Fishing Sutton Lake
AKA: Lake Sutton
Popular Fish Species Sutton Lake, NC
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Sutton Lake offers decent fishing for largemouth bass. Some quality bass roam Sutton Lake, thanks to the availability of 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 Sutton Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Channel Catfish Fishing
As usual, a healthy population of channel catfish populate the waters of Sutton Lake, and they can be found all around the lake. In Spring channel cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. 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. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits.
Black Crappie Fishing
Black crappie reside in Sutton Lake, and they are averaging a good size this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, flathead catfish, black crappie, bluegill and redbreast sunfish at Lake Sutton in North Carolina.
Sutton Lake Fishing Video
Lake Video
On the northwest outskirts of Wilmington, NC, Sutton Lake is a 1,100-acre fishing lake for the whole family. The lake is located in the southeast corner of the state and offers about 40 miles of shoreline for fishing from the bank or approaching from a boat. Sutton Lake Boating Access has a nice boat launch ramp and docks. Anglers are drawn her for bass, catfish, sunfish and crappie. There are no services at the lake, yet camping, shopping, dining, lodging and fishing supplies are all available just a short drive away. The lake is popular for fishing tournaments.
Sutton Lake, located in eastern North Carolina, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. This 1,520-acre reservoir offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities and is known for its abundant fish population and scenic surroundings.
Anglers visiting Sutton Lake can expect to find a variety of fish species that make it their home. The lake is renowned for its excellent largemouth bass fishing, with many anglers targeting these prized game fish. The lake's structure, including submerged timber, weed beds, and rocky shorelines, provides ample cover and habitat for bass to thrive. Crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures are often effective in enticing strikes from these aggressive predators.
In addition to largemouth bass, Sutton Lake is also known for its population of crappie. Black crappie and white crappie can be found in good numbers, particularly during the spring spawning season. Anglers targeting crappie often use jigs, live minnows, or small spinners to entice bites. The lake also holds other species such as catfish, sunfish, and chain pickerel, offering a well-rounded fishing experience for anglers of all preferences.
Sutton Lake in North Carolina is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a diverse range of species and a beautiful natural setting. With its plentiful largemouth bass, crappie, and other fish species, the lake offers ample fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're casting for bass, targeting crappie, or simply enjoying the serenity of the lake, Sutton Lake is a fantastic choice for fishing, boating, and camping in North Carolina.
Primary fish species residing in Sutton Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Sutton Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Sutton Lake, with various boat ramps available for launching watercraft. Whether you prefer a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, the lake provides plenty of space to explore and find your ideal fishing spots. The calm waters and scenic beauty of Sutton Lake create a pleasant boating experience, allowing visitors to soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Sutton Lake Boating Access
Located mid lake, on the east side of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with three docks and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Sutton Lake
Sutton Lake Charters - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License.
For those seeking to extend their fishing adventure, camping options are available near Sutton Lake. The adjacent Sutton Lake Recreation Area offers campsites with amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails. Camping near Sutton Lake allows anglers to fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience, enjoying the peacefulness of the surroundings and the opportunity to fish at any time.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Rocky Point Campground - 910 259-9611
Wilmington KOA Holiday Campground - 910 686-7705
Sutton Lake NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Sutton Lake
NC Wildlife
Cape Fear, NC 28401
252 548-4938
Fishing lakes in each state.
061324
Sutton Lake in NC
NORTH CAROLINA
Fishing for bass, catfish and crappie in southeast NC
