NORTH CAROLINA FISHING SPOTS

May 23 2025
Abbotts Creek Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass and 6 more species
Aberdeen Town Lake Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish and 6 more species
After Bay Reservoir Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish and 7 more species
Anderson Branch Smallmouth Bass, Muskellunge
Arrowhead Lake
Asheville Recreation Park Lake Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Bull Trout and 5 more species
Augerhole Branch Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass and 9 more species
Back Creek Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Blue Catfish and 7 more species
Badin Lake Lakemont Rd Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass and 6 more species
Bailey Branch Smallmouth Bass, Muskellunge
Baker Branch Smallmouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish
Baldwins Pond Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and 4 more species
Basin Creek
Bass Lake Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and 5 more species
Bean Shoals Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and 5 more species
Bear Creek Lake Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Brook Trout and 3 more species
Bear Swamp Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Blue Catfish and 7 more species
Beaver Creek Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Redbreast Sunfish and 2 more species
Beaverdam Creek Striped Bass, White Bass
Beaverdam Run Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish and 7 more species
Belews Lake Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish and 6 more species
Bell Branch Rainbow Trout
Benfield Creek Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Blue Catfish and 8 more species
Bennett Mill Pond
Bennetts Creek Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish and 7 more species
Big Alamance Creek Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Blue Catfish and 7 more species
Big Branch Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish and 5 more species
Big Creek Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and 5 more species
Big Horse Creek
Big Pine Creek Smallmouth Bass, Muskellunge
Birchfield Branch Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass and 9 more species
Blackies Branch Smallmouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish
Blewett Falls Lake Grassy Island Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass and 11 more species
Blood Creek Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass and 10 more species
Blounts Creek Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill and 6 more species
Boulding Branch Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie and 4 more species
Boyds Creek Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish and 5 more species
Broadacres Lake Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Blue Catfish and 8 more species
Broadacres Lakes Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Blue Catfish and 8 more species
Buck Branch Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie and 4 more species
Buck Island Creek Smallmouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish
Buckhead Creek Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish and 7 more species
Buckhorn Creek Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill and 11 more species
Buckhorn Reservoir
Buckwater Creek Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Blue Catfish and 7 more species
Buddle Branch Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass and 6 more species
Citico Creek
Falls of the Neuse Reservoir
Fish Traps
Gazebo on the Pond
Hickory Nut Cove Trout Farm
Jordan Lake Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Blue Catfish and 7 more species
Lake Raleigh Public Fishing Area
Massey Branch Fishing Pier
Mountain Island Park Fishing Access
Pier
Santeetlah Lake
Sloan’s Bridge Boating Access Area
       

North Carolina offers a diverse range of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities, making it a popular destination for anglers. Some of the state's most popular angling destinations include Lake Norman, Lake Gaston, the Roanoke River, and the Outer Banks. A variety of fish species can be found in the state, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, trout, and red drum.

The best time of year to fish in North Carolina varies depending on the species of fish and location. Generally, spring and fall are the best seasons for fishing, with average temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the low 80s. In the summer, temperatures can reach the high 80s and low 90s, making early morning and late evening fishing the most comfortable.

Recommended baits and lures depend on the species of fish being targeted. For bass, plastic worms and crankbaits are popular choices, while live bait such as minnows or worms are recommended for catfish. For saltwater fishing, shrimp, crabs, and squid are commonly used.

Interesting fishing facts about North Carolina include the state's recognition as the "Sailfish Capital of the World," with the Outer Banks being a prime location for sailfish fishing. Additionally, the state record for the largest catfish caught is held by a fisherman who caught a 117-pound blue catfish in Lake Gaston.