Freshwater Fishing in North Carolina

Discover North Carolina’s top three big bass freshwater fishing lakes — Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Shearon Harris Lake with Outdoor Expeditions USA guided bass fishing trips. Anglers of all experience levels will enjoy time on the waters near Raleigh, NC.

Falls Lake

Falls Lake was built by the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers and completed in 1983. Falls is fed by major tributaries that include Little, Eno and Flat rivers, as well as New Light, Ledge and Lick creeks. Normal pool is 251.5 ft. above sea level. Hundreds of laydowns and patches of standing timber are found throughout the lake. Submerged roadbeds, islands and creek channel drops are key structural features. Falls offers great fishing year round with February, March and April being the best months of the year to catch a true trophy largemouth. Falls lake covers 12,400 acres and has 230 miles of undeveloped shoreline.

Jordan Lake

Jordan Lake was also built by the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers and was completed in 1981. Major tributaries are Haw and New Hope Rivers, as well as Beaver, Little Beaver, Morgan and White Oak creeks. Normal pool is 216 ft. above sea level. Jordan covers 13,900 acres and offers great fishing year round. February, March and April offer the best opportunity for double digit largemouth. Creek channel drops, roadbeds, standing timber and laydowns all hold nice largemouth. The crappie fishing is also excellent on Jordan Lake.It is considered North Carolina’s #1 trophy bass fishery.

Shearon Harris Lake

Shearon Harris Lake is owned by Duke/Progress Energy and is 4100 acres in size. Though it’s considerably smaller than it’s neighboring lakes, Harris has good population of largemouth bass, crappie and white perch. Bass can be caught a variety of ways on Harris. Key structural features are roadbeds, creek channel drops, and points. The crappie fishing here is some of the best in the state.

Based on 187 reviews
Pat Cary
Pat Cary
2023-05-06
My dad and I had a fantastic time. Caught plenty of fish and had some good laughs. Perfect for a family looking to unplug. Thank you Joel.
David Parker
David Parker
2023-04-29
Outdoor Expeditions is my go to fishing guide service. Whether you’re looking for a fishing guide or using the fishing hotline, you’ll catch fish! I was blown away by Joel’s knowledge he has accumulated over several decades of fishing the local lakes. I’m convinced that no one knows these lakes better. I continue to use the fishing hotline for any upcoming trips when weather conditions change or seasons change. Definitely the best fishing resource for all of your fishing needs.
Zack Clay
Zack Clay
2023-04-26
Joel is an excellent guide with reasonable rates. I've been out with him twice now and both trips were fun and memorable. Highly recommend!
Jeff Bailey
Jeff Bailey
2023-04-26
I had a great time out with Joel. I've fished for decades but wanted an expert's insights on tackling larger water and locating fish. Joel put me onto a couple fish, but more importantly took time to teach the tactics and science around how to be successful on my own later on. Hoping for another trip later on in the year.
Stephanie Voss
Stephanie Voss
2023-04-23
We had a great and very productive Sunday morning session with Joel on Jordan Lake. This turned out to be a great birthday present for my spouse. I had no prior experience and highly recommend for complete novices. Spotting a couple of Ospreys out fishing too, was the cherry on top!
Rosie
Rosie
2023-04-12
I took my two girls and nephew out on Harris Lake with Mr. Joel today and we had the best morning! They caught a ton of fish and had lots of fun. Above all I loved Mr. Joel’s patience and kind heart. He was wonderful with the kids and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend!
Peter Hamiwka
Peter Hamiwka
2023-02-23
I had one of the best days on the water today without catching a single fish!! I hired Joel to help me dial in my electronics and learn to use my Active Target and Joel delivered on everything he promised plus. Joel has a great way to explain everything we were seeing on the units and then how to zero down on the targets we marked. I was finding those underwater structures and running over them with my bait in no time. Learning how to use your electronics is something that would benefit all anglers, whether a tournament fishermen or recreational fishermen to finding and catching more fish. I would highly recommend hiring Joel for a session, time and money well spent.
Mahlon Everhart
Mahlon Everhart
2023-02-15
Awesome experience with a great guide! 10/10 recommend to anyone who wants to fish
A Phillips
A Phillips
2022-11-12
There is a reason for all the 5 star reviews, Joel will put you on the fish! I’d like to point out his attention to detail, finding out what you want to catch, information about who is fishing and their experience level (young, old, experience or no experience), weather conditions, seasonal changes. My 7 and 5 year old children had a blast and can’t wait to go fishing again. Thanks Joel.
Thomas Tierney
Thomas Tierney
2022-11-02
Joel is an extremely thoughtful and knowledgeable guide. My wife and I had a great time fishing and learned a lot! We will certainly fish with Joel again.