The Best Fishing Lakes In North Carolina

Guide to top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in NC.

Badin Lake, Falls Lake, Fontana Lake, High Rock Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Gaston, Lake Hickory, Lake James, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Phelps Lake and Santeetlah Lake are some of the most popular places for fishing in North Carolina, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. The Boat Rental Page lists options for fishing boat rentals at some of these lakes. Locate the ideal boat launch ramps on popular fishing lakes in the state.

North Carolina boasts a diverse array of fishing lakes, offering a range of warm water and cold water fishing opportunities for anglers of all preferences. Warm water lakes in North Carolina are known for their abundance of species such as largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. These lakes, with their higher water temperatures, provide ideal conditions for the growth and activity of warm water fish species. Popular warm water fishing lakes in North Carolina include Jordan Lake, Lake Norman, and High Rock Lake.

On the other hand, North Carolina is also home to several cold water lakes that provide excellent fishing for species like trout and smallmouth bass. These lakes are typically located in higher elevation areas and benefit from colder water temperatures, allowing for thriving populations of cold water fish species. Some notable cold water fishing lakes in North Carolina include Fontana Lake, Lake Glenville, and Lake Santeetlah.

When it comes to species diversity, North Carolina's fishing lakes have much to offer. In addition to bass, catfish, crappie, and trout, anglers can also target species such as walleye, muskie, striped bass, and panfish. Each lake has its own unique mix of fish species, providing anglers with a wide range of fishing opportunities throughout the state.

Whether you prefer the thrill of catching bass in a warm water lake or the tranquility of fly fishing for trout in a cold water lake, North Carolina's fishing lakes cater to all preferences and skill levels. With its stunning landscapes, diverse fish populations, and ample camping and boating opportunities, North Carolina is a haven for anglers seeking memorable fishing experiences.

Bass Lakes

Apalachia Lake, Badin Lake, Cheoah Lake, Falls Lake, Fontana Lake, Harris Lake, High Rock Lake, Jordan Lake, Kerr Lake, Kernersville Lake, Lake Gaston, Lake Glenville, Lake Hickory, Lake Higgins, Lake James, Lake Nantahala, Lake Norman, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Waccamaw, Lake Wylie, Phelps Lake and Randleman Lake are considered some of the the best options for largemouth, smallmouth, redeye and spotted bass. More...

Catfish Lakes

Buckhorn Reservoir, Chatuge Lake, Falls Lake, Fontana Lake, Graham-Mebane Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Jordan Lake, Kerr Lake, King Mountain Reservoir, Lake Cammack, Lake Gaston, Lake Glenville, Lake Hickory, Lake James, Lake Mackintosh, Lake Mattamuskeet, Lake Norman, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Tillery, Lake Waccamaw, Lake Wylie, Moss Lake, Phelps Lake, Roanoke Rapids Lake and Tar River Reservoir are among the favorite channel, blue, white and flathead catfish fishing destinations. More...

Crappie Lakes

Buckhorn Reservoir, Chatuge Lake, Falls Lake, Fontana Lake, Graham-Mebane Lake, Harris Lake, High Rock Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Hyco Lake, Jordan Lake, Kerr Lake, King Mountain Reservoir, Lake Benson, Lake Cammack, Lake Gaston, Lake Glenville, Lake Hickory, Lake James, Lake Mackintosh, Lake Mattamuskeet, Lake Norman, Lake Townsend, Lake Waccamaw, Lake Wylie, Mayo Reservoir, Mountain Island Lake, Randleman Lake, Salem Lake, Santeetlah Lake, Shearon Harris Reservoir and W Kerr Scott Reservoir are the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish & Panfish Lakes

Apalachia Lake, Blewett Falls Lake, Chatuge Lake, Cheoah Lake, Falls Lake, Fontana Lake, Harris Lake, High Rock Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Hyco Lake, Jordan Lake, King Mountain Reservoir, Lake Gaston, Lake Glenville, Lake Mattamuskeet, Lake Nantahala, Lake Norman, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Sutton, Lake Wylie, Mayo Reservoir, Mountain Island Lake, Moss Lake and Salem Lake are some of the more popular spots to fish for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye Lakes

Blewett Falls Lake, Chatuge Lake, Falls Lake, Fontana Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Lake Gaston, Lake Glenville, Lake James, Lake Nantahala, Santeetlah Lake and W Kerr Scott Reservoir are considered the top locations for walleye fishing. More...

Trout Lakes

Apalachia Lake, Buckhorn Reservoir, Cheoah Lake, Fontana Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Nantahala and Santeetlah Lake are favored options for rainbow, brook or brown trout. More...

Striped Bass & Hybrid Stripers

Apalachia Lake, Badin Lake, Blewett Falls Lake, Chatuge Lake, Falls Lake, Graham-Mebane Lake, Hiwassee Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Cammack, Lake Hickory, Lake James, Lake Mackintosh, Lake Nantahala, Lake Norman, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Townsend, Lake Tillery and Salem Lake are some of the best options for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. More...

Salmon Lakes

Lake Nantahala is the only salmon lake in NC which is stocked with kokanee salmon. More...

Visit the North Carolina fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the North Carolina map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating and boat rentals in NC, at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

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