LivewellNorth Carolina · New Hanover County · River
Burnt Mill Creek
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Burnt Mill Creek, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
3 species with advisories · contaminants: Hexavalent chromium, Mercury
North Carolina also has statewide guidance
North Carolina publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 16 recommendations covering 8 species — in addition to anything listed for Burnt Mill Creek below.
Strictest statewide rule: Black Crappie — For women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Burnt Mill Creek
Bluegill
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | Everyone else | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Chromium. |
| Women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15 | For women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15: limit to one meal per week due to elevated Chromium. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Bowfin
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | Everyone else | Do not eat due to elevated Chromium and Mercury. |
| Women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15 | For women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Chromium and Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Flathead Catfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | Everyone else | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Chromium. |
| Women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15 | For women of childbearing age, pregnant or nursing women, and children under 15: limit to one meal per week due to elevated Chromium. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Is it legal to keep?
These are North Carolina's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 14" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 30" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | — | 8 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: North Carolina — North Carolina WRC