10 Top Fishing Destinations in North Carolina

North Carolina is located in the United States' southeastern region. It is the 28th-largest and 9th-most populous of America's 50 states. The Atlantic Ocean, the second-largest of the world's five oceans, can be found on the eastern side of North Carolina. This state’s geographical location makes it home to some of the best fishing spots in the United States. 

North Carolina is filled with excellent fishing destinations, from the Blue Ridge to the Great Smoky Mountains. Many freshwater fishing enthusiasts fish for smallmouth bass in its lakes and reservoirs.

The 10 Top Fishing Destinations in North Carolina

1. Fontana Lake

This 230-acre lake with more than 400 miles of shoreline in North Carolina is one of the state's top fishing destinations. Lake Fontana has various bass species best suited for bass fishing enthusiasts. Every year, anglers from all over the state gather in this place to participate in the annual bass tournament, hoping to win real cash. Moreover, record-breaking fish species are commonly caught in this place, making it one of the best fishing spots in North Carolina.

Fish species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Kentucky spotted bass, walleye, and bluegill are the types of fish you can find here. A 10-pound bass, giant catfish, and muskie are the routinely caught species in the lake. If you want to have a successful fishing trip in Lake Fontana, make sure that your fishing gear can stand up to some larger fish present in the area. 

2. Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is the best spot for anglers who want to experience fishing in the mighty Cape Fear River. Even though the town is relatively small, its ocean-facing beaches and inshore fishing grounds have become abundant with different fishing spots where you can cast a line. Mackerel, blowfish, sea bass, and perch are some of the fish species you can catch in this place.

Fishing in Carolina Beach can be exciting, but you will need to purchase a saltwater fishing license. You can buy it online ahead of your fishing trip or at any tackle shops or sporting goods stores in the area. 

3. Lake Norman 

Lake Norman is a 32,000-acre lake loved by many anglers because of its bountiful bass species. Although crowded, it is still an excellent place to fish for different fish species like channel catfish, flathead catfish, white perch, yellow perch, largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, bluegill, and black crappie. 

This lake has over 500 miles of shoreline where you can search for fishing spots that are not that popular but still abundant with various fish species. Even if you spend only a day fishing, you can still expect great results. However, you’ll need to get a fishing license before you can catch fish at the lake. But the good news is that there is no seasonal restriction for bass species, and you can still land a catch all year round. 

4. The Neuse River

This river is the longest in North Carolina. It is 248 miles and six miles wide.  The Neuse River is a great spot where you can cast a line anywhere and still have a good catch. But if you are looking for something memorable and exciting, try fishing near the small town of Oriental, North Carolina, from mid-summer to mid-fall. Try and see if you are lucky enough to catch one of the world-class old drums that can weigh up to 50 pounds. If you are into saltwater fishing, there are different saltwater species like trout, rockfish, flounder, bluefish, and mackerel you can catch. And for freshwater fishing, it is abundant with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch.

5. Lake James

This cold-water lake is 120 feet below the surface or more, making it a home to different fish species. Lake James is a great fishing spot, especially during summer. The most spectacular catch here is the smallmouth bass which is often surprisingly big. But, if you are not into typical bass fishing, you can try chasing Northern pike or tiger muskies in this beloved lake in North Carolina. Aside from its abundant fishing, this lake has plenty of recreational activities you can enjoy with your family, plus a bonus of crystal clear waters and amazing sceneries. 

6. Lake Chatuge

This beautiful scenic lake in Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains along the North Carolina and Georgia border offers 7,000 acres of water to local and tourist anglers. Lake Chatuge has plenty of various bass species you can catch, but you can also see a walleye in your line, so don’t be surprised. A whopping 25 pounds of hybrid bass was caught in this lake and has yet to be shattered. Aside from having giant hybrid bass, this lake is also known for hosting the largest walleye ever caught in the state in 1986, weighing around 13 pounds. If you want an exciting fishing experience, try visiting this lake but make sure to have your fishing license, whether a Georgia or North Carolina license. 

7. High Rock Lake

A lake that hosts some exquisite schools of bass and crappie, High Rock Lake is a 15,180-acre deep water lake where you can find your particular fishing hole in hopes of catching the big ones. This lake’s 365 miles of shoreline has many spots for every angler to explore. Although it has excellent places for fishing, be wary that the water in this lake is not clear, so make sure to bring in brightly colored lures and spinnerbaits for more successful fishing. 

8. Ocracoke Island

Visit this remote Outer Banks island if you enjoy adventure and offshore fishing. Ocracoke Island was once a favorite hangout for pirates such as the heinous Blackbeard. This place is a remote community and is far away from the city. And because of its remoteness, this place is not advisable for the faint-hearted. However, some tourists go to this place to escape the overwhelming city life, and if you are an angler, the numerous saltwater fish species you can find will make your visit worthwhile. Some of the species you can find here are drum, shark, pompano, spot, croaker, and sea mullet. 

9. Lake Waccamaw

This 8,936-acre lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in North Carolina. It is a famous destination for all types of fishing. The top-of-the-line catch here is the white perch, a native species in the lake. Summer is the best time to go for perch fishing because they are bountiful during those times, making your chances of getting a big catch even better. 

10. Topsail Beach

This beach has access to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and the calm coastal waters, making it an ideal spot to catch a wide variety of fish species. Mackerel, bluefish, trout, flounder, and marlin are numerous during the summer season and with shrimps, oysters, and crabs. The more miniature marsh in Topsail beach is a prime spot if you feel like catching a flounder, red drum, or a speckled trout.

The excellent waters of North Carolina offer some of the nation's best fishing experiences because of its wide variety of fish species. May it be a usual catch or a trophy game fish, you can find it all here in North Carolina.