Guide To Fishing At Tar River Reservoir
AKA: Tar River
What to fish for...
Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie and bluegill at Tar River Reservoir in North Carolina.

Crappie are a hidden treasure at Tar River Reservoir, a 1,800-acre lake in the northeast part of the state. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will find hundreds of miles of shoreline, and all types of cover to fish. In addition to crappie the lake offers fishing for bass, catfish and sunfish. The bass fishing is quite good at times and hosts many bass tournaments annually. Several boat launch ramps are available to launch pleasure boats, pontoons and fishing boats. This is a come-prepared fishing destination. Camping, RV spaces, lodging and restaurants are all some distance away.
Primary fish species residing in Tar River Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Tar River Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Bend of the River Road Boat Ramp
This is a small (but efficient), unimproved boat launch with gravel parking. It is located just south of the Bend of the River Road Bridge, on the west side of the bridge.
Tar River Reservoir Ramp
Located at the south end of the South Old Carriage Road Bridge, in the western arm of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Kamper's Lodge Campground - 252 237-0905
Rock Ridge Campground - 252 291-4477
Tar River Reservoir NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Lake Video
Contact Information
Tar River Reservoir
Reservoir Country Store
5696 Bend of the River Rd
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
252 985-4500
Fishing lakes in each state.
Tar River Reservoir in NC
NORTH CAROLINA


Fishing for bass and crappie in northeast NC