North Carolina might be best known for surf breaks and mountain rivers, but it’s quietly one of the best states in the Southeast for SUP fishing. With slow-moving rivers, cypress-lined lakes, coastal sounds, and brackish estuaries, the Tar Heel State offers paddle board anglers an incredible range of fisheries—often without the crowds.

Whether you’re chasing largemouth bass on glassy reservoirs, red drum in coastal marshes, or catfish along shaded riverbanks, these North Carolina SUP fishing spots deliver space, scenery, and serious fish potential. Read on to learn more about paddle board fishing North Carolina.

Jordan Lake is a SUP fishing favorite for a reason. Located between Raleigh and Greensboro, this 14,000-acre reservoir offers countless coves, creek arms, and protected shorelines that are ideal for paddle board anglers.

Bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish are abundant here, and the lake’s many no-wake pockets make it easy to stay out of heavy boat traffic. Early mornings and weekday paddles can feel downright peaceful.

Why it’s great for SUP fishing

• Long, fishable shorelines

• Calm coves perfect for anchoring

• Easy access points and public launches

Lake Waccamaw is one of the most unique fishing lakes in the state. As a shallow Carolina bay lake, it’s known for calm water, dark tea-colored visibility, and excellent warm-water fishing.

This lake is especially friendly for paddle board anglers thanks to its minimal current and wide open shoreline access. Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and chain pickerel are common catches.

Why it’s great for SUP fishing

• Shallow, stable water

• Minimal wake compared to larger reservoirs

• Great visibility for shoreline casting

While parts of the Cape Fear River can get pushy, many stretches offer slow-moving, SUP-friendly fishing water, especially upstream of Wilmington.

These sections are ideal for anglers who enjoy drifting structure, fishing logjams, and working shaded banks. Expect catfish, bass, and panfish, plus the chance to see eagles, turtles, and cypress knees rising from the water.

Why it’s great for SUP fishing

• Long, fishable river miles

• Natural cover and structure

• Excellent wildlife viewing

If you want brackish-water SUP fishing without full ocean exposure, the Pamlico River is hard to beat. Wide but often calm, this river feeds into Pamlico Sound and supports both freshwater and saltwater species.

Red drum, flounder, speckled trout, and striped bass can all be caught from a paddle board here, depending on season and salinity.

Why it’s great for SUP fishing

• Saltwater species without surf conditions

• Large, open water with quiet back creeks

• Ideal for touring-style fishing SUPs

Lake James sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and combines clear water, rocky structure, and excellent bass fishing. While parts of the lake see boat traffic, the many coves and inlets make it easy to find calm water for paddle board anglers.

Smallmouth bass are a highlight here, especially along rocky shorelines and submerged ledges.

Why it’s great for SUP fishing

• Rocky habitat for smallmouth

• Clear water for sight fishing

• Mountain scenery without alpine exposure

The Scuppernong River is tailor-made for SUP fishing. Slow, narrow, and lined with cypress and tupelo trees, it offers classic southern river fishing in a setting that feels untouched.

This river is best suited for relaxed fishing days—anchor, cast, drift, repeat.

Why it’s great for SUP fishing

• Extremely gentle current

• Shaded banks and structure

• Minimal boat traffic

1. • North Carolina features diverse paddle board fishing environments, including rivers, lakes, and coastal estuaries

   • SUP anglers can target bass, redfish, trout, catfish, and panfish across the state

   • Many locations offer calm water, easy launches, and minimal boat traffic for stable fishing conditions

North Carolina is an underrated gem for paddle board anglers. From quiet Inner Banks rivers to sprawling central-state reservoirs, the state offers space, variety, and fishable water that rewards slow exploration—exactly what SUP fishing is about.

If your idea of the perfect day includes a paddle, a rod, and a shoreline no one else bothered to explore, North Carolina deserves a top spot on your SUP fishing list.