Raleigh, NC Fishing: Angling in the City of Oaks

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and is also the seat of Wake County. Raleigh is famous for its oak trees lining the streets in the city's center and is known as the City of Oaks. Established in 1972 as North Carolina's capital city, it was later named to honor Sir Walter Raleigh, who founded the lost Roanoke Colony in present-day Dare County. Raleigh is the sole state capital planned by the U.S.

Raleigh is home to North Carolina State University. It is part of the Research Triangle with Durham, home of Duke University and North Carolina Central University, and Chapel Hill, where the University of North Carolina is located. As years went by, Raleigh became one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States by the early 21st century. Raleigh's population was estimated at 474,708 in 2020.

The location of Raleigh makes it a suitable spot for travelers. Raleigh boasts numerous museums where tourists can spend time learning about the history of Raleigh and, at the same time, appreciate the city's art and culture. It is undoubtedly a place where history buffs will enjoy. Aside from museums, Raleigh has state parks where tourists can relax or engage in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. Raleigh is the home of N.C. State Fair, North Carolina's largest annual event. It is an agricultural exposition organized by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Raleigh is also home to the Annual Big Frosty Beer Festival held in Raleigh Beer Garden, where local presents some of their sample breweries. 

The lakes surrounding Raleigh are some of the sought-after popular destinations for sport fishing, given how abundant bass fishing is in the Raleigh area. 

Raleigh Fishing

Raleigh offers some great fishing opportunities across the state, and the fishing season is open year-round.

Lake Raleigh is the perfect place to start your fishing trip in Raleigh. The lake is home to fish like largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, white crappie, channel catfish, bowfin, rock bass, and pumpkinseed. Lake Johnson is another spot within the Raleigh area that offers fish such as orangespotted sunfish and flathead catfish. Anglers looking for blue catfish, yellow perch, and white perch can try their luck in Lake Wheeler. Bass and crappie fishing are best in Lake Benson. Lake Crabtree and Beaverdam Lake is the prime spot for catfish, bass, and crappie fishing. Common carp and yellow bullhead are also caught here. There are many more lakes where anglers can cast their line in the Raleigh area. Fishing for green sunfish and black bullhead is abundant in Shelley Lake, while Beaman Lake is rich with white sucker. Catfish, bass, crappie, and bullheads fishing is abundant in the waters of Camp Durant Lake Number One. Warmouth and the southern black beam are caught in the Perry Creek area near Wake Forest. Crabtree Creek runs across the whole city of Raleigh and ends in the Neuse River Trail. The creek is abundant with brook trout, bass, and catfish fishing. Catfish and bullheads are the main attraction in the Greshams Lake area. Pumpkinseed and crappie are also plentiful here.

Falls Lake is approximately 37 minutes away from central Raleigh and is accessible via Creedmoor Road. The lake has largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, channel catfish, bowfin, white perch, and pumpkinseed. It is a very famous fishing spot for anglers. Jordan Lake is the most suitable place for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, white bass, yellow perch, and striped bass.

Anglers use the five basic fishing methods: light tackle fishing, fly fishing, baitcasting, spinning, and trolling. Baitcasting is best to use when fishing for fish like bass and catfish. Meanwhile, beginning anglers who want to test their fly fishing skills should know the basic rules in using the technique. Spinning is the most popular fishing technique, especially for beginners. Trolling is also a suitable technique for bass fishing. Light tackle fishing is ideal if you plan to go after all the fish found in the lakes around Raleigh.

Anglers aged 16 and older fishing in public waters in North Carolina must have a fishing license. It is also essential to know the size and bag limits for fish you wish you catch. Tackle and bait shops are available near fishing locations across Raleigh. Anglers are urged to check the weather and water condition before fishing.

Top 10 Fish Species in Raleigh, NC

The top 10 fish species found in Raleigh are largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, white crappie, channel catfish, bowfin, rock bass, brook trout, yellow bullhead, and pumpkinseed.

Seasonal Fishing

Largemouth bass and rock bass are native species found in North Carolina, and June is a great month to catch them. Their spawning season occurs in spring when the waters are warm. The spawning season for bluegill usually begins around May and continues through October. Anglers can catch them from April through October, but the most suitable time is between May and June. Crappie fishing is best done from March to May during their spawning season. Channel catfish are caught best during April, May, September, and October. Fishing for brook trout is open from April to February. Catching bowfin is most suitable during spring, while their spawning season commences from March to early June. Yellow bullhead are available any month of the year, but angling for such fish is best from February through October. They breed and spawn from April to July. Pumpkinseed start to spawn when waters warm around late spring to early summer. They can be caught any time of year.

Unboxing the Beautiful Raleigh, NC

Aside from being known for its oak trees and fishing sites, Raleigh is also famous for its museums and is hailed by the magazine Men's Health as the third sportiest city in America.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Raleigh is surrounded by different lakes and creeks, making it a perfect place for anglers to cast their line and go after some of the best fish in North Carolina. Anglers can book fishing charters that are available across Raleigh. Local fishing experts will be a great help, especially if you visit the area for the first time. Boat rental services are available throughout Raleigh.

2. Museum Tour Across the City of Oaks

Raleigh is sometimes called the "Smithsonian of the South" because of the free museums, historical attractions, and educational institutions found in the area. Start your museum tour in Raleigh by visiting the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History. If you are a tourist interested in arts and creative pieces, it is highly suggested to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh). Kids can also enjoy their time in Raleigh by visiting the Marbles Kids Museum. And of course, last but not least, tourists can visit the City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum), which features exhibits that focus on the history of Raleigh. Raleigh's other museums include the Gregg Museum of Art & Design, Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum, Pope House Museum, North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, Raleigh Fire Museum, and Ranleigh Dairy Heritage Museum.

3. Sports and Outdoors Activities

Raleigh offers different kayaking, biking, hiking, or running areas. Raleigh has numerous parks where travelers can take a day out to swim, ride a boat, or relax as they feel the natural environment. Sports facilities in Raleigh offer batting cages, rock walls, tennis parks, ice rinks, and aquatic centers. Tourists can also participate in horseback riding activities or try some of the many golf courses found in Raleigh.