The adhesion between carbon fibers and bismaleimide resins was evaluated using the microbond single fiber pull-out test. A commercially-available, methylene dianiline-based bismaleimide resin and a novel phosphorus-containing bismaleimide were tested with as-received and plasma-treated polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers. The surface chemical composition, topography, tensile strength, and surface free energy of the carbon fibers were studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, single fiber tensile tests, and dynamic contact angle analysis. The carbon fiber-bismaleimide adhesion improved when the carbon fiber received an oxidative commercial surface treatment or was exposed to an air or ammonia plasma prior to bonding.