Salisbury, NC Fishing: Hook A Fish in The Heart of The Piedmont Region

Salisbury is a city in North Carolina's Piedmont region. Since 1753, when it expanded its territory to include the Mississippi River, it has been the county seat of Rowan County. 

Salisbury is one of the most historical cities in the world, and you will find traces of it everywhere you look. Five Local Historic Districts, ten National Register Historic Districts, three historic theaters, the magnificent "Crossroads-Past Into Present," a historic Salisbury mural, and much more exist in this city. Salisbury also features a block-sized Bell Tower Green Park; Hap's Grill (nationally famous for its hotdogs and burgers); Cheerwine (the city's hometown soda); original businesses and restaurants; and more.

In its early days, Salisbury was a frontier community that witnessed some of the biggest names and events in American history. During his southern tour in 1791, George Washington visited this place. Then, Daniel Boone explored the country around Salisbury as a child before blazing trails in the wilderness. Lastly, Andrew Jackson studied law here before practicing in North Carolina. 

Salisbury was also the site of a legendary Confederate prison, which the historic national cemetery now surrounds. It is home to a growing arts community, four colleges, and a diverse business community. Moreover, it is also a fishing haven. If you want to try its fishing climate, it's easy to go here. Salisbury's convenient location, off I-85 between Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem, makes going here a breeze.

Salisbury Fishing

There are many excellent fishing spots in Rowan County in North Carolina, such as High Rock Lake, Lake Norman, Yadkin River, and Badin Lake. Salisbury, located in the same county, has its fair share of incredible fishing destinations.

One of these can be found in Salisbury City Park. A recreation center, two play structures, a climbing wall, four tennis courts, six pickleball courts, two picnic shelters with tables and grills, a four-acre scenic lake, and a Patriots Flag Concourse are all of this 41-acre park.

The Salisbury City Park Lake is an artificial lake built in June 1936. It is next to a dam and has an average of 6.5 feet in depth. A nearby area of approximately 300 acres supplies water to the lake. It is regularly stocked with different trout varieties, such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. Come fall, the fish stocking changes into largemouth bass, bream, channel catfish, and sterile grass carp. A bridge and a mini fishing pier are also installed to make angling here more comfortable. 

But Salisbury City Lake isn’t always like this. There came a time it looked horrible. The lake was overgrown with algae and weeds, and trash was everywhere. According to a Landscape Architect, the lake became shallow. That is due to the sediments running in the lake for a long time. 

In 2020, the city worked on a fix that would make the lake and park even nicer. Initially, the lake had to be drained, the dam stabilized, and the hydrilla removed. Afterward, they repaired and added enhancements like bridges and a fishing pier. Now, the lake is once again in tip-top condition. Fishing is again open here, and you can catch different species as the lake is regularly stocked. 

Another excellent fishing destination in Salisbury Area is Grant’s Creek. The creek flows from Landis to China Grove, Salisbury, and Spencer and empties into High Rock Lake. You may catch channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, bowfin, bluegill, white crappie, and white bass from this creek. 

Baitcasting is among the fishing techniques widely utilized by anglers in Salisbury. That is because most fish species here love to bite on the bait. For example, the largemouth bass is an aggressive feeder and will snatch any strong-smelling bait you attach to your hook. The same applies to the different catfish varieties found here. You will get a good fishing experience catching a catfish if you have a nightcrawler, gizzard shad, or white sucker. 

Aside from baitcasting, you may also use the fly fishing method in Salisbury. This fishing technique is best for catching the regularly stocked trout species in Salisbury City Park Lake. 

When you go to Salisbury for fishing, get a North Carolina fishing license. You may get it from the nearby fishing stores or check if there is an option to request it online. The fishing license in Salisbury is regulated and issued by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and fishing spots around the Salisbury area require it. Aside from that, you should also abide by the fishing rules and regulations imposed by the North Carolina Wildlife Department. 

Top 10 Fish Species In Salisbury, NC

The top 10 fish species to catch in Salisbury, NC, are largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, rainbow trout, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white bass, brown trout, and grass carp.

Seasonal Fishing

Fishing in Salisbury is a whole-year activity, but if you want to target certain fish species, you must familiarize yourself with their seasonality. For example, if you’re going to catch trophy-sized largemouth bass and channel catfish, come here during fall or from September to December. Remember, Fall is the time when Salisbury City Park stocks its lake with these fish species. 

However, if you want to, you can catch bluegill, a popular fish among anglers. You must get here during spring or early summer. These times, they gather in shallow waters to spawn, become aggressive, and are easy to catch. Use a small lure or bait just below a small bobber. You may also wade or boat within easy casting distance of nests if you want to catch bluegill successfully. 

Rekindle The Past When You Visit Salisbury

Salisbury is rich in history, and there are several places that you may visit to learn more about its past. 

1. Meet the War Heroes Lying in Salisbury National Cemetery

Salisbury National Cemetery was established in 1874 and was a final resting place for many war veterans. More than 11,000 unidentified soldiers killed at the Salisbury Confederate Prison during the Civil War are buried at the cemetery within 18 trench graves. Among the veterans buried at the Salisbury National Cemetery is Lorenzo Deming. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, served on the United States Picket Boat Number 1, and was imprisoned at the Salisbury Confederate Prison at age twenty.

2. Know What Pre-Civil War North Carolina Looks Like at Rowan Museum

During the Civil War, General Stoneman raided the Rowan Museum in Salisbury, North Carolina, which is now home to the Rowan Museum. The structure is a prime example of pre-Civil War architecture in North Carolina. The museum's collection's artifacts and other historical items are displayed throughout its grand old rooms, including the beautiful second-floor gathering space and court. Through the Rowan Museum's interpretive exhibits and displays, visitors can learn about the history and life of Rowan County.

3. Experience Diverse Musical Genres Through the Beacon Hall

Bacon Hall is a must-see for music lovers. The Beacon Hall has become an institution for performing diverse musical genres as part of Salisbury's music scene. When there aren't any musical performances at Beacon Hall, guests can participate in workshops and classes suited to their skill level. In the past, Beacon Hall has hosted a free concert and a master class guitar workshop with Scott Ainslie for musicians and music lovers.