For a refreshing change of pace, try Lake Waccamaw fishing in North Carolina. With its abundant perch, sunfish, and largemouth bass populations, this lake is just waiting for you to come enjoy the great fishing it puts on offer day in day out.
This 8,900-acre lake in the south-east part of North Carolina is also the perfect lake for small craft like inflatable boats, canoes and kayaks.
With relatively clear water, most lures will attract bites. I’ve had the most luck here with smaller crankbaits and spinnerbaits which are just big enough to tempt bass and crappie to strike.
But if perch are your thing then Lake Waccamaw is your Mecca. This lake easily offers the best perch fishing in North Carolina and you won’t go home with an empty bag if you chase those perch.
Table of Contents
Fishing at Lake Waccamaw in North Carolina
Waccamaw Lake is known as one of the best places to catch white perch and striped bass in North Carolina. But they aren’t the only fish on offer here.
Crappie at Waccamaw Lake are usually caught on jigs or minnows under a bobber.
Largemouth bass are most often caught on topwater lures such as poppers and spinnerbaits around brush piles or other structure. Fishing for largemouth bass at Lake Waccamaw can be done from either the shoreline or from a boat. Anglers should target grassy shorelines around points and humps where there are some structure changes such as fallen trees or stumps that provide cover for smaller baitfish to hide in.
Bluegill can be caught on worms or small spinners fished through vegetation along the shoreline.
Striped bass are usually taken by trolling with large bucktail jigs or live shiners behind planers near drop-offs in 20-40 feet of water.
When fishing for catfish, use cut baits like chicken gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers or stink baits.
What Types of Fish are in Blue Marsh Lake?
Lake Waccamaw fishing is excellent as it has been stocked with many species of fish including:
- Largemouth Bass
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Crappie
- Bluegill
- White Perch
- White Bass
- Striped Bass
- Sunfish
When is the Best Time to Fish Lake Waccamaw?
The best fishing in North Carolina is from April to October, with the peak months being May through July. In the winter months the water temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and most people do not fish this time of year. However, if you are an avid fisherman or woman you can still have success during the winter months.
You’ve just got to be a little hardy!
The most popular time to go fishing is during the spring when the water temperatures rise above 50 degrees and you can start to catch all the bass, crappie and catfish that lurk below the surface.
Lake Waccamaw Fishing Map
Below are a couple of maps of Lake Waccamaw showing you where the boat ramp options are and where the access points to the shoreline can be found.
Lake Waccamaw Contact Information
The Lake Waccamaw State Park Office will be able to give you information on weather conditions, water temperatures, crowded areas and useful maps of the lake and surrounding area. The visitor center is open daily from 8am to 5pm
Contact: Lake Waccamaw State Park Office
Address: 1866 State Park Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450
Phone: 910 646-4748
The Last Cast
Waccamaw Lake is full of fishing excitement and is by no means a tough lake to fish. The quality of fish you catch and the quality of memories you will make on this lake are second to none. That’s why we recommend Waccamaw Lake to anyone looking to fish in North Carolina. It has it all, and if you are looking for a fun place to spend your weekend, we’d recommend spending it here.
