Stripped bass or striper fishing have always been a very popular fish for recreational fisherman. The present NCDMF stock status is "good" mainly because it is very well regulated by the officials. Regulation means there are strict limits and they are enforced better with striper fishing than any other fishing I have noticed. Most recreational fishermen that I have met seem happy to abide by these limits.

The 2004 striper season for the Roanoke river has been announced:

• Lower Roanoke River The Roanoke River and tributaries, downstream from U.S. Highway 258 bridge near Scotland Neck to Albemarle Sound, including Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers:
  Season opens March 1, 2004 and closes April 15, 2004
• Upper Roanoke River The Roanoke River and tributaries, upstream from U.S. Highway 258 bridge near Scotland Neck to Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam:
  Season opens March 15, 2004 and closes April 30, 2004
• Daily Creel Limit 2 striped bass per person. During the open season, anglers may possess one daily creel limit of striped bass any day of the week.
• Size Limits Minimum length limit: 18 inches AND no striped bass between 22 inches and 27 inches in length may be possessed at any time AND only one fish of the two-fish limit may be greater than 27 inches.
• Barbless Hook Regulation April 1 - June 30 in Inland Waters of Roanoke River upstream of U.S. Highway 258 bridge, only a single barbless hook or lure with a single barbless hook (or hook with barb bent down) may be used.

As always, check the official regulations before you go; we try to be accurate but we are not an official site in any way or manner.

Please check with the "Regulations Digest" or the "Division of Marine Fisheries" to insure you have the right rules before you fish.

Live bait has always been the golden standard for striper fishing and definitely works best. Fresh minnows are best and live eels work good. In peak run frozen or fresh cut bait is excellent also. Striper have excellent sense of smell and water will magnify any fragrances; try to handle the bait as little as possible with your hands. Hook placement is critical. If the striper sees or feels the hook it will drop it. Research has shown that male stripers do not live as long as their female counterparts. It is most likely that the keepers you are taking home are females, breeders, that produce thousands of baby stripers each season.

The striper is not the greatest fighter but it is strong and heavy so use sufficiently high strength leader. Rolling on the bottom of the river is also stressful so I often use "Extra Tough" line. Many types of hook will work and my personal preference is a moderately sized octopus and bait-holder hooks of the 4 to 6 size range. It is extremely important to keep the hooks as sharp as possible. Also, it is a very good idea to make up your hook rigs before you go out. I keep a dozen or so rigs on hand. They are very easy to make and much cheaper this way.

Fly fish with weighted gold or silver flash. Try some fairly gaudy stream or bait fish imitations. Try sizes 6 to 2. Orvis makes some of the best crafted flies for Shad. Some common flies include:

Cowen's Baitfish Cowen's Sand Eel Peterson's Baby Bunker

Whether using fly or spinning equipment be prepared to lose some flies are darts on the bottom; this will happen. Photos courtesy of Orvis.

Fly fishing for striper is absolute fun but may be tough in adverse conditions. By the nature of North Carolina geography striper fishing will often happen in deep and fast running water. This makes it difficult to get a fly deep enough in time without a boat or without substantial weight on the fly. With striper fishing I like to let the line do the work of getting the fly to the bottom. Line sink should be fast and I always using interchangeable heads to match water flow and depth. Your typical 7 to 9 weight rod will get a fly out sufficient. Stripers are not picky eaters so I simply use a 7 foot, 8 pound leader without a shock tippet. Try your standard salt water flies for striper fishing or any mentioned to the right. The fly should be weighted even when using a fast sinking line.

Again, please check with the "Regulations Digest" or the "Division of Marine Fisheries" to insure you have the right rules before you fish. Enjoy this wonderful North Carolina resource. I can be contacted if you wish more information. Also, Wildlife has a good writeup on striper fishing.