Apex, NC Fishing: The Peak of Good Living and Fishing

Apex is a small city situated in Wake County, North Carolina. At its southern border lies the community of Friendship. This city has a vibrant history. Downtown Apex was a historic district in 1994. The Apex train depot, built in 1867, is a Wake County landmark and its location on the old Chatham Railroad marks the city's highest point. A community developed around this railroad station, later referred to as Apex. 

Having developed around the state capital of Raleigh, Apex soon grew into an active trading and shopping center. A vast pine forest surrounds Apex's train station, making it an ideal shipping point for lumber, tar, and turpentine products.

Aside from trading wood products, tobacco farming also played an integral role in Apex’s local economy. A plant disease forced many tobacco farmers in Person and Granville counties to relocate during the 1900s. Several farmers and residents discovered that the land around Apex produced excellent tobacco crops and decided to move there. Soon after, Apex became the first tobacco auction market in Wake County in 1905.

Fishing and other water activities are also prominent in Apex. There are several fishing spots in this small city in Wake County, including the Apex Community Park, Jordan Lake, Seagroves Farm Neighborhood Park, and more. 

Apex Fishing

As long as you have your Apex fishing license, you can snag a good catch in the several fishing destinations in the area. You may start your fishing trip in Apex Community Park Lake. This lake measures more than 50 acres and is regularly stocked with channel catfish. The Apex Community Park Lake fishing dock is pretty accessible, and you can easily do offshore fishing from there. Inshore fishing also looks good in this lake, as canoes, sailboards, john boats, kayaks, and rowing skulls are all allowed. Make sure you have a vessel permit and look for the designated launch sites. 

Another excellent fishing destination in Apex is the portion of Beaver Creek that flows through it. The most popular catches are largemouth bass, bluegill, and chain pickerel. You can fish in Beaver Creek through many access areas, such as Kelly West, Ashley Downs, and Dogwood Ridge. 

There is also a portion of Reedy Branch that flows through Wake County and eventually into Apex. Largemouth bass, yellow bullhead, and redear sunfish are some of the primary fish species you can spot here. On your fishing trip to this destination, you will need a bucket full of worms since baitcasting with live baits is the most effective fishing technique to catch the tantalizing and brightly-colored yellow bullhead. If you don’t have any worms, there is no need to worry- they would bite on just about anything, such as leeches, minnows, chicken pieces, beef, hotdogs, and even marshmallows. 

Last but not least, you will also find fishing in Jordan Lake challenging yet enjoyable. This river is 14,000 acres and spans through Chatham County and Wake County in North Carolina. One of its access areas situates in Apex. It has over 180 miles of shoreline, providing fishing opportunities for boat, canoe, kayak, and shoreline fishing. Moreover, abundant vegetation keeps the lake fertile and sustains a healthy food chain. Channel catfish, bluegill, white crappie, largemouth bass, grass carp, yellow perch, and blue catfish are fish species you can snag from its waters. 

Apex is a perfect place to showcase your fishing skills. North Carolina has the best trout fishing in the state. Apex’s big rivers are teeming with different trout varieties. With that said, the city also offers exciting fly fishing opportunities. Whether fresh or saltwater, fly fishing involves catching fish using artificial flies. With this fishing method, anglers cast their flies into the water using specialized gear, including a fly rod, reel, and weighted line. 

Top 10 Fishing Species in Apex, NC

The top 10 fish species to catch in Apex, NC, are largemouth bass, brook trout, sea trout, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie, chain pickerel, redear sunfish, yellow bullhead, and grass carp. 

Seasonal Fishing

Regardless of the season, there is a fish to catch in Apex. Just ensure you have your fishing license to fish without any water problems. The city requires a license when fishing in Apex Community Park, Sea Palm Pond Park, or Seagroves Farm Park. It has a 12-month validity, so whether you are one of the residents or tourist anglers, you can enjoy fishing throughout the year without any hassle. 

The North Carolina Fishing and Wildlife Department regulates fishing activities in Apex. So, you may find some fish species unavailable for certain times of the year. Also, there might be a size limit depending on the fish you want to catch. 

Discover the Peak of Good Living in Apex

Apex is known as the Peak of Good Living, and you may experience how wonderful life is in this city by doing these fun-filled activities: 

1. Visit the Halle Cultural Arts Center

If you want to know more about the history and culture of Apex, the best place to visit is the Halle Cultural Arts Center. This place promotes a culture of cultural and artistic awareness and appreciation through concerts, showcase performances, visual arts presentations, special events, community engagement, and educational programs.

The Halle Cultural Arts Center locates on N. Salem Street. It is open from Mondays to Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm, and every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. 

2. Wine Tasting in Cloer Family Vineyards

After an exciting fishing trip, you and your family can drop by the Cloer Family Vineyards and have a relaxing wine tasting. Cloer Family Vineyards is the only family-owned farm growing grapes and making its wines in the immediate Triangle area. The facility believes that wine is best when shared with family and friends. All members of the Cloer family are involved in the process; Tam manages the vineyard, while Pam and their two girls, Taylor and Ashley, help with harvesting, bottling, labeling, marketing, sales, and many other duties.

3. Check Out Cocoon Gallery

If you love art, you shouldn’t miss out on Cocoon Gallery. It features handcrafted quality wares and wearables from over 70 master artisans. Materials used in the exhibit included ceramics, wood, jewelry, glass, textiles, metal, music, and books. Moreover, you can meet artists, authors, and musicians, attend demonstration classes, take classes, and attend community events throughout the year.

The Cocoon Gallery locates on N Salem Street. You may purchase any artwork that you like. It would be a great piece of Apex to take home with you.