Gastonia, NC Fishing: A Great Place for Great Fishing

Found in North Carolina’s southwest is the City of Gastonia. It is the largest city in Gaston County, occupying 14% of its total area. As part of the Charlotte area, it is the second-largest satellite city behind Concord. It is also the 13th most populous city in the state, following a notable increase of residents in 2019. In 1873, Gastonia began as a small railroad depot where the Atlanta & Charlotte Airline Railroad and the Chester and Lenoir Narrow Gauge Railroad were realigned. The two railroads, now known as Norfolk Southern and CSX, respectively, and the booming textile industry have led to developments and opportunities for employment and social life. When reconstruction of the city ended in 1877, it was officially incorporated as a city of the state. Gastonia was named after jurist and United States Representative William Gaston, a North Carolina local. 

Gastonia’s motto is: ‘Great Place. Great People. Great Promise.’ The state planning organization has also dubbed its downtown area a ‘Great Place in the Making’ because of its notable history and thriving arts district. Many establishments and sites in the city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Gastonia boasts its natural wonders through multiple parks, hiking trails, and a museum dedicated to natural history. With lakes dotted throughout the city, anglers will have no problem experiencing Gastonia's fun and fruitful fishing experiences. 

Gastonia Fishing

Gastonia is home to several lakes and creeks found throughout the city. They offer anglers opportunities to fish amongst nature or in an urban setting. The city also has the advantage of being near a 220-mile-long river that straddles the border of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Since 1922, Rankin Lake has been a community landmark of Gastonia and Gaston County’s citizens. The lake is located north of Gastonia, with access from N. Chester Street. When public recreation was expanded in the city park and the lake, it became a favorite spot for people to do passive activities, including bank fishing. Some of the fish species one can expect to find in the lake are largemouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, white perch, and black bullhead. The park area offers two fishing piers and limited space for bank fishing. Boat anglers can launch private vessels (canoes or kayaks only) or rent a boat from the Rankin Lake Boathouse. Anglers and boaters are not permitted to go beyond the buoy line at the pump station. People are also not allowed to go swimming and wading in the lake. The Boathouse offers rentals for fishing supplies. Anglers can head to the lake park to fish from 7 AM until sunset. During the weekends, the Boathouse is open from noon to 6 PM. 

Located near Rankin Lake is Kaglor Branch. It is a small creek that winds through the lake park, housing similar freshwater species such as largemouth bass, rock bass, and channel catfish. It merges with Long Creek at the park, having the same fish in its waters.

Robinwood Lake is another excellent freshwater fishing spot. It is best accessed from Robinwood Road near the city’s south. Simple techniques like baitcasting and spinning allow anglers to hook and reel in species like largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, and black crappie. The right side of the lake has three piers or docks from which anglers can fish or launch their vessels. 

Anglers looking for a more toned-down fishing experience can fish at the Gaston Country Club Lake. It can be found south of Gastonia, with access from the Gaston Country Club. The lake is known for its excellent bass fishery, housing species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, shoreline bass, white bass, rock bass, walleye, chain pickerel, and black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish, and blue catfish. Aside from bass, walleye, yellow perch, and chain pickerel are popular species caught from the lake. Baitcasting, spinning, and jigging are great ways to catch fish from its waters. Bass are commonly caught using topwater lures, buzzbaits, and poppers. When angling in the club's lake, bank fishing is the way to go. There is also wheelchair access and trails in the area.

Those willing to venture out of Gastonia can have the chance to fish in South Fork Catawba River to the city’s east. Its waters possess similar species found in local lakes. Anglers can target largemouth bass, blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, white crappie, black crappie, bluegill, and longnose gar from the long expanse of the lake. 

Cook's Fishing Lake, located on Cook's Lake Road, hosts carp fishing tournaments and is a great place for family fishing. In addition, the Gaston County Sheriff's Office hosts an annual bass fishing tournament to benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics North Carolina. Cash prizes are awarded to those who catch the largest fish in the county.

Top 10 Fish Species in Gastonia, NC

The top 10 fish species found in Gastonia, North Carolina, are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, and black crappie.

Seasonal Fishing

Bass species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, white bass, and striped bass are best targeted in the spring. Bass species are also best caught when an angler can find plenty of them during their spawning season. That season starts in March and lasts until May. For anglers who want to target channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish, the best months to visit Gastonia are April, May, September, and October. White crappie and black crappie’s spawning season aligns with those of bass species. This is also the perfect time to fish for them. Bream or panfish species like bluegill, white perch, and yellow perch can be caught all year. Bluegill are great targets, particularly in the winter and spring. Perch species are best fished for in the late spring and early summer, with the early morning and early evening the best times during the day. Walleye like low light conditions, so the best time of the year to fish for them is in the spring and fall. The most productive months are March through May and August through October. The summer and winter months are excellent times to target chain pickerel. Anglers can fish for them in the late afternoon or early dawn.

More Great Places in Gastonia

Gastonia shows off its story of revival and resurgence through its multiple interesting attractions.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Multiple lakes are found throughout Gastonia, making it a viable fishing destination for those looking to visit one of North Carolina’s fascinating and up-and-coming cities. Booking a fishing charter will give anglers the advantage of having a well-planned angling adventure in the city. Fishing spots also offer boat rental services near bait and tackle shops.

2. Explore Downtown Gastonia

Downtown Gastonia showcases historical buildings that are now home to a successful business and arts district. Gastonia's website provides a detailed map for those interested in exploring what downtown offers in terms of arts and antiquing. 

3. Visit the Schiele Museum

North America and North Carolina’s natural wonders are reflected in the Schiele Museum of Natural History’s exceptional indoor and outdoor exhibitions. The region’s rich history is also exhibited in the museum located on E. Garrison Boulevard. The museum also hosts the James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater, the second largest planetarium in North Carolina. Programs featured at the planetarium rotate monthly.