UTERLargemouth bass fishing in North Carolina freshwater
In North Carolina freshwater, largemouth bass peak March–June and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in April–May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Bass on the beds in the creek arms of Jordan, Falls and Shearon Harris.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Largemouth bass in North Carolina freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryArriving
- MarchPeak
- AprilSpawningBass on the beds in the creek arms of Jordan, Falls and Shearon Harris.
- MaySpawning
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish largemouth bass near Roanoke River, Lake Norman, Jordan Lake
Mountain trout and walleye lakes, Piedmont reservoirs for bass and stripers, the Roanoke's April striper run at Weldon, and blackwater coastal rivers for shad and bream.
What to use for largemouth bass
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–92°F water, best at 62–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch largemouth bass in North Carolina freshwater?
Peak season is March–June and October–November, with fish spawning in April–May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Largemouth bass are here year-round. April: Bass on the beds in the creek arms of Jordan, Falls and Shearon Harris.
Where do largemouth bass hold in North Carolina freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, pond / pit, river, creek / stream, dock / pilings — around Roanoke River, Lake Norman, Jordan Lake, Fontana Lake, Lake Gaston, Nantahala River.
What is the best bait for largemouth bass in North Carolina freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), nightcrawlers, crayfish. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for largemouth bass in North Carolina freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and change — read the current rule at https://www.ncwildlife.org/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores largemouth bass for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about largemouth bass · North Carolina fresh water, the whole year