Cary, NC Fishing: A Quaint Picturesque City

Located in Wake County and Chatham County, North Carolina is the city of Cary. Considered to be one of the most fast-growing cities in the South and in the United States in general, Cary prides itself on being a welcoming community thriving with life and vibrant culture on top of the rich natural resources found everywhere in the area.

Cary started as a railroad town until it became a major educational center during the late 19th century. It is now a technology hub and is even the home of the largest privately held software company globally. Visitors who prefer a small town atmosphere will find great pleasures in this city and marvel at the technological advancements developed here at the same time. They will also enjoy and participate in a wide array of activities, such as recreational sports and cultural art programs. All these essential elements make Cary the best place in North Carolina for people with diverse interests.

More than the bustling economy and overall environment, what makes Cary, North Carolina an amazing place is its residents. They are welcoming and easy to get along with, so it is no wonder that its population grew by more than a hundred thousand in recent years. Here, you will be treated to the fresh breeze to explore its tree-lined streets. Cary’s proximity to various amazing fishing spots surrounding it makes it a great place to start your fishing endeavors.

Cary Fishing

It is no secret that North Carolina is one of the major fishing destinations in the United States because of how close it is to the Atlantic Ocean. What makes it an amazing state though is that each of its cities always has something unique to offer for every kind of traveler or guest on top of fishing. The overall convenience and inviting atmosphere of these North Carolina cities make fishing much more enjoyable, regardless of the number of water bodies found in each city. Any city can be a great place to jumpstart a fishing trip and Cary is no exception.

The best place to start your fishing adventure is the William B. Umstead State Park which can be found tucked between Cary and its neighboring cities, Raleigh and Durham. It spans a massive 5,599 acres and provides guests with many options, including hiking, bridle, bike trails, boat rentals, camping, picnic areas, and other educational programs. Whether you plan to go here alone or take your family with you, rest assured that you will never run out of things to do. This state park is a popular fishing destination for anglers as it has boat launches and three man-made lakes regularly stocked with various fish species. The three lakes are Big Lake, Sycamore Lake, and Reedy Creek Lake. Big Lake has an area of 55 acres while both Sycamore Lake and Reedy Creek Lake cover about 25 acres each.

Before coming here, however, note that the rules and regulations promulgated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are enforced here. These safety measures make William B. Umstead State Park a great fishing spot because they ensure that fish and their habitats are well taken care of. They ensure that the waterbodies therein are well stocked throughout the year and allow fish to reproduce safely and healthily. In this state park, anglers will have a great time casting their lines as the most commonly caught fish here are largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie.

The best time of the year to catch largemouth bass is from April through September, especially during early mornings up until late afternoons. When you spot them on shallower parts of the lakes, the best lures are spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater baits. However, if you have determined that they are located somewhere deeper, worms and jigs are the most ideal to use. Meanwhile, the best months to catch bluegill are from May through October, as this period is their peak spawning season. The most popular way to catch them is by using live baits, including worms, crickets, and grasshoppers. Just make sure you use the appropriate hook size to account for the size of their mouths. As for crappie, they may be caught all year round, but their numbers peak from March through April and September through November. They are commonly caught using the spider rigging method, which can be done with various typically sourced baits.

Next is the Haw River, which can be accessed through the Bynum Beach Road. When you take this route, you will be treated to a picturesque view of the beach as you go to your fishing destination. For those who prefer a chiller and safer atmosphere, especially for the kids, this river is the perfect spot for you as it has flat and large stones people can stand on. Various areas along the river have differing conditions, giving anglers a different experience per area. A little bit of a head’s up, though: you would need to hike for a little bit to get here, but the place itself is worth it. That’s for sure. Commonly caught fish species are flathead catfish, channel catfish, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and even the occasional bowfin.

Catfish populations peak from late March through May, and they are best caught by using a rig to drift bait slowly through the weedy areas they frequently stay on. For redear sunfish enthusiasts, the best months to catch them are March and April, when they are concentrated in one place as they spawn. Common methods used to catch them include natural baits, small spinners, and flies. The period of March through May produces the most number of bowfin, a fish species native to North Carolina waters. Popular baits used to catch them include nightcrawlers, minnows, salamanders, frogs, and stinkbait.

Another great fishing destination in Cary is the Lake Michie Recreation, where anglers can catch chain pickerel, white bass, and largemouth bass. It provides opportunities for boat fishing due to its large size and the relatively calm waters regardless of weather conditions. Chain pickerel peak from September through November because they tend to move to shallower waters and gravitate towards aquatic vegetation during this time. They are caught using spinnerbaits and weedless fishing spoons with pork or plastic dressings. Meanwhile, white bass can be caught here and anywhere in North Carolina from March through May. The best way to catch them is by using a live shiner or threadfin shad.

Top 10 Fish Species in Cary, NC

The top ten fish species caught near Cary, NC, are largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, crappie, and muskellunge.

Seasonal Fishing

In general, anglers can fish in Cary any time of the year since North Carolina waters are always well-stocked, and the various bodies of water never fail to give visitors an unforgettable fishing experience. However, for much more serious anglers who want to bring home as much catch as possible, the best time is from April through September, as these are the months when largemouth bass, trout, redfish, mahi-mahi, flounder, tuna, and striped bass are at their peak numbers.

Take a Breather in Cary

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Having a licensed guide who knows their way around Cary and North Carolina waters will make your visit easier and more enjoyable. You would not have to worry about bringing a boat or getting lost. All you have to do is get yourself a chartered captain to ensure you will have a fishing experience you will never forget.

2. Attend the Cary Band Day

You should never miss the Cary Band Day if you find yourself in Cary, North Carolina during the late fall. It is a special event where guests are treated to various marching bands’ amazing compositions and performances across the southeast and in all of. It has been an annual tradition since 1959 from the school where it originated from and is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States.

3. Go to a Live Concert at Koka Booth Amphitheater

Koka Booth Amphitheater was built in 2001 and is known for its uniqueness as a venue. It was formerly known as the Amphitheater at Regency Park until it was changed in honor of the former mayor of Cary, Koka Booth. This venue has a seating capacity of 7,000 people and a stunning view of hardwoods and pines near Symphony Lake. All these make a stunning venue for live music so make sure not to miss it when a concert schedule is available by the time you visit!