UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in North Carolina freshwater
In North Carolina freshwater, smallmouth bass peak February–April and September–November and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Mountain rivers and Fontana smallmouth on the beds.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in North Carolina freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilSpawningMountain rivers and Fontana smallmouth on the beds.
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish smallmouth 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 smallmouth bass
- 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.
- 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.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- 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.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–82°F water, best at 60–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass in North Carolina freshwater?
Peak season is February–April and September–November, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are here year-round. April: Mountain rivers and Fontana smallmouth on the beds.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in North Carolina freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around Roanoke River, Lake Norman, Jordan Lake, Fontana Lake, Lake Gaston, Nantahala River.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in North Carolina freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Crayfish: Hooked 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. 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 smallmouth 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.
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All about smallmouth bass · North Carolina fresh water, the whole year