Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge features the largest natural freshwater lake in North Carolina, Lake Mattamuskeet, as well as marshes, swamp forests, and upland forests. The refuge supports large numbers of wintering waterfowl, as well as a variety of breeding songbirds, mammals such as black bear and bobcat, and other wildlife. Fishing, birding, photography, and hunting are popular recreational activities.
A large blue crab sitting on a concrete slab
Fishing Brochure
Map, information, and regulations for fishing Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

Visit Us

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge is a popular place for visitors to enjoy a variety of wildlife-dependent recreation. During fall and winter, concentrations of swan, geese, and ducks are a delight to both wildlife observers and photographers. Visitors are welcome to walk or bicycle throughout the refuge; however, visitors are cautioned to review the corresponding map and observe refuge regulatory signs, as some areas are closed to the public during the winter. The refuge’s canals, marshes, and Lake Mattamuskeet are frequented by anglers catching largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, and other species. The refuge also hosts special white-tailed deer and waterfowl hunts.

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Our Library

      Tearsheet Map Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
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      Tearsheet Map Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
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      Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Regulations
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      Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Regulations

      General Hunting Regulations of Mattamuskeet Refuge is open to hunting of tundra swan, Canada and snow geese, ducks, coots, and white-tailed deer in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations.

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      Fishing Brochure Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
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      Fishing Brochure Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
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      Projects and Research

      Two men in a boat pull in a net from the water at the edge of a muddy bank. The net has one fish caught in it.
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      Lake Mattamuskeet Aquatic Grass Restoration

      Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), working together as the Mattamuskeet Technical Working Group (abbreviated TWG), have been awarded $1 million dollars by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Large Invasive Species grant program to remove invasive common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from Lake Mattamuskeet. The removal of common...

      Project Title
      Lake Mattamuskeet Aquatic Grass Restoration