ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Black bass fishing generates billions of dollars in economic activity across North Carolina, far outpacing other inland species, according to a 2025 report from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Research conducted by the agency’s Social Science Research Unit found black bass fishing contributes an estimated $2.6 billion annually to the state’s economy. The category includes five species: largemouth, smallmouth, Alabama, spotted and Bartram’s bass.

Black bass is also the most popular inland fishing target among North Carolina anglers. About 65 percent of anglers surveyed said they prefer fishing for black bass. Crappie ranked second at 50 percent, followed by panfish at 46 percent and catfish at 37 percent. Mountain trout ranked fifth, with 26 percent of anglers selecting it as a preferred catch.

Researchers say geography and access play a significant role in those preferences. Black bass and other widely targeted species can be found throughout the state, from the mountains to the coast, while trout fishing is largely limited to higher-elevation streams in Western North Carolina.

Despite that limitation, trout fishing still delivers a significant economic impact — about $1.38 billion annually — suggesting anglers are willing to travel and navigate more rugged terrain to pursue the species.

The report also highlights angler motivations beyond economics. Survey respondents identified being outdoors as the most important aspect of their fishing experience, outweighing factors such as food, competition or tournament participation.

“Even though they represent a large group of anglers, information about black bass anglers in North Carolina is limited,” said Kathryn Jewell, the agency’s lead social scientist. “The project we completed this winter brings a wealth of knowledge we didn’t have before.”

Among other findings, 88 percent of surveyed black bass anglers reported primarily practicing catch-and-release fishing, while only 18 percent — about 128,870 anglers — said they had participated in a bass tournament.

The study estimates there are more than 711,000 black bass anglers in North Carolina. By comparison, a 2022 report from the same agency estimated roughly 370,000 mountain trout anglers statewide.

Officials say the research will help guide development of the state’s Black Bass Management Plan and inform broader fisheries management strategies aimed at sustaining fish populations and angling opportunities for future generations.