Fishing Falls Lake
AKA: Falls of the Neuse Lake, Falls Reservoir
Falls Lake, a great destination for fishing
Many anglers visit Fall Lake for bass fishing, and this is a good lake for bass. However, this lake offers much more. If you enjoy catching crappie, catfish, white bass, perch and striped bass, you'll also enjoy fishing here.
Most Popular Fish Species In Falls Lake, NC
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are thriving in Falls Lake as the lake has ideal cover for both baitfish and bass in the shallows. Fishing for bass is good anytime they are shallow, especially in Spring during the spawning cycle, mornings in Summer and afternoons during warm Fall days. Work the backs of bays and creeks like Falls Lake Beaverdam Lake, Flat river bay, Panther Creek, Chunky Pipe Creek, Lick Creek and most all the creeks and pockets on the southeast end of the lake, in the Falls and Stoney Hill area.
Holly Point Campground State Recreation Area is a good place to stay during your trip. There is a boat launch ramp and plenty of areas to fish for bass nearby. Another central location is Rolling View State Recreation Area & Campground, which also has a boat ramp and areas for fishing from shore.
Once the bass spawn is complete, the shad spawn begins, drawing bass back into the shallows to gorge on these shad. Focus on the lower part of the lake, and look for rocky banks. Use spinnerbaits and shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use swim jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits.
During the day in Spring, Summer and early Fall, fish ledges dropping from 8 to 10 feet into deep water. Also fish old road beds that cross the lake nearby spawning areas, especially those with a submerged bridge.
In Summer and Winter, spend your time on deeper structure and ledges which are around 15 feet deep on top and dropping into creek channels. In this deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons.
May and June are good months to find and catch big bass here. Local bass fishing guide Jeffrey Davis, says "If you're looking for a true lunker then Falls Lake is the place to go".
Black Crappie
Both black and white crappie reside in Falls Lake, but black crappie are the most prominent. This year the fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. Both species can be caught year round. Crappie like cover and structure. Find shallow brush and vegetation in spring and fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. Also fish around bridge pilings such as the Cheek Road bridge. As the crappie move deeper in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 25 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission recommends using small jigs, minnows, silver spoons, flies and spinners fished along shorelines.
Bluegill
A healthy population of bluegill gather in schools always looking for something to eat. They can be caught all around the lake. Fishing for bluegill is most often good around any kind of rocky areas, grass or brush. Use a small hook, weight and bobber on light line for fun time catching bluegill at Fall Lake.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass and chain pickerel at Falls Lake in North Carolina.
Fishing Pier
The Falls Lake Fishing Pier offer easy access for anglers to fish without a boat.
Largemouth bass tend to garner a great deal of the fishing attention here at Falls Lake, yet this healthy fishery has so much more to offer. This sprawling 12,400-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, on the outskirts of Durham, NC offers a wide variety of fish species. Catfish, crappie, white bass, stripers, perch and chain pickerel all provide anglers with an opportunity for a fun day of fishing. The water maintains a nice stain most of the time and there are sections of trees and stumps in many of the coves. Spinnerbaits, square bill crankbaits and jigs are popular when fishing shallow. Creek channels, ledges, humps and other structure often hold concentrations of fish, especially in summer and winter. Over 300 campsites, some with RV hookups are conveniently located around the lake. Public boat ramps, the marina and boat rentals are available to enhance your stay at Falls Reservoir.
Falls Lake, located in North Carolina, is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a diverse range of fish species and a picturesque natural setting. This 12,000-acre reservoir offers an abundance of fishing opportunities and is known for its excellent bass fishing.
Largemouth bass is one of the most sought-after species in Falls Lake. Anglers flock to the lake in search of trophy-sized bass, as the lake has a healthy population of these hard-fighting fish. The lake's varied structure, including submerged trees, rock formations, and vegetation, provides ideal habitats for bass. Anglers can employ various techniques such as flipping jigs, crankbaits, and plastic worms to entice the bass into biting. Falls Lake also offers opportunities to catch other popular fish species, including crappie, catfish, and sunfish.
Falls Lake in North Carolina offers a diverse fishing experience with its plentiful fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The lake's expansive waters and scenic surroundings provide ample opportunities for boating, camping, and outdoor recreation. Whether you're an avid angler or simply seeking a peaceful escape into nature, Falls Lake is a destination that promises an unforgettable fishing adventure in the heart of North Carolina.
Primary fish species residing in Falls Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Falls Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating, especially for fishing, is a popular activity on Falls Lake, and anglers can take advantage of the lake's multiple boat ramps and marinas. Whether you prefer a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, the lake provides ample space for boating and exploring its numerous coves and channels. Boaters can cruise along the tranquil waters, searching for their favorite fishing spots or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding forests and rolling hills.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Motor-Boatin
Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats and bow riders
919 800-9716
Rollingview Marina
Rentals: Fishing kayaks and canoes
919 596-2194
Marinas
Rollingview Marina
3940 Falls Lake Rd
Durham, NC 27703
919 596-2194
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Barton's Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest sector of the lake, off the intersection of Durham Road and Six Forks Road, this is an excellent four-lane ramp with docks and paved parking for 100 vehicles.
Hickory Hill Boat Ramp
This is a multi-lane boat ramp with a dock. It has plenty of paved parking and is conveniently located near the intersection of I-85 and Redwood Roar on the northwest part of the lake.
Beaver Dam Boat Launch
Locate in Beaverdam Lake State Recreation Area, off Highway 50, this is a nice facility with two concrete lanes, a dock and paved parking.
Highway 50 Boat Launch State Recreation Area
A six-lane boat ramp, with docks and tons of paved parking make this a convenient place to launch.
Ledge Rock Boat Ramp
Four lanes of concrete rams, docks and lots of paved parking enhance this ideally located mid-lake in the northeast sector of the lake, on Olive Grove Church Road.
Fishing Guides On Falls Lake
Jeffrey Davis Fishing Guide Service - bass
Falls Lake Fishing Video
Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near Falls Lake, offering visitors the opportunity to extend their stay and immerse themselves in nature. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are options to suit various preferences and needs. Camping near Falls Lake allows anglers to enjoy early morning or late evening fishing sessions, as well as providing a peaceful retreat after a day on the water. The serene atmosphere and star-filled skies create a perfect backdrop for a memorable camping experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Holly Point Campground - 919 676-1027
Falls Lake State Recreation Area Campground - 919 676-1027
BW Wells Group Campsites - 919 676-1027
Rolling View Campground Loop C - 919 676-1027
Falls Lake NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Falls Lake
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
13304 Creedmoor Rd
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919 676-1027
Fishing lakes in each state.
022424
Falls Lake in North Carolina.
NORTH CAROLINA
Catfish, bass, white bass and stripers fishing in northeast NC.
