Community

Fishing is allowed in community ponds subject to the following rules. These rules are provided for the protection of our ponds, fish, plant life, as well as the wellbeing of our residents and guests. Violation of these rules can result in the loss of pond fishing privileges.

Residents should obtain a copy of the St James Plantation Fishing Guidelines from the POA office or POA website  or download them from the following link.  Also click on the link to obtain additional information on pond fishing and the location of recommended fishing ponds that have been enhanced with fish habitat and stocking.

 Stocking fish in a pond provides both environmental and recreational benefits. 

Environmentally, fish can help control undesirable insects, snakes, mosquitos, and invasive plants, while attracting local and migratory birds. 

Recreationally, feeding or catching fish in your neighborhood pond can provide great enjoyment for residents, their families, and friends. 

Improper fish stocking practices presents significant risks to the fish and pond health. 

The annual Youth Fishing Derby is held July 4th weekend at the Woodlands Park pond.  The derby is sponsored by the St James Fishing Club in conjunction with the St James POA, Town, and Developer, with contributions from supporting community business.  This derby is not just about the biggest fish or winning awards. It is about young girls and boys enjoying outdoor family time and building an appreciation for conservation and the sport of fishing. It is designed to be a fun family event with lots of smiles and memories between generations of young people, parents, and grandparents. 

 American alligators occur naturally in North Carolina, inhabiting bays, lakes, rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps and ponds, with local populations distributed in patches along the entire coast. Alligators become less common in coastal NC as you move from south to north. Climate, specifically the number of cold weather days, limits their “growing season” and their ability to survive and reproduce. Coastal NC is considered the northern extent of their range, and alligators in NC have much slower growth rates, reproduce less frequently, and populations are more vulnerable to local extinctions than other more southern states. It is unlawful for the public to kill, harm or harass an alligator in NC.