Greensboro, NC Fishing: Angling in North Carolina’s Picturesque Heartland

Situated in Guilford County in North Carolina is the city of Greensboro. It is a county seat and is the third-most populous city. Greensboro is also the largest city in the Piedmont Triad metropolitan region, which can be found in north-central North Carolina. Early inhabitants of the area that became Greensboro included the Saura, Siouan-speaking people, and Quakers. The city was planned around a central courthouse square to succeed as the county seat following Guildford Court House in 1808. This is because Greensboro was located in the county’s geographical center. Before 1895, the city was spelled ‘Greensborough.’ Its name honors General Nathanael Greene, who led American forces in the Revolutionary War.

Greensboro is home to a rich history and many notable attractions easily accessed because of its advantageously central location. Whether one wants to relax or be immersed in entertainment, it is the place to be. Despite being a bustling city, Greensboro is known for its abundance of emerald foliage. As a result, many think that it was named after its greenery. Downtown is a prosperous, vibrant, and thriving economic and urban center. Greensboro has been blessed regarding architecture and landscapes as it boasts more buildings designed by renowned architects than most cities in the state. Greensboro offers plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers as it is home to several large lakes.

Greensboro Fishing

Greensboro presents diverse angling opportunities, whether it’s a relaxing fishing experience amongst lush greenery or an exciting endeavor where one can immerse in other activities and attractions in the city.

Most angling in Greensboro is done by boat as bank fishing is generally not allowed. Swimming and wading are also not permitted in any city lakes; Lake Brandt can be found in the northwest. The 816-acre reservoir is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Day; the lake features largemouth bass, white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish, and blue catfish. Anglers can find other fish in its waters: bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, redear sunfish, black bullhead, common carp, and panfish; they can fish from piers or by boat. A launch ramp is located at the Lake Brandt Marina, accessed through Lake Brandt Road. On the days the lake is open, operating hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM. Rowboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes can be rented in-season. There are two piers, one is accessed off Bur-Mil Park, and the other is close to the marina. There is wheelchair access, and disabled anglers will be assisted by lake staff. Anglers can also obtain loaner rods and reel combos free from the marina. Lake Brandt is an excellent spot for baitcasting, spinning, and fly fishing. Slow rolling a jig through some covered areas and using topwater lures are effective ways to catch fish.

Right next to Lake Brandt to its west is Lake Higgins. It is the smallest of the city lakes; the 226-acre municipal reservoir offers some of the best fishing in the area. Angling can be done from the pier or by boat. Lake Higgins is an excellent trout fishing area as the adjacent Taylor Turner Hatchery Pond annually stocks rainbow trout. The lake’s other fish species are blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, sunfish, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, black crappie, black and yellow bullhead. Fish found around Lake Higgins Dam include similar species mentioned and common carp. The lake has similar operating days and hours as Lake Brandt but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The boat ramp and pier can be found at Lake Higgins Marina, accessed from Hamburg Mill Road. The marina offers free rod and reel combos rentals and sells fishing licenses. Various watercraft can also be rented daily. Fish feeders can be found near the bank fishing area. The most active angling area in the lake is the hatchery pond, accommodating up to 6,000 fish. The primary targets in the hatchery are trout and catfish. 

Lake Townsend is the largest of the municipal reservoirs in Greensboro. The 1,542-acre lake is situated in the northeast and was built mainly for recreational purposes. There are large and small boat ramps where anglers and boaters can launch their private vessels. Popular species to catch in its waters are largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, striped bass, white bass, channel catfish, white crappie, black crappie, and bluegill. The fishing pier and marina can be found at the Lake Townsend Yacht Club to the east and is open to the public. The marina also offers boat rental services. Like the other city lakes, Lake Townsend is available from 8 AM to 5 PM, except on holidays and on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Connecting creeks and channels are fantastic areas to catch large and heavy fish. Bass anglers will find plenty of the species in the main lake in deeper points. Spinning and jigging with opaque-colored baits and lures will be effective because the lake’s waters are usually stained or muddy. Trolling is also a popular way to reel in fish because of the lake’s vastness. Anglers are advised to use motorized boats so they can cover more water. 

Other fish that anglers can find in all three lakes include warmouth, shellcracker, threadfin, and gizzard shad. 

A year-long tournament was held in all Greensboro lakes called the Big Bass Battle. Winners are determined by who catches the largest bass every month. Monthly winners receive an annual permit, a gift card from whoever sponsors the event, and an entry to the Fish-Off.

Top 10 Fish Species in Greensboro, NC

The top 10 fish species found in Greensboro, North Carolina, are largemouth bass, white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish, blue catfish, rainbow trout, bluegill, chain pickerel, black bullhead, and common carp.

Seasonal Fishing

Largemouth bass fishing peaks in the spring and fall. Anglers targeting crappie can find they are most active from March to May during their spawning season. The best months to look for and reel in channel catfish are April, May, September, and October. Other catfish species are best targeted from late March to early May. Trout fishing season is open from April to February. Bluegill can be caught from April through October, but the best period is between May and June. Chain pickerel can be fished for in the summer and winter. Bullhead species can be caught all year, but less action is seen in the winter. Anglers will have a good chance of hooking them when there is daylight. Carp is another species that can be caught year-round.

Endless Attractions in Greensboro

Greensboro is home to over a hundred attractions, making it the perfect place to relax or have fun.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Because Greensboro is home to several large lakes, fishing charters are readily available to anglers, so they’ll be able to navigate the waterways effectively and efficiently. All lakes also offer boat, fishing gear, and equipment rental services. Bait and tackle shops can be found nearby fishing areas.

2. Attend a Living Museum

Elsewhere Collaborative is a living museum established inside an old thrift store on 606 S Elm Street. The museum is interactive and exhibits an evolving collection of objects and creations. The site also hosts events, performances, productions, and projects that foster communication between participants and creatives.

3. Explore Renowned Greenery

On Hobbs Road, visitors can access two renowned gardens, The Bog Garden and the Bicentennial Garden. The Bog Garden has an elevated boardwalk and miles of trails that wind through a garden of plants and wildlife in a wetland ecosystem. The Bicentennial Garden has miles of paved pathways, numerous outdoor sculptures, and a pavilion.