UTERWalleye fishing in North Carolina freshwater
In North Carolina freshwater, walleye peak March–April and November and are around year-round, spawning in March, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Peak spawn in the mid-50s.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in North Carolina freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryArrivingFontana and Hiwassee walleye run the feeder rivers — late February at 42°F.
- MarchSpawningPeak spawn in the mid-50s.
- AprilPeak
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAround
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish walleye 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 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 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in North Carolina freshwater?
Peak season is March–April and November, with fish spawning in March (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. March: Peak spawn in the mid-50s.
Where do walleye hold in North Carolina freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Roanoke River, Lake Norman, Jordan Lake, Fontana Lake, Lake Gaston, Nantahala River.
What is the best bait for walleye in North Carolina freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. 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 walleye 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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