Fishing Phelps Lake, NC
AKA: Lake Phelps
Boat and bank fishing
Last updated on .
Popular Fish Species
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Phelps Lake continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass, as it has for several years now. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Excellent fisheries management by the NC Wildlife has maintained this thriving bass fishery. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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 options. In winter, spend your time fishing Phelps Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.
Pumpkinseed Fishing
Fishing for pumpkinseed sunfish is very popular here at Phelps Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat pumpkinseed sunfish. This year, much like recent years, the pumpkinseed population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Pumpkinseed sunfish fishing is about as basic as fishing gets. Any lighter fishing pole, reasonably light line, small hooks baited with anything edible, creates a great setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Pumpkinseed prefer clear water and hang around brush, rocks, vegetation, docks or any cover available.
Yellow Perch Fishing
The lake has a good population of yellow perch, which are fun for all ages to catch. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch at Lake Phelps in North Carolina.
Phelps Lake Fishing Video
This big, shallow lake near the North Carolina coastline can be a haven for bass, yellow prech and sunfish enthusiasts. Phelps Lake is a 16,600-acre lake, two miles south of Creswell, NC. The lake is a big bowl with little shoreline contour. Virtually all the banks have submerged trees and vegetation, and there are boats docks scattered around the lake. There are boat launch ramps for public use - one paved ramp for bigger boats, and many places around the lake to launch canoes or kayaks. Boaters should be cautious due to the shallowness of the majority of the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Phelps
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Phelps Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing License
Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Pettigrew State Park Campground - 252 797-4475
Pungo Camp Ground - 252 935-5023
Riverside Campground - 252 945-9012
Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Pettigrew State Park
2252 Lake Shore Rd
Creswell, NC 27928
252 797-4475
Fishing lakes in each state
013126
NORTH CAROLINA
Bass, yellow prech and sunfish fishing in northeast NC.
