Fishing Hickory Lake
AKA: Lake Hickory, Hickory Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Hickory Lake, NC
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Currently, largemouth bass are thriving in Hickory Lake. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm fall afternoons. 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 fishing deeper structure.
Striped Bass Fishing
Striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Hickory Lake, as they are plentiful and can be caught year round. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait and cut bait are effective here.
Black Crappie
Black crappie reside in good numbers in Hickory Lake, and locals are landing plenty of quality crappie this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always prefer cover and structure, so locate brush, wood, rocks and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, 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.
Hickory Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, bream and striped bass at Lake Hickory in North Carolina.
Becoming known as an excellent striper fishery, Lake Hickory is a great fishing destination. It is a 4,200-acre lake located in the north-central part of the state. There are plenty of additional fishing opportunities here as well. Bass, crappie and sunfish fishing attract anglers from far and wide. The lake annually hosts a substantial number of bass tournaments - generally with good results. Fishing for catfish is a favorite of locals and can yield some big cats at times. Striped bass are still the biggest draw. Read this great article for tips on striper fishing at Lake Hickory. There are several marinas on the lake, plenty of options for boat rentals, local fishing guides available, public boat ramps, and plenty of camping and lodging options near the lake. Come fish for a day or bring the family and make a vacation of fishing at Lake Hickory.
Lake Hickory, located in North Carolina, is a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. This 4,200-acre reservoir offers a variety of fishing opportunities and is known for its diverse fish population.
One of the most sought-after species in Lake Hickory is the largemouth bass. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of targeting bass using various techniques such as topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics. The lake's structure, including submerged brush piles, rocky points, and boat docks, provides ideal habitats for bass. Lake Hickory is known for producing quality bass, with opportunities to catch both numbers and trophy-sized fish.
In addition to bass, Lake Hickory is home to other popular fish species. Crappie, both black and white, are abundant in the lake and can be found 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 flathead catfish, also inhabit the lake and offer exciting angling opportunities. Fishing for catfish can be productive using cut bait, stink bait, or live bait.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Hickory
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Hickory Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Lake Hickory provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Anglers can explore the lake's expansive waters and access their favorite fishing spots with ease. The lake offers several boat ramps and marinas for convenient launching and docking. Whether you prefer cruising in a motorized boat, sailing, or paddling in a kayak, Lake Hickory accommodates various boating activities.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Lake Hickory Marina and Boat Rental
Rentals: Fishing skiffs, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
828 855-2916
Lakeside Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
828 495-8181
Rivers Edge Marina
Rentals: Kayaks and canoes
828 495-8833
Marinas
Lake Hickory Marina and Boat Rental
6706 Limbaugh Ln
Hickory, NC 28601
828 855-2916
Lake Hickory Scuba & Marina
420 Taylorsville Beach Ct
Taylorsville, NC 28681
828 632-7649
Lakeside Marina
81 Marina Dr
Hickory, NC 28601
828 495-8181
Rivers Edge Marina
5803 Icard Ridge Rd
Hickory, NC 28601
828 495-8833
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Dusty Ridge Access Road Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast sector of the lake, this two-lane, concrete ramp includes a dock and paved parking.
Gunpowder Boat Ramp
Located at the south end of Hurricane Hill Road, in the northwest sector of the lake, this is a very nice two-lane launch ramps. It includes two docks and plenty of paved parking.
Wittenburg Access Area
Located west of the N Center Street Bridge, off Wildlife Access Road, this six-lane, concrete boat launch ramp has three docks and paved parking for up to 300 vehicles.
Fishing Guides On Hickory Lake
Colt Bass Fishing - bass, stripers, crappie, catfish
Two Fisted Guide Service - bass, catfish, stripers
If you offer fishing guide services on Hickory 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 Lake Hickory, allowing visitors to extend their fishing trip and enjoy the natural surroundings. There are campgrounds and RV parks in the area that offer amenities for overnight stays. Camping near Lake Hickory provides anglers with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience and enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Hickory RV Resort - 828 256-4303
Indian Springs Campground - 828 397-5700
Lake Hickory NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Hickory
Lakeside Marina
81 Marina Drive
Hickory, NC 28601
828 495-8181
Fishing lakes in each state.
Lake Hickory in North Carolina.
NORTH CAROLINA
Striped bass fishing in north-central NC.