A large blue crab sitting on a concrete slab
Return to Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge

Shell fishing

At Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge

Crabbing is allowed on the refuge following state regulations. The Bell Island Pier is a popular location for crabbing during the warmer months.

Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge Activities

A wood-planked fishing pier extends into a blue bay under clear blue skies dotted with puffy clouds. The green grass along the shoreline is bordered with rocks at the water's edge.
Fishing
Anglers fishing from the Bell Island Pier and from the waters around the refuge may catch a wide variety of fish, including Atlantic croaker, spot, weakfish, spotted seatrout, Atlantic flounder, red drum, and bluefish. Crabbing is a popular activity during the warmer months.
A hunter in camo stands at the edge of a grassy marsh, aiming a firearm out into open water over a set of duck decoys.
Hunting
Waterfowl hunters who enjoy the challenge of hunting fast-flying diving ducks have a great public opportunity at Swanquarter NWR. The 6,120-acre hunt area is accessible by boat and open for waterfowl hunting during State seasons. Open-water hunting is not permitted; all boats must touch the marsh.
A woman points while a child next to her looks through binoculars
Wildlife watching
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge attracts a variety of wildlife throughout the year, including waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and otters. Much of the refuge is accessible only by boat, with Bell Island Road and Pier offering land-based wildlife viewing opportunities.
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge
Bell Island Rd
Swan Quarter, NC 27885
Get directions
(252) 926-4021
c/o Mattamuskeet NWR, 85 Mattamuskeet Road
Swan Quarter, NC 27885
mattamuskeet@fws.gov

Swanquarter NWR is administered by Mattamuskeet NWR. The refuge headquarters and visitor center are located at Mattamuskeet NWR.