Best Places to Fish in Raleigh 

Are you searching for the best places to fish in Raleigh, NC? Here are ten great fishing spots in Raleigh!

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned angler, Raleigh is home to many great fishing spots. Home to many lakes open to the public and offering various outdoor activities, living in Raleigh is a dream for residents who love to fish. 

With many lakes and parks to choose from for your next fishing adventure, freshwater fishing in Raleigh's various lakes, rivers, and streams is one of the most popular recreational activities residents enjoy all year. 

If you are looking for a great spot to fish with your friends and family, Raleigh is a great place to live. Check out these top ten fishing spots in the Raleigh area. 

Visit these fishing spots in Raleigh 

1. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area 

Address: 280 State Park Road, Apex, NC 27523 

Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM daily

Phone Number: (919) 362-0586 

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is one of the best places to fish in Raleigh. Located in Chatham County, 30 miles west of Downtown Raleigh, Jordan Lake is well known for its camping, boating, and recreational opportunities. 

This beautiful lake covers 13,940 acres and has a shoreline of 180 miles. It was created when the Haw and New Hope Rivers were dammed. Considered a popular recreation area, fishing is one of the top activities here. 

Fishermen are required to have a valid North Carolina fishing license, and visitors can fish from a boat or at various fishing spots along the bank. The most popular fish caught here include Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Striped Bass, Catfish, Bream, Sunfish, Bluegill, and White Perch. 

2. Lake Crabtree County Park 

Address: 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27580 

Hours: 8 AM to 7:30 PM daily

Phone Number: (919) 460-3390 

Lake Crabtree County Park is a 520-acre park in Wake County located between Cary, Morrisville, and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Built-in 1989 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, fishing is one of the most popular activities at Lake Crabtree. 

Featuring a fishing pier with handicapped accessibility and designated fishing areas along the shoreline, this is a great place to fish in the Raleigh area as long as participants have a valid fishing license. 

Some of the most popular fish caught at Lake Crabtree County Park are Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Blue Catfish, Black Crappie, and Common Carp. Please bring your own bait and return any rented fishing equipment when fishing. 

3. Lake Johnson Park 

Address: 4601 Avent Ferry Road, Raleigh, NC 27606 

Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM daily

Phone Number: (919) 996-3141

Lake Johnson Park is a recreation area and 150-acre lake in Raleigh that is best known for its paved greenway, natural surface trails, boat rentals, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities. Fishing is available on the boardwalk, fishing pier, designated fishing area on the bank, and from a personal paddle craft. 

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Lake Johnson Park and is a great family-friendly activity. All visitors who choose to fish must have a valid North Carolina fishing license. While you'll need to provide your bait, fishing poles are available for rent from the Waterfront Center at the park. 

4. Lake Wheeler Park

Address: 6404 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, NC 27603 

Hours: 6 AM to 8 PM daily 

Phone Number: (919) 996-6740

If you want a nice place to fish in Raleigh, consider visiting Lake Wheeler Park. This lakefront recreation area features boat rentals, picnic pavilions, a children's playground, and fishing opportunities. 

This 650-acre lake is perfect for the whole family and is also ideal for watersports, such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowing. Fishing is allowed on the two designated fishing piers and the shoreline of Simplins Pond. Bank fishing is not permitted at Lake Wheeler. All visitors must have a valid and up-to-date North Carolina fishing license. 

5. William B. Umstead State Park 

Address: 8801 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27617 

Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM daily 

Phone Number: (984) 867-8240 

William B. Umstead State Park is one of the best places in Raleigh to hike in the fall and offers excellent fishing all year round. This popular Wake County state park covers 5,599 acres and features three artificial lakes, each different in size. Big Lake is 55 acres, and Sycamore Lake and Reedy Creek Lake are 25 acres. 

The lakes are considered central features of the park, and fishing is one of the biggest recreational activities offered here, alongside boating and canoeing. Fishing is allowed in all three lakes if visitors have a valid North Carolina fishing license and bring their bait. Common catches here include Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill. 

6. Bass Lake Park 

Address: 900 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs, NC 27540 

Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM daily 

Phone Number: (919) 567-4028 

Bass Lake Park is a well-maintained recreation area with a 50-acre lake in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Featuring nature trails, a nature center, picnic pavilions, and conference facilities, it is considered a hidden gem in the Raleigh area.

As its name suggests, Bass Lake Park is a great place to catch Largemouth Bass, Brim, Crappie, and Catfish. Fishing at Bass Lake is free if you have a valid fishing license, and visitors can fish from the fishing piers and on the bank. 

The fish is stocked with 1500 pounds of catfish every other month between mid-spring and mid-fall, so there should always be something to catch. Live and packaged bait is available inside the nature center next to the fishing pier. 

While there are no fishing limits here for Sunfish and Crappie, there is a limit on Bass and Catfish. 

Type of Fish	Limit	Minimum Size
Bass	No more than five per person per day	14 inches
Catfish	No more than six per person per day	12 inches

*Data Sourced from the Town of Holly Springs. 

7. Falls Lake State Recreation Area 

Address: 13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587 

Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM daily 

Phone Number: (984) 867-8000

Falls Lake State Recreation Area is located in Wake and Durham Counties, 15 miles East of Downtown Durham and 20 miles North of Downtown Raleigh. This 12,410-acre reservoir has a shoreline of 175 miles and extends 28 miles up the Neuse River. 

Fishing is allowed at one of the many wheelchair-accessible fishing docks, from the riverbank, or your boat launched at the Highway 50 Boat Launch. The most popular fishing season at Falls Lake is from late spring to early fall. 

Fishing at Falls Lake is prohibited from any bridge or a designated swimming area. The most popular catches here are Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. Make sure to have a valid North Carolina fishing license. 

8. Lake Lynn

Address: Lynn Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 

Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM Saturday, and 1 PM to 6 PM Sunday 

Phone Number: (919) 996-2911 

Lake Lynn is a beautiful artificial lake in North Raleigh that features nature trails, fishing opportunities, water sports, a park with tennis courts, batting cages, a playground, and a baseball field. 

Originally created in 1976 for flood control purposes, this 75-acre lake park has become a must-visit in the Raleigh area for its relaxing setting and nature-filled activities. 

All anglers fishing at Lake Lynn must have an up-to-date fishing license and come prepared with bait and equipment. Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Bluegill are some of the most caught species here. 

9. Fred G Bond Metro Park 

Address: 801 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513 

Hours: 7:30 AM to 9 PM daily 

Phone Number: (919) 462-3970

Fred G. Bond Metro Park is the largest municipal park in Cary and one of the best parks in the Raleigh area. Frequently described as an "oasis," many visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic tables, athletic fields, an amphitheater, a challenge course, and a boathouse. 

Fishing is one of the best activities visitors can partake in when visiting this beloved Cary Park since its main attraction is a 42-acre lake. With calm waters and no charge to fish from the shore, the main fish caught here are Bass, Panfish, and Catfish. Bait and cane poles can be bought from the Boathouse. 

10. Shelley Lake Park 

Address: 1400 W Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 

Hours: 7 AM to 8 PM daily 

Phone Number: (919) 996-2329

Shelley Lake Park is located in central North Raleigh and is a 53-acre lake and park that features two miles of wooded trails, a playground, and open fields. Fishing is allowed from the docks or on the pedestrian bridge. Bank fishing and personal watercraft are not permitted. 

All visitors who choose to fish must have a valid North Carolina fishing license and use live bait. 

FAQs 

What month is best for fishing in North Carolina? 

The best season for fishing in North Carolina is late spring or summer, but catching fish all year round is possible. The best month for fishing, though, depends on the type of fish and whether it is in freshwater or saltwater. For instance, the best time to fish for trout is between March and May. 

What beach in North Carolina has the best fishing? 

The Crystal Coast in North Carolina is considered the best for fishing and consists of many popular beach towns, including Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, and Harkers Island. 

How much is a fishing license in North Carolina? 

The cost of a fishing license in North Carolina depends on the license type and whether or not you are a resident. An annual fishing license is $16 for residents and $32 for non-residents, a lifetime license is $265 for residents and $530 for non-residents, and a youth license for ages one through eleven is $159 for residents and $159 for non-residents. 

Methodology 

Data was sourced from local parks and recreation areas in Raleigh, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and Fish Box to help determine the best fishing spots in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Best Fishing Spots in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

There are many parks in Raleigh with lakes that offer premier fishing opportunities. The most common freshwater fish caught in Raleigh are Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Catfish, White Perch, and Sunfish. With a valid North Carolina fishing license, you can keep nongame fish for personal use if you follow the daily creel, size, and possession limits. 

If you want to live in Raleigh and find a beautiful home near one of the best fishing spots in the area, the real estate experts at Raleigh Realty are here to help. We are here to answer your questions and are ready to help start your home search.