Fishing Lake Wheeler
AKA: Wheeler Park Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Wheeler, NC
Black Crappie Fishing
Lake Wheeler holds a plentiful population of black crappie, and they are running in good sizes this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. 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. Because 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.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Wheeler continues to deliver nice stringers of largemouth bass, as it has for numerous years now. Careful fisheries management by the NC Wildlife has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Bass fishing tournament participants attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If you find them shallow, and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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 options. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Wheeler on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Wheeler. 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie and bluegill at Lake Wheeler in North Carolina.
Lake Wheeler Fishing Video
Located on the southwest outskirts of Raleigh, NC, Lake Wheeler is a 650-acre lake ideal for boating, family fun and fishing. The seven miles of shoreline are wrapped in lush green trees, and are off limits to fishing from the bank. There are two fishing piers, which require a Lake Wheeler fishing permit - available at the park office. No permit is required for anglers fishing from boats. Canoes, kayaks, car-top boats, electric boats and power boats (with the exception os jet skis) are all permitted on the lake. Anglers can expect to catch bass, catfish and sunfish. Rental boats are available at the lake.
Lake Wheeler, located near Raleigh, North Carolina, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake spans over 650 acres and offers a diverse range of fish species, making it an ideal spot for anglers of all skill levels.
One of the most sought-after fish species in Lake Wheeler is largemouth bass. The lake is known for producing trophy-sized bass, with plenty of cover and structure to attract these elusive predators. Anglers can also find other popular sportfish such as crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Crappie fishing is particularly excellent in the lake, with both black and white crappie providing exciting action throughout the year. Catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, are abundant and offer anglers the opportunity to reel in some impressive catches.
In addition to fishing and camping, Lake Wheeler offers various recreational activities. The lake is surrounded by a 3,900-acre park that features hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Lake Wheeler in North Carolina provides a fantastic fishing experience with its diverse range of fish species. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, or sunfish, the lake offers ample opportunities for a rewarding fishing trip. Boaters can enjoy exploring the lake's scenic beauty, while campers can immerse themselves in the serenity of the campground. With its convenient location and recreational activities, Lake Wheeler is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and the natural beauty of North Carolina.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Wheeler
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Wheeler Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake Wheeler, with a boat ramp available for easy access to the water. Anglers can explore the lake's various coves, channels, and points to find their favorite fishing spots. Whether you prefer fishing from a motorized boat or a kayak, the lake provides ample opportunities to enjoy a day on the water.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lake Wheeler Boat Ramp
Situated just west of the Lake Wheeler Dam, on the north side of the lake, this five-lane, concrete ramp has four docks and ample paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Wheeler
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.
For those who wish to extend their stay, Lake Wheeler offers camping facilities for a true outdoor experience. The lake features a campground with both RV sites and tent sites, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Camping at Lake Wheeler provides a unique opportunity to wake up to breathtaking sunrises, enjoy peaceful evenings by the campfire, and experience the beauty of the outdoors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
The Matthews Campground - 919 868-7132
Lake Wheeler NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Wheeler
Lake Wheeler Park
6404 Lake Wheeler Rd
Raleigh, NC 27603
919 662-5704
Fishing lakes in each state.
070624
Lake Wheeler in NC
NORTH CAROLINA
Fishing for bass, catfish and sunfish in central NC