North Carolina’s many lakes, streams, rivers, and bays along the Atlantic Coast provide an incredible variety of experiences for fishing in North Carolina. There are many different types of fish you might catch when fishing in North Carolina, including crappie, striper, bass, catfish, salmon, trout, muskie, northern pike, and tiger muskie. Any person 16 or older must purchase a fishing license to fish anywhere in North Carolina.
Fishing Spots in North Carolina
Here are some of the best fishing spots in North Carolina. You’ll find plenty of bass fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Falls Lake
There are seven campgrounds on the shores of the 12,000-acre Falls Lake that are part of the Falls Lake Recreation Area. There are also over 100 campsites capable of handling rigs up to 50 feet in length. Located in northeast North Carolina near Durham, Falls Lake is home to a variety of fish species. Though fishing for largemouth bass gets the most attention, you might also fish for 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.
You can camp at the recreation area, where there are electric and water hookups and bathhouses.
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 has 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 has over 200 RV campsites spread among seven campgrounds located at various positions around the lake. Each campground offers a boat ramp for easy access to the lake. You can try to catch 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’s part of 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. Amenities, including restrooms with flush toilets and bathhouses, are provided at each campground.
Where to Fish in North Carolina
From the Coastal Region to the Piedmont Region to the Mountain Region, there are lots of areas for fishing in North Carolina. You can fish in rivers, streams, lakes, and the Atlantic for a variety of species. And thanks to North Carolina’s mild weather, you can fish year-round as well.
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 hosting a variety of 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 tastes best.
Include warm clothing, sunblock, and insect repellent on your packing list. Though seasons pass slowly in North Carolina, the weather is not always constant, and layers are a good idea. 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.
