LivewellNorth Carolina · River
Northeast Cape Fear River
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Northeast Cape Fear River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 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 Northeast Cape Fear River below.
Strictest statewide rule: Black Crappie — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Northeast Cape Fear River
Bowfin
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Do not eat due to elevated Chromium and Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
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
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 0.0 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 0.0 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 4.5 mi Directions
- Marina marina 4.8 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.