North Carolina Fishing Guides

Freshwater Fishing In North Carolina

Like most states in the U.S. Southeast, North Carolina is all about bass fishing. Because of the climate and the food supply, bass grow big, fat, and happy “down South.”

This isn’t to say that North Carolina doesn’t have its share of other great fishing – it does. Saltwater fishing along the coast is great, and there’s a world of opportunity for other types of freshwater fish in the state other than bass.

For example, delicious crappie can be found just about anywhere in North Carolina. So can big catfish. Heck, you can even catch salmon in Lake Nantahala, and walleye in lakes Chatuge, James, and Glenville. A few lakes, along with streams in the North Carolina mountains, support trout, too. For most North Carolinian anglers, however, nothing beats battling a hefty largemouth, smallie, or striped bass!

Fishing Guides In North Carolina

Best Bass Lakes In North Carolina

North Carolina has some big bass. The state record largemouth weighed almost 16 pounds, and the state record smallie weighed ten pounds and came from the Hiawassee Reservoir. Evidently, Hiawassee grows ‘em big – the state record striper cam from there, too, and weighed a whopping 54 pounds, 2 ounces.

Because largemouth and smallmouth are so sought after in North Carolina, you can find them in just any body of freshwater, from the smallest farm pond to the largest reservoir. Below are just a few of the lakes that North Carolina bass anglers consider to be among the best in the state:

Lake Norman – Lake Norman is in north-central North Carolina and covers 32,000 acres. This lake provides a three-for-one – it provides great fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, and striped bass. The numerous docks on the lake provide the largemouths with structure, and the lake’s deep channels are a favorite hangout for big stripers during hot weather. For best results, hire a professional bass guide.

Kerr Lake – Located in northern North Carolina, at the North Carolina-Virginia state line, this lake covers 49,000 acres. It has lots of coves and fingers, along with lots of largemouth bass and stripers. You’ll find numerous boat ramps and bass fishing guides.

Harris Lake – Located near Raleigh, this lake covers 4,100 acres. It was created by the damming of Buckhorn Creek, and the water is warmer than many lakes in the state. Lots of hydrilla, rocks, and points hold baitfish and attract bass. There’s a good number of largemouths here, and many weigh over five pounds. Boat ramps are available.

High Rock Lake – In north-central North Carolina, this is a 15,200-acre lake. This lake has been the site of three Bass Masters Classic tournaments. High Rock isn’t very deep, but it has lots of structure that bass love. If you tire of largemouth bass fishing, try the stripers, white bass, hybrid bass, or crappie.

Jordan Lake – B. Everett Jordan Lake is 14,000-acre lake in the northeastern section of the Tarheel State. The lake hold plenty of structure, like submerged logs, rocks, and stumps. Largemouth bass is the favored quarry here, but you can also catch hybrid bass, striped bass, and crappie. With twenty-four boat ramps, access is easy. Bass fishing guides are available, too.