Fishing Lake James

AKA: James Lake, James Reservoir

Most Popular Fish In Lake James
Lake James Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
James Lake Fishing Guides
Get A North Carolina Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Fishing Lake, Lake James

Most Popular Fish Species In Lake James, NC

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, healthy a population of walleye reside in the waters of Lake James this year. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate on flats and ledges off the river channels. Fishing for walleye here is most often accomplished by trolling, however casting jigs, worms, spoons and deep-diving crankbaits also work well at times.

Lake James Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at James Lake, which serves up some quality fish when conditions are right. Fishing for bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall days. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with big worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass are present as well in decent numbers.

Black Crappie

Both black and white crappie reside in Lake James, with black crappie being the most sought after as they run big here. This year the fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in spring and fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths.

Lake James Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, striped bass, northern pike and tiger muskie at Lake James in North Carolina.

This deep, cold-water lake is home to quite a variety of freshwater fish species. Lake James is a 6,800-acre reservoir with depths up to 120 feet, located in the north-central part of the state. Bass are a favorite target of sporting anglers, while walleye are the focus of many who are looking for table fare. Crappie are a close second for fish fry enthusiasts. Big pike, muskie, catfish and stripers also reside in the lake for those seeking trophy fish. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake.

Lake James, NC

Primary fish species residing in Lake James

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake James Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Marinas

Bear Creek Marina
608 Marina Dr
Nebo, NC 28761
828 655-1400

Lake James Camping Resort & Marina
5786 Benfields Landing Rd
Nebo, NC 28761
828 584-0190

Mimosa Boat Landing Marina
2260 N Powerhouse Rd
Morganton, NC 28655
828 584-1886

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Black Bear Boat Ramp
Plenty of paved parking, a six-lane concrete launch ramp, and three docks make this boat access a favorite. It is located in the northwest sector of the lake, at the convergence of Yancey Road and Lake James Road.

Canal Bridge Boat Ramp
This three-lane, concrete launch ramp is located at the end of James Ave, just south of the Highway 126 Bridge. It has a dock and plenty of paved parking.

Hidden Cove Public Boat Access
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake off Highway 126, this small, two-lane ramp has limited paved parking and a boat dock.

Linville Boat Ramp
Located at the northern tip of the lake, off highway 126, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and convenient, paved parking.