Fishing Harris Lake
AKA: Shearon Harris Reservoir, Shearon Harris Lake
Popular Fish Species Harris Lake, NC
Largemouth Bass Fishing
We are off to a great start for largemouth bass fishing at Harris Lake. Excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass, creates an ideal environment for bass fishing enthusiasts. Fishing for largemouth bass is often very good when they are feeding in shallow water. Spring, mornings in Summer, and during warm Fall afternoons, expect bass to be roaming the shallower shorelines. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure. Other bass to be caught here include smallmouth bass and spotted bass.
Black Crappie Fishing
Big black crappie occupy the waters of Harris Lake in good numbers this year. Crappie fishing is, and has been, excellent for several years now. Crappie are drawn to cover and structure, so locate brush, wood and vegetation and you'll probably find crappie. Using a fish finder can help locate schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.
Bluegill Fishing
According to Wake County officials, fishing for bluegill is at the top of the desired-species list in Harris Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Harris Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, bluegill, white bass, white perch and northern pike at Harris Lake in North Carolina.
With 140 miles of shoreline and an average depth of less than 20 feet, Shearon Harris Lake gets very little notoriety. However, those who fish this 4,100-acre reservoir in the northeast part of the state are rewarded with catches worthy of note. The lake contains a healthy population of bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, white bass and northern pike. The primary targets here are bass and crappie. Bass over 10 pounds and crappie over 2 pounds swim in this lake. Nutrient-rich water with aquatic vegetation for cover makes this a very healthy fishery. Bring everything you need for your trip as the lake has little or no services for boating, fishing or camping. There are public boat ramps for easy launching.
Harris Lake, located in North Carolina, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a variety of fish species and outdoor recreational activities. This 4,100-acre reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities and is known for its diverse fish population.
One of the main attractions of Harris Lake is its thriving largemouth bass population. Anglers can enjoy targeting bass using a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics. The lake's structure, including submerged trees, brush piles, and rocky points, provides ample hiding spots for bass, making it an exciting challenge for anglers to locate and catch them. Harris Lake is recognized for producing trophy-sized bass, making it a favorite spot for avid bass anglers.
In addition to largemouth bass, Harris Lake is home to other popular fish species. Crappie, both black and white, can be found throughout the lake, particularly around submerged structures and brush piles. Anglers targeting crappie often use jigs or live minnows to entice these tasty fish. Catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, are abundant in the lake and provide excellent angling opportunities. Fishing for catfish can be productive using cut bait, stink bait, or live bait.
\Primary fish species residing in Harris Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Harris Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Harris Lake, and the lake offers boat ramps and a marina for easy access. Anglers can explore the lake's different sections and find their preferred fishing spots. Whether you prefer cruising in a motorized boat or paddling in a kayak, Harris Lake provides ample space for boating and allows anglers to reach their desired fishing locations.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Harris Lake Boat Ramp
233 Crosspoint Rd, New Hill, NC 27562
Located off Highway 42, in the southwest corner of the lake, this launch area offers a four-lane ramp, docks and plenty of paved parking.
Shearon Harris Boat Launch
Four lanes of concrete launch ramps. three docks and about one hundred paved parking spots.
Fishing Guides On Harris Lake
Greggofish Guide Service - bass, crappie, catfish
If you offer fishing guide services on Harris Lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near Harris Lake, allowing visitors to extend their fishing trip and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The lake offers designated camping areas and RV hookups for those looking for overnight stays. Camping near Harris Lake provides anglers with the opportunity to fully enjoy the fishing experience and appreciate the peacefulness of the surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Cotten's RV Campground - 919 542-3812
Harris Lake NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Harris Lake
Harris Lake County Park
2112 County Park Dr
New Hill, NC 27562
919 387-4342
Fishing lakes in each state.
031224
Harris Lake in North Carolina.
NORTH CAROLINA
Bass and crappie fishing in northeast NC.