Fishing Lake Mackintosh
AKA: Mackintosh Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Mackintosh, NC
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Mackintosh is notorious for very good largemouth bass fishing, and recently the fishing for bass has been as good as advertised. Lake Mackintosh has a nice population of large bass, in the 6 to 8-pound range, which can give anglers a thrill on any cast. This fertile lake also offers sufficient cover for both baitfish and bass. Thorough fisheries management by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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 Lake Mackintosh on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Lake Mackintosh, again this year, supports a healthy population of channel catfish. In Spring, these channel cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Blue catfish also reside in the lake and grow to monster sizes.
Black Crappie Fishing
Black crappie reside in good numbers throughout Lake Mackintosh, and they are averaging a very good size this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Lake Mackintosh in North Carolina.
Lake Mackintosh Fishing Video
Lake Video
Lake Mackintosh, North Carolina, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a variety of fish species and outdoor recreational activities. Spanning over 1,100 acres, this reservoir provides ample opportunities for anglers to enjoy their favorite pastime in a beautiful natural setting.
One of the primary attractions of Lake Mackintosh is its diverse fish population. The lake is home to a variety of species, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Anglers can target largemouth bass by casting around the lake's submerged structures, such as fallen trees and rock formations. Crappie fishing is also popular, with anglers targeting them around brush piles and submerged vegetation. Catfish can be found in the deeper parts of the lake, and sunfish can be caught near the shoreline.
The marina at Lake Mackintosh has a boat launch ramp, rental boats and boating-fishing supplies. Located on the southwest outskirts of Burlington, NC, this 1,150-acre lake offers a nice variety of fish species. Some of the sixty miles of shoreline are accessible for fishing from the bank, but the majority of fish caught here are taken by anglers from a boat. Striped bass, hybrid stripers, crappie, catfish and bass all reside here in good numbers. Fishing tournaments are popular here, as are quiet fishing days from a canoe or kayak.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Mackintosh
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Mackintosh Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a common activity on Lake Mackintosh, with various amenities available for boaters. The lake offers multiple boat ramps, allowing for easy access to the water. Whether you prefer motorized boats, kayaks, or canoes, there is plenty of space to explore the lake's waters and find your favorite fishing spots. Boaters can enjoy the calm waters of the lake, take in the scenic views, and navigate through its coves and channels.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Lake Mackintosh Marina
Rentals: Kayaks and row boats
336 538-0896
Marinas
Lake Mackintosh Marina
2704 Huffman Mill Rd
Burlington, NC 27215
336 538-0896
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lake Mackintosh Marina
Located just south of the Huffman Mill Road Bridge, on the south side of the lake, this is a multi-lane launch ramp with docks and ample parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Mackintosh
If you offer fishing guide services on this 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 also available near Lake Mackintosh, providing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The lake offers several campgrounds with amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and access to the water. Camping near Lake Mackintosh allows anglers to wake up to the peaceful sounds of nature, fish from the shore or a boat at their leisure, and enjoy the outdoors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Greensboro KOA Journey - 336 274-4143
Simple Times RV Park and Campground - 336 516-2267
Hagan-Stone Park Campground - 336 641-2090
Lake Mackintosh NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Mackintosh
Lake Mackintosh Marina
2704 Huffman Mill Rd
Burlington, NC 27215
336 538-0896
Fishing lakes in each state.
061924
Lake Mackintosh in NC
NORTH CAROLINA
Fishing for bass, stripers and crappie in north-central NC
