Largemouth Bass

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Fort, North Carolina, offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing, especially if you know where to look. The smaller lakes and ponds scattered around McDowell County are your best bet. While Lake James further north gets a lot of attention, these smaller, often overlooked waters hold some chunky bass. Spring and fall are prime times, with the bass moving shallow to spawn in the spring and then again in the fall to fatten up before winter. Look for structure like fallen trees, docks, and rocky points. Local tip: many of these ponds are on private property, so always get permission before fishing. Also, pay attention to water clarity. After heavy rains, the water can get muddy quickly. If that happens, switch to dark-colored lures or baits with a lot of vibration to help the bass find them. The bass here aren't pressured as much as in larger reservoirs, so don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques.