Fishing Lake Wylie
AKA: Wylie Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Wylie, NC
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Home to many annual bass tournaments, Lake Wylie is considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in the region, as it has been for several years now. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 3 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the North Carolina Wildlife department has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Lake Wylie, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If 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, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Crappie Fishing
Long known for quite good crappie fishing, Lake Wylie continues to impress crappie anglers this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. 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, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Blue Catfish Fishing
Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around most any kind of structure. Blues are running very big in Lake Wylie, with the lake record over 80 pounds. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 125 pounds.Blue catfish are primarily found in large rivers, along the main channels, in and around tributaries flowing into impoundments of major river systems. They tend to move upstream in the summer in search of cooler temperatures, and downstream in the winter in order to find warmer water.The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Channel catfish are also available here for anglers to pursue..
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, white bass and white perch at Lake Wylie in North Carolina.
Lake Wylie Fishing Video
Thought by many to be among the top bass fisheries in the southeast, Lake Wylie offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. There is something for everyone on this 12,000-acre reservoir on the southern border of the state, at Belmont, NC. Beginners and weekend anglers will find healthy populations of crappie, white bass, perch and catfish, while experienced bass pros adore this expanse of bass habitat. The healthy food chain in this reservoir produces quality catches of virtually all species that inhabit the lake. There is plenty of shoreline fishing for anglers to access all around the lake. This is a great place for kayak fishing and sightseeing. Come spend a day, or a week, fishing at Wylie Lake.
Lake Wylie, situated on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina, is a renowned fishing destination that attracts anglers from near and far. Spanning over 13,400 acres, this reservoir offers a wide variety of fish species, making it a haven for both recreational and competitive anglers.
One of the prized fish species in Lake Wylie is the largemouth bass. The lake's structure, including submerged timber, points, and vegetation, provides ideal habitat for bass to thrive. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching trophy-sized bass and the excitement of participating in bass fishing tournaments held on the lake. Additionally, Lake Wylie is home to other popular sportfish such as crappie, catfish, striped bass, and white bass. Crappie fishing is particularly fruitful, with both black and white crappie available and providing excellent angling opportunities throughout the year.
Lake Wylie in North Carolina offers a remarkable fishing experience with its diverse range of fish species and ample opportunities for boating and camping. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, or other popular sportfish, the lake provides an exciting angling adventure. Boaters can relish in the expansive waters, while campers can enjoy the serenity of the campgrounds. With its scenic beauty and abundance of recreational activities, Lake Wylie is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking to create lasting memories in North Carolina.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Wylie
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Wylie Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake Wylie, and the lake boasts multiple boat ramps and marinas for convenient access to the water. Whether you prefer cruising in a powerboat, sailing, or kayaking, the expansive lake offers plenty of space to enjoy your watercraft. Anglers can explore different areas of the lake, including coves, channels, and drop-offs, to find their favorite fishing spots.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Riverside Marina, Paddle and Row
Rentals: Kayaks
704 813-4591
Tailrace Marina
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
704 827-0000
Marinas
Harbortowne Marina
220 Commodore Ct
Belmont, NC 28012
704 825-5050
Morningstar Marinas
315-K Lanyard Ln
Belmont, NC 28012
704 413-0856
Riverside Marina, Paddle and Row
1500 River Dr
Belmont, NC 28012
704 813-4591
Tailrace Marina
1000 Marina Village Dr
Mt Holly, NC 28120
704 827-0000
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Southpoint Boat Ramp
Take County Road 2525 south to Boat Launch Road for access into the southern end of the Catawawba River arm of the lake. Two concrete boat launches with three lanes each and two docks each serve boaters. There is plenty of paved parking as well.
Fishing Guides On Lake Wylie
The Carolina Angler - crappie, catfish, bass, stripers
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 seeking a multi-day fishing adventure, Lake Wylie offers camping facilities. There are several campgrounds available, providing both RV sites and tent camping areas. Campers can immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of the lake, waking up to picturesque sunrises and enjoying evenings under the starry sky. The campgrounds also offer amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails, ensuring a well-rounded outdoor experience for visitors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
McDowell Nature Center & Preserve Campground - 980 314-2267
Fieldridge Acres Campground - 704 399-3521
Ebenezer Park Campground - 803 366-6620
Lake Wylie NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Wylie
Harbortowne Marina & Ship Store
220 Commodore Ct
Belmont, NC 28012
704 825-5050
Fishing lakes in each state.
080124
Lake Wylie in North Carolina.
NORTH CAROLINA
Exceptional bass fishing in southern NC.
