Raleigh, North Carolina, is well-positioned for access to several excellent fishing spots. Here’s a guide to some of the best fishing locations around Raleigh, along with tips for each spot:

1. Falls Lake

• Distance from Raleigh: Approximately 15 miles north.
• Size: About 12,000 acres.
• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, striped bass.
• Fishing Tips:
  • Spring: Bass are moving to shallow waters to spawn. Use soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits around shallow coves and points.
  • Summer: Focus on deeper structures and use deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and Texas rigs.
  • Fall: Look for bass in shallower areas as the water cools. Use topwater lures and jerkbaits.
  • Winter: Fish in deeper waters with slow-moving baits like jigs and deep-diving crankbaits.

2. Lake Johnson

• Distance from Raleigh: Approximately 5 miles south.
• Size: About 150 acres.
• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill.
• Fishing Tips:
  • Year-Round: Lake Johnson offers good fishing for bass and panfish. Use small jigs, spinnerbaits, and live bait. Focus on the areas around docks and submerged structures.

3. Lake Wheeler

• Distance from Raleigh: Approximately 10 miles southwest.
• Size: About 660 acres.
• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill.
• Fishing Tips:
  • Spring and Fall: Target bass in shallow areas and around submerged structures with soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
  • Summer: Fish deeper structures with Carolina rigs and deep-diving crankbaits.
  • Winter: Use slow-moving baits and focus on deeper waters.

4. Lake Benson

• Distance from Raleigh: Approximately 15 miles southeast.
• Size: About 400 acres.
• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill.
• Fishing Tips:
  • Spring: Bass are active in shallow waters. Use spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and crankbaits.
  • Summer: Focus on deeper areas with Carolina rigs and deep-diving crankbaits.
  • Fall: Look for bass in shallow areas. Use topwater lures and jerkbaits.
  • Winter: Fish deeper waters with slow-moving baits like jigs.

5. Swift Creek Lake

• Distance from Raleigh: Approximately 20 miles southeast.
• Size: About 170 acres.
• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill.
• Fishing Tips:
  • Year-Round: Fish around structures and vegetation. Use live bait, small jigs, and crankbaits.

6. Neuse River

• Distance from Raleigh: Runs through Raleigh.
• Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and striped bass (in some sections).
• Fishing Tips:
  • Spring and Fall: Fish in pools and eddies for bass and catfish using spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and live bait.
  • Summer: Focus on deeper parts of the river and use larger baits and lures.
  • Winter: Target deeper pools with slow-moving baits.

7. Jordan Lake

• Distance from Raleigh: Approximately 30 miles west.
• Size: About 14,000 acres.
• Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, striped bass.
• Fishing Tips:
  • Spring: Fish shallow areas for bass spawning. Use soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
  • Summer: Focus on deeper structures and use deep-diving crankbaits and live bait.
  • Fall: Look for bass in shallower areas as the water cools. Use topwater lures and jerkbaits.
  • Winter: Fish deeper waters with slow-moving baits like jigs and deep-diving crankbaits.

Fishing Tips for Raleigh Area

1. Seasonal Patterns: Adjust your fishing techniques based on the season and water temperature. Bass and crappie will often move between shallow and deep waters depending on the time of year.
2. Local Knowledge: Visit local bait shops for up-to-date information on fishing conditions and the best bait and techniques.
3. Licensing: Ensure you have a valid North Carolina fishing license and follow local regulations regarding size and bag limits.

General Safety and Conservation

• Safety: Always wear a life jacket when boating and be mindful of weather conditions.
• Conservation: Practice catch and release where appropriate, and clean up after yourself to protect the natural environment.

These fishing spots around Raleigh offer a range of opportunities for different species and fishing styles, making it easy to find a location that suits your preferences. Enjoy your time fishing in and around Raleigh!

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Raleigh, North Carolina Best Places to Fish