Burlington, NC Fishing: Great Angling Experience in The Middle of Alamance and Guilford

Burlington is sitting in between Alamance and Guilford counties. It is the principal of the Burlington Metropolitan Statistical Area, covering all of Alamance County, where most of the city is located. Aside from that, it is part of the Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point Metropolitan Statistical Area. With 50,042 residents, Burlington is North Carolina's 17th biggest city.

The city was founded in 1857 and was called 'The Village of Company Shops.' The name came from the North Carolina Railroad Company that built and repaired its tracks in the 1850s. However, the company closed up shop in 1886. Soon after, this area became Burlington and was later incorporated as a city on February 14, 1893.

Today, health care, bioscience, manufacturing, and education are a few growing industries in Burlington. The largest employer in Burlington is LabCorp, which has several testing facilities and employs over 3,000 people. 

Recreation is pretty good in Burlington. You can find numerous parks to enjoy the city, such as Joe Davidson Park, Cedar Rock Park, and Burlington City Park. Furthermore, residents and tourists alike are attracted to the historic downtown area and its various fishing destinations, such as Lake Mackintosh, the enormous water body in Burlington, and its primary reservoir. 

Burlington Fishing

Anglers worldwide enjoy Burlington, NC fishing because of the many great places for angling in the city. Among those fishing spots is Lake Mackintosh. Lake Mackintosh Park & Marina was built in 1993 and served as Burlington's primary water reservoir. Due to it being a reservoir, swimming, wading, or personal watercraft is prohibited in its waters. 

The lake has a shoreline of 61 miles and covers over 1150 acres. Two tributaries feed the lake, the Greater Alamance Creek and Little Alamance Creek. For generations, these creeks have been the primary source of fish for the lake. You can commence bank fishing on the sixty miles of shoreline accessible and get a chance to hook different species, such as channel catfish, blue catfish, crappie, striped bass, bluegill, largemouth bass, and hybrid striped bass. You can do boat fishing here, and boat rentals are plenty within proximity. 

Another excellent fishing spot in Burlington is Back Creek, a tributary to the Haw River. It is 8.77 miles long and 495 feet deep, historically known as Buffalo Creek. The different fish you may snag in its waters include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, black bullhead, channel catfish, redear sunfish, and spotted seatrout.

Haw River is another great place for fishing that you may access in Burlington. John Lawson called the Haw River the Hau River. The name "Haw" was derived from the indigenous name of the Saxapahaw, which is also the name of a small town along the river's banks. The river is approximately 110 miles long and passes through many vital locations in North Carolina, including Greensboro, Piedmont, Burlington, and Rockingham County. 

The Haw River is also home to various animals, including many types of fish. Popular catches are flathead catfish, blue catfish, redbreast sunfish, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass are popular catches in this river. 

Drift fishing and kite fishing are among the most utilized fishing methods by anglers visiting Burlington waters. Drift fishing allows anglers to move their boats based on current and wind conditions. You may use it on any water body, whether a lake, stream, or deep sea, given that the conditions are suitable. This method is perfect for catching many fish since it allows you to cover more fishing ground and follow the natural current that will take you to where the fish reside and swarm. 

On the other hand, kite fishing is fun and exciting as it uses a kite that looks like the one you fly on fields during summer when you were a kid. The fishing line hangs from the kite and then attaches to a lure or bait. When a fish bites on the bait, the kite immediately drops. The drop signals the angler that the bait has been taken. 

Top 10 Fish Species In Burlington, NC

The top 10 fish species to catch in Burlington, NC, are largemouth bass, redear sunfish, crappie, bluegill, spotted seatrout, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, striped bass, and black bullhead.

Seasonal Fishing

You can engage in Burlington, NC, fishing throughout the year if you have a fishing license. The best season to fish depends on what species you want to target. For example, the best months to go fishing if you want to catch a blue fish are late March, April, and early May. Their numbers and size are pretty good during these months. If you wish for bluegill instead, spring and early summer are the best seasons to target them. They go to shallow waters to spawn during these seasons, become very aggressive and are far easier to catch. 

Aside from knowing the best season to catch each species, you also need to consider the weather for the day. Weather plays a critical role in fishing. Wind direction and strength will determine where it is safe to fish and where the fish are gathering. Therefore, if you want to fish effectively, check on local weather reports before going out for a fishing trip. 

Furthermore, you should consider familiarizing yourself with the fishing rules and regulations set by the local government of Burlington. They might indicate allowed seasons and fishing limits for particular fish species.

Get A Taste of Burlington: A Haven for Adventurers and Backpackers

If you have a taste for history, heritage, and the outdoors, you will surely enjoy the other activities you can do in Burlington aside from fishing.

1. Explore the Cedarock Park

Cedarock Park’s establishment by Alamance County dates back to 1975. It used to be a farm that covered 500 acres of space, but now it is a vast nature park where you and your family can enjoy the fresh air and fun outdoor activities. The place is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and sports. It features many disc golf courses and a football course. 

Besides sports, you may choose to spend a tranquil moment appreciating the nature around the park. You can stroll around the picturesque pond and waterfalls, take your picnic basket, and bond with your family and friends over delicious snacks and a glass of red wine. 

2. Camp at Shallow Ford Natural Area

Burlington’s Shallow Ford Natural Area is a famous camping ground for adventurers. There are 200 acres of the natural area covered with different species of flora and fauna. Thus, if you are a fan of identifying these creatures, you will surely enjoy your stay here. 

Hiking is the primary activity that you may engage in Shallow Ford. When you take the trail, you will have the chance to witness different attractions, such as the Haw River, Mountains to Sea Trail, and the Wildflower Meadow. 

3. Spot the Big Wild Cats at the Conservators Center

If you are a fan of wildlife, you will enjoy a trip to the Conservators Center. It is a zoo located in the forested area of Burlington, and it houses over 70 species of wild cats, such as the usual tigers and lions. The good thing about this zoo is that these cats don’t come in cages. They are free to roam. But don’t worry about that as the place is relatively safe due to the special enclosures that will allow you to meet them face to face safely.