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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped bass in North Carolina are anadromous fish that spend most of their lives in saltwater but migrate to freshwater rivers to spawn.

North Carolina maintains both native migratory populations in coastal rivers and stocked striped bass fisheries in 13 reservoirs throughout the Piedmont and foothills.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Also known as stripers

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinctive silver-white fish with seven to eight horizontal black stripes along their sides, greenish-blue backs, and white undersides.
  • Most adult stripers range from 1-3 feet long and weigh 2-20 pounds, though they can live over 20 years and reach exceptional sizes - the largest recorded was 125 pounds caught in North Carolina in 1891.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The Roanoke River serves as North Carolina's major native spawning river.
  • Stocked striped bass fisheries exist in 13 reservoirs throughout the Piedmont and foothills.

Key Locations

  • Roanoke River Management Area (though currently closed for 2025), other coastal rivers during spring runs, and 13 managed reservoir fisheries including Lake Gaston, Lake Norman, and Badin Lake.

Specific Spots

  • Rocky rapids near the fall line where rivers transition from piedmont to coastal plain.
  • Areas with current flow over ledges, warm water discharges, and shallow areas that warm quickly during the day.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in North Carolina?

Live and cut baits including gizzard shad, threadfin shad, and hickory shad. Artificial lures include white and yellow bucktail jigs, spoons, and rattling crankbaits.

What flies work for Striped Bass in North Carolina?

Surf Candies, Estaz Minnows, Deceivers in various colors, Mickey Finns with yellow-red-yellow coloration, Seaducers, Glass Minnows, and Salty Clousers.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in North Carolina?

Prime season for native striped bass fishing runs from March through May during the Roanoke River spawning run, though avoid fishing during peak spawning periods to protect reproduction.

How do you catch Striped Bass in North Carolina?

Target areas with current flow over ledges, warm water discharges, and shallow areas that warm quickly during the day. Fish the rocky rapids near the fall line where rivers transition from piedmont to coastal plain.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Opportunistic predators feeding heavily on menhaden, anchovies, flounder, weakfish, herrings, and various invertebrates including crabs, shrimp, and marine worms. Their diet varies by age - young fish primarily consume small invertebrates and crustaceans, while adults target larger baitfish.

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