Fishing Procedures
The purpose of these procedures is to allow qualified individuals to engage in recreational
fishing on campus; while maintaining JCC’s control of college property. The procedures apply only to the two ponds on the main campus at 245 College Road, Smithfield, NC.
The Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center has separate fishing procedures and
may be obtained by calling (919) 938-0115 or by visiting the Howell Woods website
Fishing Permits
The purpose of the permit fee is to offset some of the costs of maintaining and restocking
the ponds.
Permit fees are as follows:
- $2.00 per day (valid for one day at a time, only)
- $50.00 per year (valid until one year from the date of purchase)
Permits should be obtained prior to fishing by purchasing a Daily Fishing Permit Online or at the Cashier’s Office during normal business hours.
The Cashier’s Office, located in the Wilson Building, is normally open from 8 am -
5 pm, Mondays through Thursdays and 8 am - 3 pm on Fridays. The Office is closed on
Fridays during the summer semester.
Individuals must have a valid permit on their person at all times while fishing. Anyone fishing
without a valid JCC fishing permit will be required to leave the college property.
Each person fishing on college property is responsible for having a valid inland North
Carolina Fishing License, per NC General Statute § 113-270.1B (License required to
hunt, fish, or trap; fees set by Wildlife Resources Commission).
Access
Employees and retired employees of Johnston Community College may fish at the campus
ponds without purchasing a college fishing permit; however, state regulations (NCGS
§ 113-270.1B) still apply. Each employee or retiree may bring one (1) guest. Guests
will not be required to purchase a college fishing permit; however, they must be accompanied
by the employee or retiree.
Students and members of the general public may fish at the college by purchasing a
permit.
Parking
Individuals fishing in college ponds must park in marked parking spaces. Parking on the grass next to the ponds, on the walking track around
the large pond, and on the shoulder of Jaguar Drive is prohibited. Violation of JCC’s
Parking & Traffic Regulations may result in parking fines issued via citation and, potentially, the vehicle being
towed from JCC property.
Regulations
- All persons must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. For more information, call 1-888-248-6834, send an email to licenses@ncwildlife.org, or visit the NC Wildlife website.
- Fishing nets are not allowed.
- Artificial lures, crickets, and worms are approved baits. No minnows, or other live bait that is not native to our waters, are allowed.
- Do not leave bait containers, spent fishing line, or any type of trash on the property. Please dispose of items in trash containers.
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- It is the fisherman’s discretion to either release or keep his or her catch, except
for bass.
- All bass must be released. If you are caught keeping bass, your fishing privileges will be revoked. Night fishing is not allowed. This applies to everyone, including employees, retirees, and the general public.
- Campus Police and Security have the authority to check all coolers, at any time.
- Fishing is allowed only from shore; no waders. Boats are not allowed access at any time unless under instructor supervision and part of a college class.
- NO alcoholic beverages or illegal narcotics are allowed on college property.
Suspension of Fishing Privileges
The college reserves the right to suspend fishing privileges at any time. Examples
of times when fishing privileges may be suspended include, but are not limited to,
during designated events on campus, during ongoing construction in the area, and at
times of inclement weather. No fishing is allowed at night.
Individuals who do not comply with college’s procedures may have their fishing privileges
suspended and be asked to leave the premises.