Striped Bass fishing at North River

The spring pattern is a shallow one: striped bass in 5 to 20 ft. Midsummer fish sit out in 9 to 29 ft before dropping to 9 to 29 ft for winter. The spot to know is Main-channel hole (mile 0.2), a creek channel in about 12 ft of water that rates prime for striped bass in winter. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. Summer baits: a flutter spoon (deep) or an umbrella rig (trolled) gets it done.

Blue Catfish fishing at North River

In spring, blue catfish run shallow here, mostly 5 to 25 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 7 to 29 ft, and winter fish settle into 9 to 29 ft. Main-channel hole (mile 0.2) is the standout, a creek channel at roughly 12 ft, rated prime for spring blue catfish. Time it for early morning and the evening.

Flathead Catfish fishing at North River

When the water first warms, flathead catfish slide up into 5 to 20 ft. By summer they slide out to 8 to 29 ft, and by winter most fish are in 9 to 29 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Slackwater eddy (mile 4.4): an eddy pocket around 11 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in after dark and the evening.

Channel Catfish fishing at North River

Come spring, look for channel catfish tight to the bank in 3 to 12 ft. They move out to 8 to 25 ft in summer and finish the year down in 9 to 29 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Main-channel hole (mile 0.2): a creek channel around 12 ft that scores prime in summer. Best bite is after dark and the evening.

White Perch fishing at North River

Early season white perch use the shallows, holding in 4 to 15 ft. Expect a summer slide to 9 to 29 ft, then a winter hold in 9 to 29 ft. Put Slackwater eddy (mile 4.4) first on the milk run — an eddy pocket near 11 ft that grades prime for summer. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Tie on a small spinner rig drifted or a 1/8 oz jigging spoon and you're in the game.

Longnose Gar fishing at North River

When the water first warms, longnose gar slide up into 2 to 10 ft. By summer they slide out to 1 to 12 ft, and by winter most fish are in 10 to 25 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Main-channel hole (mile 0.2): a creek channel around 12 ft that scores prime in fall. In summer the feeding windows fall in midday and the evening. Keep a rope lure or a small white spinner rigged through the warm months.

How deep is North River?

North River is about 29 ft (9 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth chart here comes from real state fisheries GPS surveys, so the contours reflect measured depths.

What fish are in North River?

Anglers target striped bass, blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, white perch, longnose gar on North River. This isn't a survey of the water — none is published for it — but an informed estimate from the species common to the region, narrowed by this water's depth, size and each species' range.

Where is the best fishing spot on North River?

Main-channel hole (mile 0.2) is the top-rated area: a creek channel in about 12 ft of water that rates prime for striped bass in winter. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.

When is the best time to fish North River?

For striped bass, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

Is North River stocked with fish?

Yes — per Virginia DWR trout-stocking schedule records, North River was most recently stocked May 28 with rainbow trout brown trout. The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for North River?

Fishing on North River is regulated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Check the official North Carolina regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.