Largemouth Bass

Newton, NC, nestled near the Catawba River chain of lakes, provides ample opportunity for largemouth bass anglers. Lake Norman and Lake Hickory are the big draws here. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, as bass move shallow to spawn. Target the backs of creeks and coves with spawning beds. Soft plastics like worms and creature baits are effective. Summer finds the bass relating to deeper structure like humps, points, and submerged timber. Crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and deep-diving jerkbaits can be productive. In the fall, bass will follow baitfish schools, so look for surface activity and use lures that mimic the local forage. A local tip: Lake Norman can get crowded, especially on weekends, so consider fishing during the week or exploring some of the smaller, less-known coves. Lake Hickory often has less pressure and can be very productive if you focus on the river channel and submerged structure. These lakes are known for holding healthy populations of largemouth bass, with the potential for catching some trophy-sized fish. Remember to obtain the necessary NC fishing license before heading out.