10 Best Fishing Spots in North Carolina

From freshwater waterways to jaw-dropping shorelines that stretch for miles and miles, deciding on a North Carolina fishing spot for your next vacation can be difficult. Don't worry. We've compiled a list of the best ones just for you.

1. Lake Norman

Known as the largest artificial lake situated in North Carolina, Lake Norman offers a variety of fish species. It was created between 1959 and 1964 as part of the construction of the Cowans Ford Dam by Duke Energy.

Although this lake can get crowded at times, a day spent fishing here can yield good results. With 500 miles of shoreline, you can get away from the crowds and fish yourself. Commonly caught fish species here include largemouth bass, white bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and bluegill.

2. Ocracoke Island Outer Banks

Go to Ocracoke if you want to get away from it all and enjoy the fantastic deep-sea or offshore fishing. Pirates like the infamous Blackbeard frequented this remote community in the past. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, built-in 1823, has a commanding view of the village and Pamlico Sound.

This secluded and tranquil island offers a quiet escape to untouched shores to go fishing and a charming town well worth exploring! With exceptional shelling comes a great time fishing on the Island of Ocracoke. Possible catches on the island are drums, bluefish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, and croaker.

3. Jordan Lake 

Make your fishing trip worth your while and visit Jordan Lake. It is a 13,940-acre reservoir located west of Raleigh in the New Hope Valley. It's a popular spot for those looking to get away from the city for some quality fishing time.

Fishing in Jordan Lake allows you to catch fish like bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, striped bass, and yellow perch. You can come alone or bring the whole family because there are many campgrounds, local shops, restaurants, and lodging options. 

4. Lake Fontana

Lake Fontana is one of the best bass fishing destinations in North Carolina. It has over 400 miles of length and a surface area of 10,230 acres. You can even go trout fishing in one of the numerous streams that feed into the lake. Record-breaking fish are common, making this one of North Carolina's best fishing spots.

Other fish caught in Lake Fontana are walleye, bluegill, lake trout, muskellunge, crappie, and carp.

5. Smoky Mountains National Park 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fantastic place to explore. You may be aware that this park is the most visited in the entire National Park system. However, most visitors only walk a few feet from their cars, leaving plenty of opportunities to cast a line in the water.

Year-round, all licensed anglers are permitted to fish from half an hour before dawn to half an hour after dusk. However, there is a limit to how many smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout you can bring home.

6. Lake James

Lake James is a 6,800-acre cold-water lake with depths of up to 120 feet below the water's surface. As a result, Lake James is home to many different fish species, including those that prefer cool water. This lake is ideal for fishing, especially in the summer.

It has plenty of boat rentals and camping options. Unlike many lakes, it also has multiple marinas. Fishes to catch during your fishing trip in Lake James: bass, blue catfish, crappie, Northern pike, and muskellunge.

7. Tuckasegee River

Tuckasegee River is another top fishing spot in North Carolina. Otherwise known as "The Tuck,” it has some of the largest smallmouth bass in the Smoky Mountain Region. This is a great river for families looking for more accessible fishing spots. Steelheads from Lake Fontana begin to run into "The Tuck" in April, and anglers by the river enjoy catching them.

This river is a highly recommended spot for those who want to fish for trout. With a size of 40 to 100 yards in width, you will also be able to find a variety of other fish here.

8. Nantahala River

One of the best 100 trout-fishing rivers in North America, the Nantahala River is also a popular place for the national fly fishing championships. Fly fishing is excellent on this family-friendly river. You'll want to stay away from parts of the river that are popular with rafting trips, but there are plenty of other options.

Because this is a cold river, you should bring some good waders. Even during the spring and summer, you'll need some outdoor clothing. This river is perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. 

Fish that are most commonly encountered are brown trout and rainbow trout.

9. Lake Chatuge

In the summer, anglers can enjoy over 7,000 acres of water surface on Lake Chatuge, located in the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina-Georgia border. The most common fish found here are spotted bass, white bass, largemouth bass, and hybrid bass.

But don't be surprised if you hook a walleye as well. Because you can use a fishing license from either Georgia or North Carolina, it's a popular spot for anglers from both states. Other fish species you can expect to catch are channel catfish, black crappie, bream, bluegill, and trout.

10. High Rock Lake 

Because of the abundance and quality of largemouth bass, anglers from all over the country flock to High Rock Lake. The relatively shallow levels of water in the lake and the healthy biodiversity make it a highly favorable habitat for bass.

High Rock Lake is one of North Carolina's best fishing lakes. It has regularly hosted Bassmaster Tournaments, including the Bassmaster Classic in 1994, 1995, 1998, and other angling competitions.

So what are you waiting for? Plan that trip to any of the above fishing spots in North Carolina and guarantee yourself a productive fishing trip!