Clayton, NC Fishing: Johnson County’s Premier Community

Clayton is the premier community for active families in Johnston County, North Carolina, in the United States. Clayton originated in the early 1700s when immigrants settled land previously inhabited by Tuscarora and Sioux Indians. The area was known before as the Stallings’ Station, a train station along the North Carolina Railroad.

Agricultural production increased in the Clayton area, and, as a result, new local and regional markets developed, connected via the railroad to other centers of commerce following the Civil War. Clayton was incorporated in 1869, and since then, it has become a vibrant, prospering community that has grown into the largest town in Johnston County.

The Clayton Graded School and Clayton Grammar School-Municipal Auditorium, Clayton Historic District, Cleveland School, Ellington-Ellis Farm, Clayton Banking Company Building, Walter R. and Eliza Smith Moore House, Sanders-Hairr House, and Stallings-Carpenter House are some places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Take a walk along the mountains to the Sea Trail and experience fishing at the great Neuse River.

Clayton Fishing

Every angler knows North Carolina has one of the top fisheries on the eastern seaboard. People may visit the state for its fantastic Blue Ridge Mountains or the Smoky Mountains, but its fishing culture will surely amaze them. The diversity and the number of fish lure anglers, professional or beginners, to North Carolina.

The Neuse River ascends in Piedmont, emptying into Pamlico Sound below New Bern in North Carolina. The river system is the longest river in the state and the second-longest estuary in the country, with a total length of approximately 275 miles. The river commences at the Flat and Eno rivers intersection near Durham, entering Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. The nice thing about the Neuse River is no matter the season; anglers will get a high chance of successful fishing trips. Anglers can fish trophy freshwater fish species like largemouth bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, bowfin, and common carp. There are bank fishing and fly fishing areas in the river, with numerous boat ramps for anglers' use. Neuse River is also a famed spot for swimmers of all ability levels, as the safe, shallow bottom extends for hundreds of yards.

Aside from fishing, anglers and tourists can visit the beautiful 4-mile, 10-foot-wide paved trail called Clayton River Walk on the Neuse. The trail is part of the 1,000-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail that connects the Clingman's Dome in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge State Park to the coast. The Neuse River also hosts numerous fishing tournaments, from its Neuse River "Fishers of Men" Inshore Trail to the most awaited annual Neuse River Summer Slam Fishing Tournament.

Clayton's Smith Pond Number Two is a reservoir near Mission Beef and Brews. It is a peaceful and quiet location, perfect for fishing with kids and kids-at-heart. Fly fishing and bank fishing areas are available in the pond, but anglers can also go baitcasting and drift fishing. Largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, white crappie, greek chub, rock bass, and wels catfish are fish species found in the pond. Another location to visit in Clayton is the R E Earp Pond. R E Earp Pond is open to the public and has parking spaces and picnic areas for anglers. Anglers can capture largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, common carp, pumpkinseed, rock bass, and spotted bass while going fly or bank fishing. Hiking trails are also open in the pond. 

Traveling further in the northeastern part of Clayton, anglers can find Marks Creek, which flows south through Wake County into Johnston County and joins the Neuse River. Marks Creek is home to massive largemouth bass, bluegill, flathead catfish, black crappie, and striped bass. Trolling a striper rig behind a boat or kayak is one of the best methods to catch large quantities and quality of the great striped bass.

Mill Creek, near Archers Lodge and Clayton, is one of the best fisheries in Johnston County, as it is home to channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and black crappie. Anyone who wants to fish in Mill Creek or waters into the broader area must consult with local authorities before heading out to fish. Fly and bank anglers will surely enjoy fishing in Union Carbide Pond. The pond, just 1.8 miles from downtown Clayton, boasts rich fisheries and impressive fish species like largemouth bass, channel catfish, longnose gar, bluegill, black crappie, European chub, and warmouth. Further south of Clayton, within the Neuse River vicinity, sits Nicks Pond. The Nicks Pond is peaceful and quiet, perfect for anglers who prefer to fish alone. The best fish species that anglers can catch in the pond are largemouth bass, bluegill, and black seabass. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Clayton, NC

The top 10 fish species found in Clayton, NC, are largemouth bass, rock bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, bowfin, common carp, crappie, and green sunfish.

Seasonal Fishing

Largemouth bass fishing is exceptional in North Carolina, and anglers will likely catch largemouth bass year-round. However, spring and summer are the best seasons to capture largemouth bass and rock bass. The prime months to fish for channel catfish are April, May, September, and October, while late March, April, and early May are some of the best for blue catfish fishing. July is a peak month for capturing flathead catfish in the state. Anglers can likely fish bluegill year-round, but no matter where the fishing location they are, the best bluegill fishing season is during the spring and summer breeding periods. Anglers stand their best chance at catching bowfin during spring in shallow habitats with muddy bases and ample vegetation. The best time for common carp fishing starts from April to August. By the second week of April, the common carp prepare for the spawning period. The exciting thing about crappie fishing is that anglers can catch them all year round, but the best daytime fishing is during the spring and fall seasons when they move to shallow water. Anglers can catch green sunfish during spring. Meanwhile, their spawning occurs from May to August.

Out and About in Clayton

Clayton has become a destination for visitors who love the arts and nature.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Like most things, investing a little time and money in angling will help ensure a positive experience. Before anglers venture into uncharted waters on their own, it is always good to consider booking fishing tours with a professional guide. Freshwater charters can take anglers on any freshwater fishing trips they prefer, like crappie fishing trips. Old North State Fishing, Salty Anchors Charters, Ipock's Fishing Charters, and Reel Knotty Fishing Charters are some of the best charters anglers can hire in Clayton and surrounding areas.

2. Experience the Unique Beauty of Clemmons Educational State Forest

Every day is fine to visit Clayton's Clemmons Educational State Forest, the state's first educational state forest. Clemmons Educational State Forest features self-guided nature tracks with audio presentation stations and the Forestry Exhibit Center with interactive displays about the ecology of forests, soil, water, wildlife, and North Carolina's cultural history. Clemmons also has open picnic sites with tables and grills and a spacious shelter with a massive stone fireplace and plenty of seating. 

3. Appreciate Arts at Clayton Sculpture Trail

Clayton Sculpture Trail is an outdoor art trail with permanent places throughout the Clayton area with artworks that rotate yearly. Sculptures vary from beautiful to interactive pieces, offering a terrific way to explore Clayton via walking or even biking. This free, self-guided course sought to promote an appreciation of the arts, enrich the downtown experience, and improve Clayton's unique sense of community.