Fishing Lake Mattamuskeet

AKA: Mattamuskeet Lake, Mattamuskeet Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Mattamuskeet Fishing Video
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Lake Mattamuskeet, NC

Popular Fish Species Lake Mattamuskeet, NC

Lake Mattamuskeet Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Mattamuskeet is a popular bass fishing lake. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. A history of careful fisheries management by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. In Lake Mattamuskeet, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Lake Mattamuskeet Popular Fish - White Perch

White Perch Fishing

Lake Mattamuskeet continues to have a very healthy population of white perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. White perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for white perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. White perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch.

Lake Mattamuskeet Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Lake Mattamuskeet has held a dependable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 25 pounds, and Lake Mattamuskeet holds some pretty big ones. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. 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. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white perch, yellow perch and bowfin at Lake Mattamuskeet in North Carolina.

Lake Mattamuskeet Fishing Video

Known as much for crabbing as it is for fishing, Lake Mattamuskeet is a unique fishery. This 40,000-acre reservoir near the eastern edge of the state, at Fairfield, NC is a national wildlife refuge. The lake is quite shallow in many areas. A series of canals off the lake proper are deeper than the majority of the lake. These canals provide spawning areas during spring and can be the most productive areas to fish during this season. The main targets here are black crappie, channel catfish, white perch and largemouth bass. Much of the shoreline is accessible for fishing from the bank. Kayaks and canoes are a popular way to navigate these waters and fish some of the shallower areas.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Mattamuskeet

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Mattamuskeet Amenities

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

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Mattamuskeet Boat Ramp
Located at the intersection of Piney Woods Road and Turnpike Road, on the west side of the lake, is a small boat ramp and dock with primitive parking.