Fuquay-Varina, NC Fishing: A Quaint Little Town in North Carolina

Fuquay-Varina is a little town in North Carolina that offers enormous opportunities for fishing. Read here to learn more!

Fuquay-Varina, NC Fishing: A Quaint Little Town in North Carolina
Fuquay-Varina, NC Fishing: A Quaint Little Town in North Carolina
Team Guidesly

November 8, 2022, 7 min read

Updated on November 3, 2022

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With over 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline to explore and fish, many consider North Carolina an angler's paradise. Its amazing waters are home to various fish species that you can catch using baits and different fishing techniques, making both local and tourist anglers delighted. With its abundant supply of fish, North Carolina can offer you outstanding recreational or commercial fishing opportunities. 

Fuquay-Varina, one of North Carolina's small cities in Wake County and lies south of Holly Springs, also has many lakes, ponds, and streams that inhabit freshwater fish species. You can catch plenty of them in regular size, but others can qualify for tournament fishing. 

Before the merging occurred in 1963, this city was two different ones back then: Fuquay Springs and Varina Station. Fuquay comes from the name of William Fuquay, a French veteran of the Revolutionary war. Being one of the early land grantees, he was the first to move his whole family to the area and bought 1,000 acres of land he then developed. 

Meanwhile, who would have thought that a pen-pal love story would give birth to the city name Varina Station? It was the love story of a Civil war soldier and his lover, Varina. These two historical cities made a wise decision to merge into one whole city that is now a small city that grows fruitfully. It has a unique heritage, a sizable commercial tobacco market, top-quality schools, different businesses, and a low unemployment rate. Moreover, Fuquay-Varina is one of North Carolina's progressive communities. Despite its growing popularity in fishing and tourism, residents are committed to preserving the city's century of history. This family-friendly community is a good tourist destination and an ideal place to live in. 

Fuquay-Varina Fishing 

a boat, angler, bridge over the Neuse river

North Carolina, as a whole, is no doubt a great fishing destination. No matter what time of the year you're able to visit, many fish species await you. In Fuquay-Varina, its lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams are full of different freshwater fish species, such as largemouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, bluegill, and green sunfish. 

All of the species mentioned above can are present in Fuquay-Varina's various water bodies. Partins Pond, near Willow Spring High school and South Lakes, is where you will find largemouth bass, bluegill, and green sunfish. Lake Powell, located near Elizabeth Church, is filled with black crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Kenneth Pond in Harnett County also has its share of freshwater fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 

The largemouth bass is consistently good in any lake or pond you visit; you will see them almost everywhere. The largemouth bass is the most common and one of the sought-after fish species in the whole state of North Carolina. Since they are an aggressive type of fish, anglers consider it an exciting species to catch using artificial fishing lures. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and top water lures when largemouth bass are in shallow waters will give you a good catch. But jigs and worms will work wonders in deeper water areas. 

The spotted bass is also a fighter fish found in aquatic vegetation, submerged logs, and on rivers and streams. You can catch this species using various fishing techniques like fly fishing, casting, and spinning, together with artificial and natural baits. 

Clear ponds, slow-moving rivers, and even reservoirs inhabit black crappie. Most of the time, they gather in areas with any cover or aquatic vegetation. Just like largemouth bass, crankbaits and spinners work well in catching black crappie as long as they are in shallow waters. But spoons are the best lure to see them when they move into deeper waters.

When you are targeting bluegill, go to an area with clear water but has a bottom covered with sand or mud, and you will find them. Its vast population lies on the warm shallow waters of lakes, ponds, streams, and slow-moving rivers. Putting lures on small hooks and fly fishing is the usual technique for catching this species. If you wish to see them, you can use worms, crickets, a tiny spinner, or any natural bait for good results. 

On the other hand, you can easily catch green sunfish using baitcasting. Semolina balls, marshmallows, wax worms, and blood worms are the effective bait you may use to catch this fish. Moreover, another exciting thing about the green sunfish is it's a popular fish among aquarium enthusiasts because of its bright green color. 

Dense vegetation surrounded by rock piles and thick covers is the favorite hideout of green sunfish. Dry flies, small crankbaits, spinners, and other natural baits are often effective when fishing for this species. Aside from baits, the angler's formation while catching green sunfish will determine the success rate. Fishing close to the shore and under dugout areas may secure a good catch. 

Aside from these tips and techniques, you must consider hiring a chartered captain, especially if you are a first-timer or not quite familiar with your destination. 

Plenty of fishing charters in North Carolina with well-experienced captains will make your fishing trip fun and memorable. Captain David Johnson of Salty Anchor Charters specializes in fishing trips that target sea trout, summer flounder, southern flounder, and redfish. He also offers a shellfishing trip and even a treasure-hunting activity using a top of line metal detecting equipment. If you are interested in trying something new, you might as well book your fishing trip with him. 

Ipock's Fishing Charter will bring you to North Carolina's top fishing destinations. Being led by Captain Julius, who has over two decades of fishing experience, there is no doubt he will offer only quality guide service. 

Coastal Carolina Charters is your top pick if you want to fish near the Atlantic beach. Captain Scott Webb will surely give you an experience of a lifetime as you fish for species like great barracuda, amberjack, mahi-mahi, and gag grouper. 

You can also explore the beautiful waters of the Neuse River with the help of Captain Joe of Cap's Fishing Charter. Regardless if you are a beginner or a pro, he will try his best to give you an exciting experience by bringing you to the right places wherein you can land a great catch. 

 

Top 10 Fish Species in Fuquay-Varina 

The top 10 fish species found in Fuquay-Varina are largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, channel catfish, white catfish, green sunfish, white crappie, striped bass, bowfin, and pinfish

Seasonal Fishing 

North Carolina's fishing season lasts from late spring until the early fall. When the water starts to get warmer, that is when the majority of fish species become active. The demand for fishing during the summer is peak because fishery in North Carolina's abundant waters is most productive during the summer and early fall seasons. However, the success of your fishing getaway will also depend on your target fish species, so you might as well plan before your trip. 

As the winter season comes, many fish species become inactive. However, fishing remains good in the entirety of the state. Fish could be anywhere even if ice covers the surface, so the common misconception that fish have to be deep during those months is not entirely true. Some might be hard to catch, but you can still find active fish almost anywhere, especially the bass species. 

Experience the Family-friendly Community of Fuquay-Varina

Aside from freshwater fishing, what attracts tourists to Fuquay-Varina is its family-friendly community and satisfactory quality of life. The city has an exciting history and a lot of establishments that blend into the city's vintage charm.

Below are some of the exciting places you must visit in Fuquay-Varina, NC:

1. Shop Local Goods at The Growers Market 

This Growers Market in downtown Fuquay features local produce goods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, milk, and other agricultural products. The market now has 50 full-time, part-time, and even guest vendors who will be on rotating duty for the year. 

Make sure to visit the market once you come to Fuquay-Varina and experience freshly produced, made, and prepared goods. 

2. Grab a Drink at The Mason Jar Tavern

Whether you come to eat delicious food after a tiring day at work or you wish to drink some beer with your family and friends, The Mason Jar Tavern has it all for you. 

Have a taste of southern hospitality through the mason jar's welcoming ambiance and good food and beer that you can share with your colleagues. Experience the fun in this local bar and have an extension of an exciting weekend getaway. 

3. Satisfy your Inner Child at South Park

This 25-acre park offers many recreational activities you can enjoy with your family and friends. It provides two illuminated, fenced-in baseball fields, two separate playgrounds, a batting cage, a walking track, a multipurpose field, a picnic shelter, and a 6,000 square feet splash pad open from 11 am to 7 pm. 

These amenities are all enjoyable and suitable for kids and even adults who are still kids at heart. Other amenities would make your stay comfortable and provide enough parking space, so you don't have to worry about your car and belongings. 

Fish in Fuquay-Varina and beyond.