Fishing Lake Crabtree

AKA: Crabtree Lake

Most Popular Fish
Lake Crabtree Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Crabtree, NC

Popular Fish Species Lake Crabtree, NC

Crappie Fishing

Lake Crabtree is loaded with both black and white crappie. They generally school by species, but once you locate them around cover, you may catch both species due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. 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. 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. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Lake Crabtree Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Always considered a decent bass fishing destination, Lake Crabtree continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass. Locals attest that fishing for largemouth bass has been as good this year. A decent number of larger bass also roam these waters adding the potential bonus trophy bass. Thorough fisheries management by NC Wildlife has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. 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 weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Crabtree on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here is year round.

Lake Crabtree Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Lake Crabtree, again this year, supports a healthy population of channel catfish, including some monsters. The state record channel catfish is over 40 pounds, and they do grow big in Crabtree. In Spring channel these cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, blue catfish, black crappie and bluegill at Lake Crabtree in North Carolina.

Lake Crabtree Fishing Video

Less than a mile down the road from the Bass Pro Shop on I-40, Lake Crabtree is a small fishing lake of 520 acres. This small lake is located in Crabtree County Park, and has about 5 miles of shoreline. No gas-powered boats are allowed on the lake, so it is a great destination for fishing from a canoe, kayak or car-top boat. There is a fishing pier and a fishing platform with handicap accessibility. Anglers will find bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish in this shallow-water fishery.

Lake Crabtree, in North Carolina, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and productive fishing experience. This placid lake offers a variety of fish species, making it a great spot for anglers of all levels.

One of the primary targets for anglers at Lake Crabtree is largemouth bass. The lake is known for its healthy population of big bass, providing a great fishing opportunity. Anglers can explore the lake's coves, weed beds, and submerged structures to find bass lurking in search of prey. Popular techniques here include using topwater lures, crankbaits, and plastic worms. The lake's calm waters and scenic surroundings create an enjoyable atmosphere for bass fishing.

In addition to bass, Lake Crabtree is home to other fish species such as crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Crappie fishing is popular during the cooler months, with anglers targeting black crappie and white crappie around submerged structures and brush piles. Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, provide excellent opportunities for children and novice anglers to enjoy a day of fishing. Catfish, such as blue catfish, can also be found in the lake and are targeted using a variety of baits including cut bait, stinkbaits, and live bait.

Lake Crabtree in North Carolina offers a variety of fish species and a tranquil setting for anglers to enjoy fishing, boating, and the beauty of nature. Whether you're targeting bass, crappie, sunfish, or catfish, the lake provides diverse fishing opportunities.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Crabtree

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Crabtree Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is permitted on Lake Crabtree, and anglers can take advantage of the lake's boat ramps to launch their watercraft. Whether you prefer a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, the lake provides ample space for boating and exploring its various fishing spots. Boaters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with boating regulations and safety guidelines for a pleasant and secure boating experience.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Crabtree Boat Ramp
Located in Crabtree County Park, mid lake on the north side of the lake, this is a two-lane launch ramp, with a dock and limited, paved parking..

Fishing Guides On Lake Crabtree

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.

While camping is not permitted directly at Lake Crabtree, there are several nearby camping facilities available for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. These campsites offer convenient access to the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy a day of fishing and then retreat to the comforts of their campsite. Camping near Lake Crabtree provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

North Carolina State Fairgrounds Campground - 919 612-6767