The Top 5 Big Fish Lakes in NC

The great state of North Carolina is home to some of the best fishing spots in the country. From crystal clear trout streams to deep blue bass lakes, NC has it all.

By Thomas Stewart:

We'll be taking a look at the top five big fish lakes in North Carolina. Whether you're looking for a trophy largemouth or a monster musky, you'll find it in one of these lakes. 

So grab your fishing rod and tackle box, and let’s explore the fishing possibilities of North Carolina!

Lake Norman

With a surface area of over 32,000 acres, Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in the state. It is also known for its large fish population, with largemouth bass, catfish, and striped bass among the most commonly caught species. 

Lake Norman is a great destination for a variety of activities. The lake offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, from boating and water sports to fishing and hiking.

There are numerous parks located around the lake, offering access to trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreational opportunities. 

If you’re feeling adventurous there is even a zip line course located on the lake. For those looking for a more relaxing experience Lake Norman also offers plenty of marinas with waterfront dining and shopping options. 

There are also numerous public boat launches where visitors can launch their own boats or rent one for their day on the lake. 

South Holston Lake

This lake is located about an hour from Boone and offers excellent fishing opportunities for species such as smallmouth bass, catfish, and stripers. It's also known for its large and healthy fish populations, and the lake's tailwaters are considered to be one of the best trout fishing spots in the Southeast.

Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to explore the lake. You can rent kayaks or canoes at nearby rental companies. 

If you’d rather stay on land, there are many trails that wind around the lake. Hiking through the surrounding forests is a great way to enjoy the beauty of South Holston Lake.

No matter where you choose to go fishing, make sure you take advantage of the nearby Boone restaurants when you need a break from the lakes. There are plenty of great restaurants in Boone that offer delicious food and a unique atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to refuel during your fishing trip.

High Rock Lake

Located in the central part of the state, High Rock Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and water sports. It is well-stocked with a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, and is known for its large and healthy fish populations. The lake is also home to several fishing tournaments and events throughout the year.

Additionally, High Rock Lake has several marinas and boat launches where you can rent boats or bring your own to enjoy a day on the water. The lake is also a popular spot for water sports such as skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.

High Rock Lake also has several campgrounds surrounding the lake, where you can spend the night and enjoy the great outdoors. The campgrounds have amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms.

Kerr Lake

Spanning the border between North Carolina and Virginia, Kerr Lake is another great destination for big fish hunters. The lake is well-stocked with a variety of species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and striped bass, and is known for its large fish populations. 

The lake is also home to several marinas and fishing guides, making it a convenient and accessible destination for anglers.

Kerr Lake has several campgrounds located around the lake, where you can spend the night and enjoy the great outdoors. The campgrounds have amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms.

The area around Kerr lake has several hiking trails, including the Kerr Lake Trail, which is a 3.6 miles scenic trail that goes around the lake, providing beautiful views of the lake and wildlife.

Falls Lake

Falls Lake located east of Durham,NC. This 12,000-acre lake is known for its large fish populations, including largemouth bass, catfish, and striped bass. It's a popular spot for recreational anglers and fishing tournaments.

Falls Lake has several marinas and boat launches where you can rent boats or bring your own to enjoy a day on the water. The lake is also a popular spot for water sports such as skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.

There are several boat ramps around the lake that make it easy to launch a boat and spend the day fishing or exploring. Swimming is also popular at Falls Lake, with several designated swimming areas located near the lake's shoreline. 

Conclusion

North Carolina is a great state to fish in. With its many lakes and rivers, it's no wonder why so many people come here to enjoy their fishing experience.

The big fish lakes in North Carolina offer something for every angler. Whether it's bass fishing, walleye fishing, catfishing, trout fishing or any other species of sportfish, these lakes have a variety of opportunities and features that make them an ideal destination for fishermen. 

From their breathtaking beauty to their plentiful supply of big fish, these lakes provide memorable fishing experiences. For those looking for a freshwater escape full of adventure and great catches, these five big fish lakes in NC are sure to deliver!