Activities
Attention: Bike Trail Users
Bike trails are closed at times for construction, poor trail conditions due to weather, or other reasons, for both visitor safety and protection of the trail and natural resources. Trails are expensive to construct, maintain and repair. Disregarding trail closures results in:
- Delaying or prolonging construction or repair;
- Damaging the trails, incurring significant costs and further closure time for additional repair; and
- Endangering yourself, state park staff and EMS staff who would work to get you out of harm's way if you are lost or hurt.
Thank you for respecting our park's natural resources, facilities and fellow park visitors.
The cool mountain waters of the Linville and Catawba rivers flow into the depths of Lake James, creating a perfect environment for the many game fish that swim here. Water level fluctuations, due to hydroelectric power production, keep aquatic vegetation growth to a minimum and concentrate fish populations, especially in winter. Cool deep waters, reaching as much as 120 feet, and warm surface waters provide a variety of sport fishing options. Visit the park and try your luck from a fishing pier (available at Catawba River access only), your boat, or from the shoreline.
The largemouth bass is arguably the most sought-after species in the lake. Early morning and late afternoon hours from April through October are the best times to seek this tackle-buster and its bronzy relative, the smallmouth bass. Quiet coves with submerged stumps and logs, rocky points and steep, overhanging banks are ideal places to try your luck. Walleye, first introduced to the lake in 1951, is another prized game fish. Normally associated with coldwater lakes of the upper Midwest and Canada, this tasty fish is most readily caught in deep waters during the same season as bass. Walleye can also be successfully pursued in shallower waters at night.
White bass spawn in May, and the best fishing for this species is typically from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. along the banks or from anchored boats along the ancient river channels. During the summer, schooling whites are often seen corralling shad at the surface and become vulnerable to topwater lures. Crappie fishing is best during the period from May through July, in the early morning and at night. Bluegill and redbreast sunfish are active year-round and are most active during the morning hours in shallow coves with lots of submerged stumps and logs. The cleanest, tastiest catfish anywhere are found in the lake all year long. Fish for them in the evening along gently sloping underwater shelves and the mouths of slow-moving streams as they enter the lake.
The North Carolina state record white catfish — 13 pounds — was caught at Lake James in 1990.
Another popular game fish is the mighty muskellunge. Record specimens have been caught in Lake James, including the state record tiger muskie — a whopping 33-pound, 8-ounce brute that took a buzzbait in 1988. Other fish you might catch include carp and perch. A fishing license is required, and all anglers must adhere to the regulations of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.