The art of fishing in North Carolina is handed down from generation to generation. For those visiting the state, North Carolina is an angler’s dream. The many lakes, streams, rivers, and bays along the Atlantic Coast provide an incredible array of fishing experiences. North Carolina guests who find state parks that lie alongside a lake or river are encouraged to park their RV to join other fishing camping enthusiasts. There are many species from which to choose when fishing in North Carolina, including crappie, striper, walleye, bass, catfish, salmon, sunfish, trout, bowfin, chain pickerel, longnose gar, muskie, northern pike, and tiger muskie. Any person 16 or older must purchase an angling license to fish anywhere in North Carolina.
Fishing Spots in North Carolina
Falls Lake
There are seven campgrounds on the shores of the 12,000-acre Falls Lake that service the Falls Lake Recreation Area with over 100 campsites capable of handling rigs up to 50 feet in length. Located in northeast North Carolina near Durham, Falls Lake carries a variety of fish species. Though fishing for largemouth bass gets the most attention, the other species in the lake include catfish, crappie, white bass, stripers, perch, and chain pickerel. With boat ramps available at each campground and two boat marinas on the lake, anglers can choose where to fish, depending on which species they are pursuing. Underwater stumps where fish like to feed are good fishing spots, and incoming streams provide feeding areas where square bill crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs work well.
The Mysterious Bay Lakes
Located about 20 miles south of Fayetteville, the Mysterious Bay Lakes include Jones Lake, the Carolina Bay Lakes, and Salter’s Lake. Jones Lake State Park services the area by offering six RV campsites with electrical and water hookups. Yellow perch dominate the lakes, with catfish, chain pickerel, blue sunfish, and suckers also taking the bait. Each lake is reachable via a trail from the campground.
B. Everett Jordan Lake
B. Everett Jordan Lake is a 13,940-acre reservoir created as a flood control facility in the center of the state near Apex, NC. The lake is the focal point of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area , which provides over 200 RV campsites spread amongst seven campgrounds located at various positions around the lake. Each campground offers a boat ramp for easy access to the lake. Anglers pursue several fish species in the lake, including bass, crappie, catfish, and other panfish. Watch for hidden stumps beneath the surface of the lake where fish congregate to feed.
Kerr Lake
Kerr Lake is a reservoir located north of Henderson, NC, near the North Carolina-Virginia border. It is serviced by the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. The lake is surrounded by eight campgrounds offering over 100 RV campsites with electric and water hookups. Five boat ramps are spaced about the 50,000-acre lake along with two fishing piers and miles of shoreline from which to fish. Most anglers use motorized boats to explore the lake in search of inbound creeks, small coves, and underwater stumps where fish such as striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish can be found.
Lake Norman
Fishing and camping in North Carolina are easy at Lake Norman State Park, which is about 40 miles north of Charlotte. The park lies along the shoreline of the 32,510-acre Lake Norman. Campgrounds offer 11 paved RV campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts. A boat ramp provides easy access to the lake where anglers pursue a wide variety of fish, including striped bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and perch. Outstanding amenities, including restrooms with flush toilets and bathhouses, are provided at each campground.
Where to Fish in North Carolina
Angling draws a lot of visitors to the state asking where to fish in North Carolina. Though lakes are the favorites for fishing in North Carolina, communities near rivers and streams see their banks crowded with children hoping to be the first to land a fighting fish on opening day. Depending on the species, fishing is always open, with some species limited to certain months while others are available during other months. The coordination of fishing seasons makes angling a year-round sport.
Camping and Fishing in North Carolina
Wherever you go in your RV for fishing and camping in North Carolina, make sure to pack up your supplies. With so many fishing locations providing multiple fish species, make sure to pack your tackle box with appropriate bait, lures, and flies for each. Fish are fickle; you never know which species will be biting on any day. Cooking utensils are crucial as freshly caught fish always taste best. Finally, make sure your refrigerator and freezer are in working order to bring your excess catches home.
If you are looking to stay the night at a fishing spot, the state provides a website for each campground, so check the types and number of sites available. Some campgrounds only provide primitive campsites while others have multiple full-hookup sites. Also, check to ensure that your RV will fit into the camps.
Include warm clothing, sunblock, and insect repellent on your list of necessities. Though seasons pass slowly in North Carolina, the weather is not always constant. Come prepared for the worst, and you’ll always be ready. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
To find exclusive fishing spots we highly recommend using Landtrust! This recreation access network connects you to landowners and their unique private properties. Find and book exclusive experiences and locations for your next RV fishing trip. With over 30 outdoor experiences like fishing, hunting, and foraging; Landtrust makes it easy to make the most out of your next RV trip.
