Largemouth Bass

If you're heading to Burnsville, NC, and looking to tangle with some largemouth bass, you'll want to focus your efforts on nearby lakes and reservoirs. While not right in town, lakes like Lake James and Lake Norman (a bit further drive) offer the best largemouth opportunities in the region. Spring and fall are prime times; bass are actively feeding as water temperatures moderate. Look for largemouth around docks, submerged timber, and rocky points. For Lake James, the northern end tends to hold clearer water and more structure. A local tip: many anglers find success using Carolina-rigged worms or crankbaits worked along the deeper edges of these structures. Keep an eye on water levels, as they can fluctuate, impacting bass behavior and access points. The largemouth population is generally healthy, with a good mix of sizes, but be prepared to work for the larger specimens – they can be cagey!