Striper Fishing In North Carolina

Guide To Striped Bass & Hybrid Stripers

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes.

North Carolina offers excellent opportunities for striped bass fishing, including the popular hybrid stripers. Hybrid stripers are a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass, combining the best characteristics of both species. They are known for their strength, aggressive nature, and impressive fighting ability, making them a thrilling catch for anglers.

Several major lakes in North Carolina provide prime habitat for striped bass and hybrid stripers. One such lake is Lake Norman, located near Charlotte, which is renowned for its striped bass fishery. Anglers can also find productive striped bass fishing in other lakes such as Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, and Lake Wylie.

When it comes to state records, North Carolina recognizes outstanding catches through its State Record Fish Program. Anglers who land exceptionally large striped bass or hybrid stripers have the opportunity to submit their catch for consideration. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission maintains an official list of state records, which highlights the largest striped bass and hybrid stripers caught within the state's waters.

Whether targeting striped bass or hybrid stripers, anglers in North Carolina have ample opportunities to enjoy the thrill of reeling in these powerful fish. It is essential to stay updated on the latest fishing regulations and possess the appropriate fishing licenses when pursuing striped bass or hybrid stripers. With the right techniques, equipment, and a little bit of luck, anglers can have memorable striped bass fishing experiences in North Carolina's major lakes.

Striper Lakes

North Carolina offers a substantial number waters for great striper fishing. The major lakes with striped bass include Apalachia Lake, Badin Lake, Blewett Falls Lake, Chatuge Lake, Falls Lake, Graham-Mebane Lake, High Rock Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Jordan Lake, Kerr Lake, Lake Cammack, Lake Gaston, Lake Hickory, Lake James, Lake Mackintosh, Lake Nantahala, Lake Norman, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Tillery, Lake Townsend, Lake Waccamaw, Mountain Island Lake, Moss Lake, Roanoke Rapids Lake and Salem Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

The state record striped bass was taken from Hiwassee Reservoir.

The state record hybrid striper was caught from Lake Chatuge.

Fishing for Stripers in North Carolina

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check North Carolina fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.