations prohibit possession of red drum over the legal slot size. You can only keep red drum between 18” and 27”, and anglers are only allotted one red drum per person per day. The season, however, is year-round.  

Always check the official NC Department of Environmental Quality website for current information on fishing regulations, recreational sizes, and bag limits. Many species also require anglers to report harvest to NC Division of Marine Fisheries. 

Fall Fishing Around New Bern 

Fall is one of the best fishing seasons in New Bern because the dropping water temperatures make game fish active and hungry.  

During fall, you’ll find: 

• Red drum 

• Speckled trout 

• *Striped bass 

• Largemouth bass 

• White perch 

• Crappie 

*Striped bass regulations on the Neuse can change by year and by section of river. Anglers should always check current North Carolina regulations in advance. Many species also require anglers to report harvest to NC Division of Marine Fisheries. 

Winter Fishing in New Bern 

Winter is a fantastic time to fish around New Bern. The further dropping temperatures force both baitfish and major game fish into the area's smaller, protected waters. As the main sounds chill down, schools of bait migrate into the upper Neuse, the Trent River, and local creeks. Hungry predators like striped bass, speckled trout, and red drum follow this food source into the narrower channels, where the deeper water and shoreline structures keep them warmer and sheltered from harsh winter winds.  

In winter, you’ll find: 

• Striped bass 

• Speckled trout 

• Red drum, particularly smaller and slot-sized fish 

• White perch 

• Crappie 

• Largemouth bass 

• Catfish 

Spring Fishing on the Neuse River 

Warming waters draw active feeding fish out of their winter holes into shallow inshore rivers and creeks.  

During spring, you’ll find: 

• Striped bass 

• Largemouth bass 

• Red drum 

• Speckled trout 

• White perch 

• Crappie 

Summer Fishing 

Summer is a popular time of year for fishing. The action shifts toward the river shoreline, creek mouths, and lower portions of the Neuse, and anglers should be thoughtful about the time of day. 

Summer species include: 

• Red drum 

• Speckled trout 

• Black drum 

• *Flounder 

• Largemouth bass 

• Catfish 

*Flounder harvest is highly regulated in North Carolina. Check current season, size, and possession rules before your trip. Many species also require anglers to report harvest to NC Division of Marine Fisheries. 

Where to Fish and Launch a Boat Near New Bern 

There are several public access points to the Neuse River and its tributaries in and around New Bern. Fishers staying at New Bern KOA Holiday also have the advantage of river access directly from the campground. 

New Bern KOA Holiday 

Guests do not have to leave the campground to get on the water. New Bern KOA Holiday sits directly along the Neuse River and has an on-site boat ramp for fishing kayaks, canoes, and small boats 14 feet and under. The on-site boat ramp is most ideal for fishing kayaks. New Bern KOA also offers on-site kayak rentals.  

For campground guests with larger boats, the Bridgeton Boating Access Area is just two miles up the road from the campground. Guests can launch there and then return to New Bern KOA and use the boat slips along the campground's 100-foot pier. 

Bridgeton Boating Access Area 

The Bridgeton Boating Access Area at 880 Wildlife Road provides direct access to the Neuse River just two miles up the road from the New Bern KOA. 

Glenburnie Park 

Glenburnie Park on the north side of New Bern provides another public boat launch directly onto the Neuse River across from the Bridgeton boating access.  

Lawson Creek Park 

Lawson Creek Boat Ramp is located in downtown New Bern and provides access to Lawson Creek and the Trent and Neuse rivers, making it particularly convenient for anglers who want to fish close to the city's waterfront. 

Spring Garden Boating Access Area 

Anglers interested in exploring farther upstream can also use the NC Wildlife Spring Garden Boating Access Area at 585 NW Craven Middle School Road in New Bern. The site includes a boat ramp and fishing pier on the Neuse River. 

For additional public launches, use the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's boating access map, which identifies free public boating access areas operated or maintained by NCWRC and its partners. 

Go Fishing Without Leaving New Bern KOA Holiday 

A fishing trip does not require a boat. 

Guests at New Bern KOA Holiday can fish directly from the campground's 100-foot pier on the Neuse River or try catch-and-release fishing in the campground's two ponds. 

New Bern KOA Holiday makes fishing trips easier with: 

• A fish cleaning station 

• Seasonal kayak, fishing kayak, and canoe rentals 

• Bait and fishing supplies available in the Camp Store 

• An on-site ramp for kayaks, canoes, and boats 14 feet and under 

• Boat slips for larger vessels launched nearby 

Plus, you get the added benefit of starry nights and campfires. 

Make New Bern KOA Your Neuse River Fishing Home Base 

Whether you want to cast from the pier before breakfast, launch your kayak from the campground, trailer your boat to a nearby public ramp, or spend a day with a local fishing guide, New Bern KOA Holiday puts you right on the Neuse River and close to some of the best fishing access around New Bern. 

Choose from RV Sites, cabin rentals, or waterfront tent sites, then come back after a day on the water to clean your catch, tie up the boat, and enjoy a New Bern sunset from the riverfront. 

Plan your next New Bern fishing getaway and stay right where the fishing starts. New Bern KOA is a family-friendly campground, which means we’re a great home base for year-round fishing trips the whole family can enjoy.