Best Fishing Spots in North Carolina
Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
From the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast, North Carolina offers anglers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. The Tar Heel State boasts an impressive variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing spots.. Whether you’re after mountain trout, largemouth bass, or offshore game fish, North Carolina’s best fishing spots promise bites, trophy catches, and a stunning natural setting.
Lake Norman
As North Carolina’s largest man-made lake, Lake Norman spans 32,510 acres and is a haven for anglers interested in bass fishing. The lake is home to largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish. Anglers should consider anchoring their boats near the Highway 150 Bridge area, where submerged road beds and bridge pilings create excellent fish habitats. This spot is particularly productive for striped bass during the summer months when they seek cooler, deeper waters. Early mornings and late evenings often yield the best results as fish become more active in low-light conditions.
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Outer Banks
Drop a line in the Outer Banks for the best saltwater fishing in the state. This string of barrier islands provides access to both inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. For an exceptional experience, anchor your boat near Oregon Inlet, especially in the fall when red drum gather in large schools. The swift currents around the inlet attract baitfish, which in turn draw in larger predatory species. This area is also known for excellent cobia fishing in late spring and early summer.
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Lake Fontana
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Fontana offers 10,230 acres of pristine fishing waters. The lake is renowned for its smallmouth bass fishing but also supports populations of walleye, crappie, and trout. For a productive fishing trip, consider anchoring your boat near the mouth of Eagle Creek, where the creek’s cooler waters enter the main lake. This area creates a thermal current that attracts baitfish and, consequently, larger predatory species. Spring and fall are particularly good seasons for targeting smallmouth bass in this location.
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Cape Fear River
Get on Cape Fear for striped bass, catfish, and shad runs. One particularly fruitful area for boating anglers is near the Lock and Dam #1, located about 32 miles upstream from Wilmington. Anchor downstream of the dam, where fish often congregate as they move upriver. This spot is especially productive during the spring shad run and can yield impressive catches of striped bass and catfish throughout the year.
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Kerr Lake
Sitting on the North Carolina-Virginia border, Kerr Lake, or Buggs Island Lake, is a 48,900-acre reservoir famous for its crappie fishing. It’s a great spot for largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish, too. Headover near Nutbush Creek Bridge, particularly around the submerged roadbed and bridge pilings where large concentrations of crappie like to hang, especially during the spring spawning season.
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North Carolina’s great fishing spots offer anglers a wide array of experiences, from peaceful mountain lake fishing to exciting coastal adventures. Each destination provides unique opportunities to target different species in beautiful natural settings. Whether you’re casting for trout in the cool mountain streams, pursuing bass in expansive reservoirs, or chasing game fish in the Atlantic, North Carolina’s best fishing locations promise memorable angling experiences. Remember to check local regulations, obtain necessary licenses, and consider fishing boat rentals in North Carolina to fully explore these fantastic waters. With the right preparation and knowledge of prime fishing spots, your North Carolina fishing adventure is sure to be a success.
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