The 6 Best Fishing Lakes in North Carolina (And the Types of Fish to Expect!)

North Carolina has plenty of fishing opportunities, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. Its coast is actually a world-class fishing destination. But what about its lakes? You will find shallow waters and deep pools to target various species, with over 500 public access points across the state. Some of the best freshwater fish to target in North Carolina include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie. Check out these six best fishing lakes in North Carolina and discover what you can catch within their waters. 

1. Lake Norman

Located 20 miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman is the largest artificial freshwater body of water in North Carolina. It’s the perfect outdoor getaway that’s still close to the city. And it’s one of the best fishing lakes in North Carolina. People from around the globe visit Lake Norman to fish in its waters. Largemouth bass, channel catfish, and spotted bass are the most popular fish to catch. But you will also find crappie, striped bass, and perch. And some of the best fishing spots include Lake Norman State Park, Patriot Pier, and Stump Creek.

2. High Rock Lake

This large reservoir is in Central North Carolina on the Yadkin River. High Rock Lake features 365 miles of shoreline and 15,000 acres of water and is the second-largest lake in the state. It’s a popular recreational destination where people can kayak, paddleboard, boat, water ski, wake surf, swim, and fish. High Rock Lake is also one of the best fishing lakes in North Carolina. The most sought-after fish include largemouth bass, blue catfish, and crappie. And you can also find bluegill, white bass, striped bass, sunfish, flathead catfish, and channel catfish.

3. Jordan Lake

Jordan Lake is 30 miles west of Raleigh and features 14,000 acres of recreational fun. This is a favorite local spot for camping, boating, fishing, and swimming. With fishing piers, ponds, and offshore fishing, this reservoir is perfect for an afternoon excursion. Largemouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie are the best fish to catch in this water. And you can also find bluegill, white crappie, blue catfish, white bass, and bowfin. Jordan Lake also has an excellent striped bass fishery, where you can find them five pounds or larger.

4. Lake Glenville

Lake Glenville is the highest-elevation lake east of the Rockies, featuring an altitude of 3,400 feet. This large reservoir is in Southwest North Carolina, surrounded by mountains and forests. It’s the perfect spot for boating, swimming, kayaking, and waterfall hikes. This lake is a hidden gem in the mountains and a locally well-known spot for bass fishing. Some of the best fishing is from largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, and trout (rainbow and brown). You can also catch yellow perch, large brim, and catfish. Take the boat out and enjoy the crisp, clean, and clear waters of the North Carolina mountains.

5. Lake Fontana

Situated between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest, Lake Fontana is a sight to behold. This stunning reservoir sits along the Little Tennesse River and is the largest lake in Western North Carolina. If you need a peaceful mountain retreat, check out Lake Fontana! People from all over the state visit this lake for camping, backpacking, boating, swimming, fishing, and much more. This deep reservoir is perfect for a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, catfish, spotted bass, steelhead, crappie, and perch. But the most common catches include bass (large, small, spotted, and white) and trout (rainbow and brown).

6. Lake Chatuge

Located along the Hiwassee River, Chatuge Lake is a reservoir with more than 130 miles of shoreline in Southern North Carolina and Northern Georgia. It’s a shallow body of water with finger-like projections, perfect for secluded fishing and swimming. People also visit the lake for its relaxing beaches, boating, water skiing, and camping. Lake Chatuge is an excellent destination for a camping retreat, where you can catch walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. You may also find bluegill, bream, and hybrid striped bass.

Summary of the Best 6 Fishing Lakes in North Carolina