Walleye & Sauger Fishing In North Carolina

Guide to fishing for walleye and sauger

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.

North Carolina provides anglers with exciting opportunities for walleye fishing in both lakes and rivers. Walleye, known for their elusive nature and delicious flesh, are highly sought after by anglers. The state offers several prime walleye fishing locations where anglers can try their luck.

One popular walleye fishing destination in North Carolina is Lake James. This picturesque lake situated in the western part of the state is known for its healthy walleye population. Anglers can target walleye by trolling along the lake's submerged structures, such as points, drop-offs, and weed edges. Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Fontana, and Lake Norman are also known for their walleye populations, providing anglers with additional options for their fishing adventures.

In addition to lakes, North Carolina's rivers also offer excellent walleye fishing opportunities. The Catawba River and the Roanoke River are particularly well-regarded for their walleye fisheries. Anglers can fish from the banks or launch boats to access prime walleye spots. Casting crankbaits, jigs, or live bait can be effective techniques for enticing these predatory fish.

Sauger, a close relative of walleye, can also be targeted in North Carolina's waters. While sauger populations are not as abundant as walleye, they can be found in certain rivers and lakes. The Yadkin River, the Cape Fear River, and the Neuse River are known to harbor sauger populations. Anglers can use similar techniques and baits as they would for walleye fishing.

North Carolina maintains state records for walleye and sauger catches. These records serve as a testament to the impressive fish that have been landed in the state's waters. Anglers who catch walleye or sauger of extraordinary size can submit their catch for consideration and potential recognition.

Whether you choose to fish in North Carolina's lakes or rivers, targeting walleye and sauger can provide thrilling angling experiences. With its diverse fishing locations, abundant populations, and the possibility of landing trophy-sized fish, North Carolina offers a rewarding walleye and sauger fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Walleye & Sauger Lakes

For walleye enthusiasts there are several lakes with notable populations of walleye. Those lakes include 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.

You are liable to also find limited walleye fishing in the rivers flowing into and out of these lakes.

North Carolina State Records

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top lures for walleye in North Carolina

Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes improves your odds of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

The state record walleye was taken from Lake Chatuge.

The state record sauger came from Norman Lake.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Fishing For Sauger

Closely related to the walleye and similar in appearance, sauger are generally smaller than walleye, reaching 4 to 5 pounds (or more) and up to about 20 inches. Often found in muddier rivers, it thrives in larger, silty lakes. They spawn in the shallows at night, without creating or guarding specific nests.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

North Carolina walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.