4 Remote Lakes in North Carolina to Fish and Swim

What’s better than spending a day on the lake? How about spending a day on the lake in a remote part of town where it feels like you have the water all to yourself? 

Whether you’re interested in fishing or swimming, you’ll find these remote lakes in North Carolina provide exceptional beauty and tons of recreational fun.

Keep reading to discover the best time to fish and swim in these secluded gems.

About Swimming and Fishing in North Carolina

North Carolina is an outdoor lover’s paradise. You can choose from beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers, and everything in between.

So, whether you want to fish in a secluded mountain lake or swim in a tucked-away pond near town, you will have many options. But when is the best time to fish and swim outside in North Carolina?

The warm season lasts nearly four months, running from mid-May to mid-September, with average highs hovering around 80 degrees.

But July is the hottest month of the year, featuring an average high of 89 and a low of 71. Lake swimming would be best in North Carolina from late spring to early fall, peaking around mid-summer. However, even with high temperatures, you may still experience cold water, especially in the mountains.

North Carolina fishing lasts all year, depending on what you want to catch. But you can expect something to bite no matter the season. While summer can provide abundant species, many Carolina fishermen have great success catching walleyes and smallmouth bass in the cold mountain lakes during the winter.

1. Hiwassee Lake

Are you looking for a peaceful mountain retreat?  Check out Hiwassee Lake in Nantahala National Forest. This nearly 6,100-acre freshwater lake is in far Western North Carolina, tucked in the mountains and dense greenery. Hiwassee Lake is the most remote lake in North Carolina.

With 180 miles of shoreline, there are abundant recreational opportunities, from swimming and fishing to boating and water skiing. You can also kayak, canoe, hike, picnic, and camp. This lake offers solitude even during busy summer months.

The water can stay chilly, especially in the deeper parts, which can be up to 200 feet deep. But it’s warmer near the shoreline, where you can splash and play. And the lake offers excellent striped bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and muskie.

2. Lake Lure

This lake is the perfect blend of remoteness and civilization. Centered around a town by the same name, Lake Lure is in Western North Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s east of Asheville and about an hour and 40 minutes west of Charlotte.

Lake Lure offers a peaceful retreat from the city, where you can unwind by paddling, water skiing, hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming. It’s surrounded by mountains and forests and features a charming town with restaurants and other activities.

The sandy beach at Lake Lure features a family-friendly area with a park, a water slide, and water games. And if you come to fish, you will find both warm and cold-water species, such as bass, trout, bluegill, crappie, and perch. 

3. Hanging Rock Park Lake

Located in Hanging Rock State Park, this lake is 30 miles north of Winston-Salem in Northern North Carolina. Surrounded by rolling forested hills and abundant natural beauty, Hanging Rock Park Lake is a paradise for swimmers and fishers. Plus, visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking, tubing, and paddling. And if you feel adventurous, check out one of several waterfalls surrounded by lush scenery. In fact, there is a pristine swimming hole with a waterfall in the park. 

While the park is open year-round, visitors can only swim in the lake during the summer season. But fishing is available throughout the year. You will find largemouth bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, sunfish, and pumpkinseed. You can cast your line off the side of your boat or the shore or find a nearby accessible pier.

4. Badin Lake

Badin Lake is located in the Uwharrie National Forest, a little over an hour’s drive east of Charlotte. While it’s relatively secluded, many people spend summers and weekends in vacation homes around the lake. And there is plenty to do.

Visitors to Badin Lake can enjoy swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, four-wheeling, mountain biking, and camping. The lake features sandy beaches with roped-off swimming areas. And the fishing is abundant and regularly stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, bream, and sunfish.  

Remote Lakes in North Carolina to Fish and Swim: A Recap of the Top 4