Fishing Lake Hickory

AKA: Hickory Lake, Hickory Reservoir

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

Lake Hickory, NC

Popular Fish Species Hickory Lake, NC

Hickory Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Currently, largemouth bass are thriving in Hickory Lake. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm fall afternoons. 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 deeper structure.

Hickory Lake Popular Fish - Striped Bass

Striped Bass Fishing

Striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Hickory Lake, as they are plentiful and can be caught year round. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait and cut bait are effective here.

Black Crappie

Black crappie reside in good numbers in Hickory Lake, and locals are landing plenty of quality crappie this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always prefer cover and structure, so locate brush, wood, rocks and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. 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 in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.

Hickory Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, bream and striped bass at Lake Hickory in North Carolina.

Becoming known as an excellent striper fishery, Lake Hickory is a great fishing destination. It is a 4,200-acre lake located in the north-central part of the state. There are plenty of additional fishing opportunities here as well. Bass, crappie and sunfish fishing attract anglers from far and wide. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake. The lake annually hosts a substantial number of bass tournaments - generally with good results. Fishing for catfish is a favorite of locals and can yield some big cats at times. Striped bass are still the biggest draw.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Hickory

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Hickory Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Hickory Marina and Boat Rental
Rentals: Fishing skiffs, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
828 855-2916

Lakeside Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
828 495-8181

Rivers Edge Marina
Rentals: Kayaks and canoes
828 495-8833

Marinas

Lake Hickory Marina and Boat Rental
6706 Limbaugh Ln
Hickory, NC 28601
828 855-2916

Lake Hickory Scuba & Marina
420 Taylorsville Beach Ct
Taylorsville, NC 28681
828 632-7649

Lakeside Marina
81 Marina Dr
Hickory, NC 28601
828 495-8181

Rivers Edge Marina
5803 Icard Ridge Rd
Hickory, NC 28601
828 495-8833

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Dusty Ridge Access Road Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast sector of the lake, this two-lane, concrete ramp includes a dock and paved parking.

Gunpowder Boat Ramp
Located at the south end of Hurricane Hill Road, in the northwest sector of the lake, this is a very nice two-lane launch ramps. It includes two docks and plenty of paved parking.

Wittenburg Access Area
Located west of the N Center Street Bridge, off Wildlife Access Road, this six-lane, concrete boat launch ramp has three docks and paved parking for up to 300 vehicles.