The Best Fishing Lakes In North Carolina
Guide to top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in NC.
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Top Fishing Lakes
Badin Lake, Falls Lake, Fontana Lake, High Rock Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Gaston, Lake Hickory, Lake James, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Phelps Lake and Santeetlah Lake are some of the most popular places for fishing in North Carolina, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. The Boat Rental Page lists options for fishing boat rentals at some of these lakes. Also locate boat launch ramps on popular fishing lakes in the state.
North Carolina boasts a diverse array of fishing lakes, offering a range of warm water and cold water fishing opportunities for anglers of all preferences. Warm water lakes in North Carolina are known for their abundance of species such as largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. These lakes, with typically higher water temperatures, provide ideal conditions for the growth and activity of warm water fish species. Popular warm water fishing lakes in North Carolina include Jordan Lake, Lake Norman, and High Rock Lake.
On the other hand, North Carolina is also home to several cold water lakes that provide excellent fishing for species like trout and smallmouth bass. These lakes are typically located in higher elevation areas and benefit from colder water temperatures, allowing for thriving populations of cold water fish species. Some notable cold water fishing lakes in North Carolina include Fontana Lake, Lake Glenville, and Lake Santeetlah.
When it comes to species diversity, North Carolina's fishing lakes have much to offer. In addition to bass, catfish, crappie, and trout, anglers can also target species such as walleye, muskie, striped bass, and panfish. Each lake has its own unique mix of fish species, providing anglers with a wide range of fishing opportunities throughout the state.
Whether you prefer the thrill of catching bass in a warm water lake or the tranquility of fly fishing for trout in a cold water lake, North Carolina's fishing lakes cater to all preferences and skill levels. With its stunning landscapes, diverse fish populations, and ample camping and boating opportunities, North Carolina is a haven for anglers seeking memorable fishing experiences.
Bass Fishing Lakes
Top Bass Lakes
There so many great bass lakes in the state, it's hard to pick a top three, but Kerr Lake, Jordan Lake, and Harris Lake are all positioned to offer great bass fishing. Other great bass lakes in the state include Belews Lake, Falls Lake, Lake James, Lake Norman, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Waccamaw, Lake Wylie, Phelps Lake and Randleman Lake. Throughout North Carolina, bass anglers will find largemouth, smallmouth, redeye and spotted bass in many great fisheries. More...
Catfish Fishing Lakes
Top Catfish Lakes
Picking the best catfish lakes in the state is difficult, because there are so many primed for great fishing this year. A few at the top of the list include Lake Norman, Badin Lake, Kerr Lake, Lake Wylie and High Rock Lake. Other lakes offering good catfish prospects include Jordan Lake, Lake Gaston, Lake Tillery and Lake Wylie. These are among the favorite destinations for channel, blue, white and flathead catfish fishing. More...
Crappie Fishing Lakes
Top Crappie Lakes
Crappie enthusiasts love North Carolina because there are great crappie lakes all over the state. Lake Gaston, Jordan Lake, Kerr Lake and Shearon Harris Lake are at the top of the list and continue to provide excellent fishing for crappie anglers. Additionally, Badin Lake, Falls Lake, Lake Santeetlah, Lake Waccamaw and Tar River Reservoir are also very popular for black and white crappie. More...
Walleye Fishing Lakes
Top Walleye Lakes
Fontana Lake, Santeetlah Lake and Lake James are considered three of the top lakes for walleye fishing in North Carolina. Blewett Falls Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Norman and Tar River Reservoir are additional options for walleye fishing. More...
Trout Fishing Lakes
Top Trout Lakes
North Carolina offers some excellent trout fishing in rivers, streams and lakes. In this website we cover lakes. Some of the current standout trout lakes in the state include Fontana Lake, Santeetlah Lake, Lake Glenville and Bear Creek Lake. Apalachia Lake, Cedar Cliff Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Lake Chatuge and Lake Nantahala are also favored options for rainbow, brook or brown trout. More...
Striped Bass & Hybrid Stripers Fishing Lakes
Top Striper & Wiper Lakes
Lake Norman, Hickory Lake, Badin Lake and Lake Gaston are among the best striper fishing lakes in the state. Many other lakes offer great fishing for striped bass and/or hybrid stripers. These lakes include Falls Lake, High Rock Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Hyco Lake, Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake. More...
Sunfish & Panfish Fishing Lakes
Top Sunfish Lakes
Virtually every lake in the state has healthy populations of one or more species of panfish, and the fishing is typically good at all of them. Lake Waccamaw, Shearon Harris Reservoir, Lake James and Jordan Lake are some of the renown panfish lakes in the state. Falls Lake, High Rock Lake, Lake Norman, Fontana Lake, Belews Lake and Tar River Reservoir also offer excellent fishing for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. More...
Salmon Fishing Lakes
Lake Nantahala is the only salmon lake in NC which is stocked with kokanee salmon. More...
Best Destinations By State.
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NORTH CAROLINA
