New - 15 Mins Ago
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, the greater Raleigh area offers an incredible variety of fishing opportunities. Surrounded by public lakes, living in Raleigh is a dream for residents who love to fish and enjoy recreational activities.
From expansive state recreation areas with over 180 miles of shoreline to intimate urban lakes perfect for a quick evening cast, the Raleigh area provides fishing experiences that rival destinations anywhere in the state.
Within just 30 miles of downtown, you can fish for everything from massive striped bass and trophy largemouth bass to plentiful crappie, catfish, and panfish.
The area's lakes, reservoirs, and parks are carefully managed by state and local agencies, ensuring healthy fish populations and accessible facilities that welcome anglers of all skill levels.
Whether you are fishing from the bank, launching your boat, or renting a kayak to explore hidden coves, these destinations represent the very best of what Raleigh fishing has to offer.
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.
Jordan Lake is consistently rated as North Carolina's premier trophy bass fishery, with largemouth bass exceeding 14 pounds caught regularly. This 14,000-acre reservoir is the crown jewel of Raleigh-area fishing.
This lake offers an impressive 180 miles of shoreline and supports seven species of game fish: largemouth bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, crappie, bream, catfish, and white perch. The lake features an active striped bass stocking program and strategically placed fish attractors throughout to create ideal habitat.
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. Spring fishing (February through April) provides the best opportunity for landing double-digit largemouth bass.
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.
This lake features a handicapped-accessible fishing pier and offers catch-and-release-only fishing, ensuring a sustainable fishery for future generations. Lake Crabtree provides excellent opportunities to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, blue catfish, black crappie, and common carp.
Seasonal boat rentals include kayaks and canoes, allowing anglers to access deeper water and explore hidden coves. Environmental education programs and nature study opportunities make this an excellent choice for anglers interested in learning more about aquatic ecosystems.
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 southwest Raleigh that offers convenient fishing with free rod and reel loaner programs, making it perfect for beginners and families. 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. Lake Johnson combines easy accessibility with quality fishing for largemouth bass, shell cracker, crappie, bream, catfish, and carp.
All visitors who choose to fish must have a valid North Carolina fishing license. The park's Waterfront Center offers seasonal paddling and fishing programs, and they loan out cane poles and kids' tackle boxes free of charge (you provide your own bait).
The intimate size of the lake makes it ideal for kayak fishing, and the park offers boat rentals if you don't have your own craft. With the park located just 15 minutes from downtown, it's the perfect spot for an after-work fishing session.
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 650-acre lake features a unique underwater bass fishing trail with 11 marked buoy sites designed to help anglers find productive spots throughout the year.
Lake Wheeler has maintained a thriving bass fishery through careful management by NC Wildlife Resources. The lake produces consistent catches of largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish, with tournament anglers regularly reporting excellent results.
Fishing is permitted from two designated piers and from boats launched at the excellent five-lane concrete boat ramp with four docks and ample parking. All visitors must have a valid and up-to-date North Carolina fishing license.
While bank fishing along Lake Wheeler's seven miles of shoreline is not permitted, the fishing piers at Simpkins Pond provide alternative shore fishing opportunities. The park encompasses 150 acres of parkland with picnic facilities, making it ideal for a full-day outing.
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.
Located just 10 miles northwest of downtown, all three lakes at Umstead and their connecting streams offer excellent fishing for bass, bluegill, and crappie. The park's location between Raleigh and Durham makes it an easily accessible nature retreat where anglers can enjoy pristine surroundings.
The lake's abundant cover and structure create ideal habitat for largemouth bass, with fish ranging from two to five pounds commonly caught. The park's extensive trail system (over 30 miles of hiking trails and 13 miles of multi-use trails) means you can combine fishing with hiking or mountain biking.
As one of the largest protected habitats in Wake County, with over 200 bird species recorded, Umstead offers a true escape into nature while still being convenient to the city.
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.
Bass Lake is particularly popular for catching largemouth bass (as the name suggests), bream, crappie, and those regularly stocked catfish. The park serves as an NC Environmental Education Center and features an extensive nature library with resources for all ages, making it an excellent destination for families introducing children to fishing.
Fishing is free from the piers and bank areas with a valid license, and the Nature Center sells live and packaged bait as well as basic tackle. If you don't have your own equipment, sign up for the free Tackle Loaner Program.
The lake features a 2-mile mulch-covered trail around the perimeter, a floating dock, and a wildlife observation platform. 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 extending 28 miles up the Neuse River offers excellent year-round fishing with wheelchair-accessible fishing piers and over 230 miles of undeveloped shoreline.
Multiple boat ramps provide excellent access, including the Highway 50 launch with six lanes and the Ledge Rock launch in the mid-lake area. Wheelchair-accessible fishing piers at Beaverdam and Rolling View make this an inclusive destination for all anglers.
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 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.
Created in 1976 for flood control, Lake Lynn has evolved into a beloved community fishing destination where anglers catch largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.
The lake is known for holding some surprisingly large bass, with fish in the 5-8 pound range caught regularly from the fishing docks and pedestrian bridge.
Fishing regulations here are simple: you must use live bait and fish only from the designated docks or pedestrian bridge. The Lake Lynn Community Center, adjacent to the park, offers additional recreation opportunities, and the surrounding neighborhoods provide easy access via greenway connections.
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.
This 310-acre park features a beautiful 42-acre lake stocked with trout by the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, offering year-round fishing opportunities. Bond Lake provides excellent fishing for bass, panfish, and catfish from the shore for free, with NC fishing regulations applying.
The lake was created in 1970 when the Crabtree Creek dam was built, and it has developed into a premier fishing destination. The park's Boathouse & Waterfront offers a 200-foot boardwalk with prime fishing access, and they sell cane poles and bait for those who need equipment.
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 to protect shoreline habitat.
All visitors who choose to fish must have a valid North Carolina fishing license and use live bait. While you can't launch boats or fish from the bank, the concentrated fishing areas often produce excellent results, especially early morning or evening.
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.
For more information about moving to Raleigh and accessing these incredible outdoor amenities, contact Raleigh Realty. We are here to help you find your perfect home near your favorite fishing spots.
