Fishing Moss Lake

AKA: John H Moss Lake, or Kings Mountain Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Moss Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Moss Lake, NC

Popular Fish Species Moss Lake, NC

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass are often found in some of the same areas one would find largemouth bass, especially when in deeper water. They also tend to gather in small schools. Here at Moss Lake, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a very strong battle. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, sunfish and bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use worms and jigs. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons.

Moss Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Moss Lake offers good fishing for largemouth bass. Lately the fishing here for bass has continued to impress bass fishing enthusiasts. Some big bass roam Moss Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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 Moss Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Moss Lake Popular Fish - Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing

Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals at Moss Lake. They are plentiful but are running small these days, making it hard to locate big ones. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.

Moss Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, white bass and hybrid striped bass at Moss Lake in North Carolina.

This relatively small reservoir has a healthy population of bass, crappie and catfish. Moss Lake is a 1,500-acre lake in the southwest part of the state, at Shelby, NC. Boat houses and boat docks line the lake providing cover for bass and crappie, and the lake has a very irregular shoreline with lots of points and channels. Fishing permits are required for anglers age six and older. Anglers sixteen and over also require a NC fishing license.

Fishing report for Moss Lake

Primary fish species residing in Moss Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Moss Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

John H Moss Lake Recreation Park
This eight-lane, concrete boat launch ramp features multiple docks and paved parking. It is located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Oak Grove Road.