Skip to main content
HomeFishing The Cape Fear River




Fishing The Cape Fear River


The
202 mile Cape Fear River is an angler’s paradise. In the upper portion of the river basin there are several large reservoirs that provide public access lakes where you can catch many of your favorite freshwater species such as bass, bream, catfish and more.  These species are also plentiful in the tributaries and mainstem of the river in the middle and lower parts of the basin.  In the lower section, where the river transitions to the estuary, the water is brackish and you will catch a mix of both fresh and salt water species. Not only might you hook a largemouth bass, but redfish and sheepshead are often found among the same structure. This makes for exciting fishing as you never know what you’re going to hook. Near the mouth of the river where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean, redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead all reign supreme



Fishing In The Upper Part Of The Cape Fear River Basin


Randleman Regional Reservoir

Randleman is a 3,007 acre reservoir on the Deep River.  Its a relatively young reservoir, which opened in 2010.  The lake is owned by Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority and fishing is allowed by permit only.  The lake is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday.  According to anglers, its a great lake for catching plenty of Largemouth Bass in the 3-4 pound range and is also becoming known for nice size Crappie.

More info available at: www.ptrwa.org/rec.htm   

Randelman Fishing Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX1FftgaiSg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DrXV4hXZBM




Jordan Lake

Jordan Lake is multipurpose reservoir that was financed and constructed by the Federal Government at the request of the State of North Carolina.  The lake was built for flood control, downstream low flow augmentation, recreation, and water supply.  The project was authorized by Congress in December 1962 and construction began in 1967.  It was placed in operation in September 1981 and reached its normal pool elevation of 216 feet mean sea level in February 1982.  The lake has a surface area of 13,940 acres.

Jordan Lake is one of North Carolina's most productive fresh water fishery.  There are seven main species of game fish including Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Striped Bass, Hybrids, Bream, Catfish, and White Perch.  

More Info Available At: https://www.ncparks.gov/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area/home

Jordan Fishing Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVshQleRlYY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6ZuNRBta3E



Shearon Harris Reservoir

Shearon Harris Reservoir is a 4,151-acre impoundment in the upper part of the Cape Fear River basin.  It was constructed primarily for cooling for Duke Energy's Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant.  It is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Raleigh, N.C. and supports one of North Carolina's premier Largemouth Bass fisheries.  The lake is also know to produce large Channel Catfish and is also a popular Crappie fishing destination.


Shearon Harris Fishing Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cD3lyZeroo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeqCHmqxJeA




Fishing In The Middle Part Of The Cape Fear River Basin


Mainstem of the Cape Fear River

Fishing the mainstem of the Cape Fear River can be quite an adventure.  Common catches include American Shad, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, and various sunfish species.  There are several boat launch point in Fayetteville as well as at the three Locks and Dams between Fayetteville and Wilmington.

Cape Fear River Mainstem Fishing Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF2SKHramTE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIs-evs-h1Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3NiA37gpXo






Fishing In The Lower Part Of The Cape Fear River Basin


Fishing the mainstem of the River from Wilmington to the mouth at the Atlantic Ocean

The Cape Fear River begins its transition from fresh to brackish just below Lock & Dam #1 near Riegelwood.  In this part of the river you can catch both fresh and saltwater species at certain times of the year.  Further down the river near the mount of the Atlantic Ocean dominant catches include Red Drum, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Croaker and other saltwater species.

Lower Cape Fear River Fishing Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I471ZDAyfU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PF25--oApU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1OqqC7aGHw






Questions?  Contact us at cfra@cfra-nc.org