Madtoms (margined and tadpole) regulations in North Carolina

Catfish · Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? Madtoms (margined and tadpole) is closed to harvest. Release it.

Madtoms (margined and tadpole) size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
NC inland and joint fishing waters	Closed to harvest	—	—

Notes

Cannot be kept even as bait.

Exact NC Division of Marine Fisheries wording

Season: Possession prohibited
Size: Possession prohibited
Limit: Possession prohibited
NC inland and joint fishing waters — as printed: “Madtoms (Margined And Tadpole) — All inland fishing waters and joint fishing waters when caught by hook and line | No margined madtom and tadpole madtom may be possessed.”

Source: NC Division of Marine Fisheries, captured 2026-09-29 (2026 season).

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About the madtoms

Genus of fishes

Madtoms are freshwater catfishes of the genus Noturus of the family Ictaluridae. It is the most species-rich genus of catfish in North America, native to the central and eastern United States, and adjacent parts of Canada. Their fin spines contain a mild venom with a sting comparable to that of a honey bee.

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Madtoms (margined and tadpole) in North Carolina?

No size limit in North Carolina state waters.

How many Madtoms (margined and tadpole) can you keep per day in North Carolina?

Possession prohibited.

When is Madtoms (margined and tadpole) season in North Carolina?

Open year-round.

Is my Madtoms (margined and tadpole) a keeper today?

Madtoms (margined and tadpole) is closed to harvest. Release it.