Clemmons, NC Fishing: Beautiful Gateway to the Yadkin River System

Clemmons is a village in Forsyth County, northeast of Charlotte and southwest of Winston-Salem. This well-populated suburb is part of the Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point Metropolitan Area and is considered one of the most sought-after addresses in the state. Located along Interstate 40 and with direct access to Winston-Salem and the Yadkin Valley wine country, it positions itself as a great pit stop and home base for travelers exploring the Piedmont Triad.

The Village of Clemmons, formerly known as Clemmonsville, was founded in 1802 by Peter Clemmons, after whom the community was named. He came to the area with his wife and their brood of 14 from Delaware. It was eventually incorporated as an official municipality in 1986. The village still has markers of its history from the era of the Clemmons and his direct descendants, including the Clemmons Home, the bridge crossing over the Yadkin River, the Clemmons Moravian Church, and the Hattie Butner stagecoach.

Apart from being a thriving residential suburb, Clemmons has various attractions for travelers of all stripes. It is known for its focus on outdoor recreational spots, with its many golf courses, hiking and biking trails, and horseback riding facilities. With direct access to the Yadkin River, the village is among the many verifiable fishing tours destinations on the Triad. Its position on the I-40 gives adventurers a convenient gateway to even more fishing hotspots in the region, where freshwater charters await to take you to some of North Carolina’s favorite angling spots.

Clemmons Fishing

Fishing is a favorite recreational activity for many Clemmons locals who have access to many lakes, streams, and reservoirs within and around the area. Booking freshwater fishing charters, striped bass charters, and other local fishing guide services is highly recommended to maximize your time in this region.

Within the village itself, a popular angling spot is the beautifully peaceful Village Point Greenway. The Greenway project aims to connect neighborhoods throughout the village so residents can stroll while enjoying a lush nature view. It gives access to Village Point Lake via paved paths. The lake is likewise accessible via a fishing pier where anglers can fish the stocked lake all year round. The most common species in this lake are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, flathead catfish, redear sunfish, striped bass, warmouth, and crappie. The Greenway is a fantastic fishing spot because its public fishing area is closed to other water-based activities. This means you won’t have to compete with kayakers, swimmers, or jet skiers when fishing.

Tanglewood Park is a Clemmons village institution. This scenic park offers year-round fishing on its resident lake, Mallard Lake. On top of the park admission entrance, anglers will need to purchase a daily fishing pass apart from having a fishing license to fish in the lake. An annual fishing pass is highly recommended if you plan to come here multiple times a year.

Personal/private watercraft are not permitted in the lake to maintain its pristine condition. Pedal boats can only be used in a designated area. Swimming is likewise not allowed. Fishing on boats is also prohibited. Instead, there are designated areas for bank fishing around the lake. The lake holds bluegill and largemouth bass, which are best targeted along the shore where there are covers.

Off Highway 158, between the entrance to Tanglewood Park and the bridge, you will find public canoe access to the Yadkin River. This is just one of the many public access points to the river you will find all over the Triad region. It’s a fair place to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and some sunfish and catfish species, especially in the late evening or early morning while the water is still cool. The River Trail is a popular paddling trail with Class I and II ripples. The river has quite a few tributaries and reservoirs that offer even more fishing opportunities.

One such reservoir on the Yadkin River system that’s worth including in your crappie fishing trips is Badin Lake. This impoundment covers over 5,000 acres with more than a hundred miles of shoreline. Its eastern shoreline is accessible largely in the Uwharrie National Forest. The lake can get as deep as 190 feet. At its warmest, it can reach up to 85 degrees in summer, and at its coldest, it’s at 40 degrees. The lake is home to quite a few freshwater favorites, including largemouth bass, spotted bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, striped bass, blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, white perch, bluegill, walleye, and crappie.

The rest of Forsyth County boasts a few more accessible lakes and streams. A few minutes from downtown Winston-Salem, anglers can enjoy fishing in Salem Lake. This relatively small lake covers 365 acres but is filled with catch and incredible views. Some fish you can expect to catch here include largemouth bass, hybrid bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, carp, white perch, bluegill, and crappie. Anglers should note that the lake is only open for fishing on its designated pier on boats. Bank fishing is strictly prohibited.

Top 10 Fish Species in Clemmons, NC

The top 10 fish species in Clemmons are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, striped bass, and white bass.

Seasonal Fishing

Fishing in Clemmons and Forsyth County is year-round, but some months and seasons are better than others if you have a specific catch in mind. Largemouth bass are available in the region all year round but are best targeted in early spring during the pre-spawning season and fall. However, if you want to keep a trophy, wait until April. The open season for striped bass starts March 1 and lasts until April 30. If you can’t compete for the bass, then try catching crappie.

Enjoy Clemmons’ Range of Diverse Activities

Clemmons prides itself on its rich history and thriving present. This is a family-friendly destination with many exciting attractions and activities. Even as it maintains a quaint, homegrown feel, it’s never dull.

1. Book a Fishing Guide or Charter

North Carolina is a treasure trove of saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. Some experts in this state include Aunt Bee Sportfishing in Wilmington, Old North State Fishing in Stumpy Point, Salty Anchors Charters in Holden Beach, and Ipock’s Fishing Charters in Vanceboro. Just looking at the roster of fishing charters in NC gives you an idea of how rich and diverse the fishing experiences are in this part of the South. Whether a novice or an expert, booking a charter is the safest way to enjoy fishing in a new and unfamiliar place.

2. Enjoy Golfing

Clemmons is home to 4 golf courses and three municipal courses. A few more are located just within 20 minutes of the village. All the courses in this part of the Piedmont Triad are highly rated, offering scenic views, but if you want to experience the best of the region, Tanglewood Park Golf is your best bet.

3. Watch Art Films

Aperture Cinema is a favorite spot for many artsy Winston-Salem residents. This arthouse cinema is small and intimate and is the best place to catch indie, foreign, and festival films from within North Carolina and beyond.