State to create public fishing area near Grimesland

Construction is expected to begin later this summer on Pitt County’s first public fishing area managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

The work on North Grimesland Bridge Road between N.C. 33 and U.S. 264 is expected to be completed this fall, then the site will officially open to the public, the commission announced last week.

The commission entered into an agreement with the N.C. Department of Transportation to open the area on a 555-acre property between the city of Greenville and the town of Washington.

The proposed fishing area will be constructed off the state road, where several shallow ponds are located on both sides of the roadway. The land is owned by the transportation department.

N.C. Rep. Keith Kidwell, a Beaufort County Republican, said he appreciated the coordination between Wildlife, the N.C. DOT and his office to get this land converted to public use.

“Many generations fished the waters along Grimesland Bridge Road, and that opportunity will be available again with the addition of fishing access trails to facilitate bank fishing and access for small boats, such as kayaks,” Kidwell said.

Kidwell said eastern North Carolina families would enjoy nearby access to recreational lands.

“Personally, I can’t wait to fish for some largemouth bass on these ponds,” Kidwell said.

The site will include parking on both sides of the roadway, a kiosk with fishing rules and regulations signage, and availability for the public to bank fish in nearby ponds.

“Having additional recreation facilities open to the public is wonderful for the community,” said Jeremy Stroud, a division engineer with the N.C. DOT.

“The department urges people to respect the property, including keeping it litter free, when it opens.”

There are more than 260 commission-managed public fishing areas across the state.

Ben Soloman, Wildlife Resources Commission assistant chief and land acquisition manager for the Land and Water Access Division, called the project an excellent partnership with the N.C. DOT.

“This public fishing area will allow residents and visitors to fish safely and enjoy this public resource,” Soloman said.