North Carolina is home to an abundance of river which flows through various parts of the state. The rivers are used by anglers, swimmers, and by scientists who study the waters. What is most intriguing are the types of fish species that changed based on the part of the state in which the river is located. Here are 4 things to know about a river in North Carolina. 

What Are The Main Rivers In North Carolina

The terrain of North Carolina differs significantly. The upper portions are home to the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, where most rivers begin or neighboring states. 

As the river flows through the central portions of North Carolina, it meanders through forests and flat land. 

Lastly, rivers become diverted into creeks, flow into surrounding sounds, or dump into the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Here is a list of the three main rivers in North Carolina.

Pee Dee River

The Pee Dee River flows over 232 miles from its origin in the mountains of North Carolina before crossing into South Carolina and into the coastal waters. 

When fishing the Pee Dee River, anglers have the opportunity to catch fresh and saltwater fish. The end portion of the river is high in salt content, thus making it a habitat for saltwater species. 

Roanoke River

The Roanoke River is notable because its water flows over 400 miles from where it begins in Virginia. After it winds in Virginia, it passes into North Carolina before terminating in Albermarle Sound.

Anglers fishing the river have the opportunity to target trout in the upper portions. 

Catawba River

North of Charlotte, North Carolina, begins the 220-mile long Catawba River. The River crosses into South Carolina beneath Charlotte and flows into Lake Wateree before becoming the Wateree River.

Like the Roanoke River, the most northern portions of the river offer excellent trout fishing. 

Tar River

The Tar River is a true river of North Carolina as it begins and ends within state lines. Despite the river starting near the Virginia border, it remains within North Carolina before flowing over 215 miles and into the Pimlico Sound. 

When fishing, the river, it provides opportunities for anglers of all experience levels because it is home to a combination of panfish and gamefish. 

Where Do All Rivers In North Carolina Flow

Interestingly, the flow of rivers in North Carolina is that they do not all terminate at the same point. 

While many rivers within North Carolina dump into the Atlantic Ocean, this is not the case for all rivers. 

Not much attention is paid once a river crosses out of North Carolina. However, after crossing state lines, the rivers continue to travel for hundreds of miles before reaching the Gulf Of Mexico. 

When it comes to the numbers, 12 rivers within North Carolina terminate in the Atlantic Ocean compared to 5, which venture into the Gulf Of Mexico. 

How Many Rivers Are In North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are a total of 17 rivers that flow through the state. Not every river within the borders begins or ends within state lines. 

The rivers in the state vary from shallow, fast, moving water to deep and sluggish. Depending on location, a single river changes based on depth, flow rate, and fish species when it mixes with salt water near the ocean.

For the most part, the upper portions of rivers are used by drift boats without power or wading anglers. The central portions offer opportunities for power boaters to fish or engage in watersports. Lastly, the lowest part features brackish water, a mixture of salt and freshwater. 

How Many Miles Of Rivers Are In North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are a total of 17 rivers for residents and visitors to enjoy recreationally. The rivers are widely dispersed across the state therefore you will have no trouble finding one within your vicinity. 

Check out a local map to determine the river closest to you or search river near me on your phone, computer, or tablet. 

Once you have found a river closest to you, read about areas to explore along its banks and the type of fish that call the water home. Remember to purchase a fishing license when casting a line. 

Now You Know 4 Important Things About A River In North Carolina

With 17 rivers within the state’s lines, you will have plenty of waterways to enjoy for recreational purposes. Use these 4 important things to know about a river in North Carolina. Remember that not all rivers begin and end within North Carolina; however, the portions that do are a sight to see.