Refuge waters include Lake Mattamuskeet (40,000 acres) with an average depth of two feet. Shallow-draft boats with small motors, canoes or waders are recommended. Five culverts can be fished from NC Hwy. 94. Four outlet canals connect Lake Mattamuskeet with Pamlico Sound. There is good fishing and crabbing from canal bridges and water-control structures and freshwater fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish and striped bass. Best fishing seasons are spring and fall. The refuge is open year-round for bank fishing and March 1-November 1 for boats. Saltwater species include spot, striped bass and blue crab.
All fishing activities must be conducted in accordance with state regulations. Additional refuge regulations are listed in the fishing regulations and available at the refuge headquarters.
