Lake Norman

Lake fishing North Carolina · 06:32 - 20:28

Lake Norman is a lake in North Carolina. Anglers here fish mainly for Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass.

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Good 62% The bite right now

Top bet: Bluegill Active through the day, water near its preferred 26 degrees.

Best day to fish

Tomorrow

74%

81°

Mon

74%

85°

Tue

77%

83°

Best day

Wed

76%

82°

Thu

74%

86°

Fri

75%

86°

The bite over the next days, scored at dusk. Based on the weather forecast, so it is guidance, not guarantees.

Conditions right now

Weather

Overcast

Water temp (est.)

79°F

Air temp

76°F

Wind

5 mph

Pressure

29.91 inHg ↓ falling

Clouds

100.0%

Water temperature is an estimate based on weather and season.

Updated 2026-08-01 17:01

Best times today

Dawn 05:47–07:47 Day 07:47–19:13 Dusk 19:13–21:13

Local time at the spot, from the most likely species' daily rhythm.

Feeding times today

Waning gibbous 91% lit

Major period 02:38–04:38 Major period 14:38–16:38 Minor period 21:06–22:36 Minor period 08:41–10:11

Solunar times are a traditional guide based on the moon's position, separate from the live ranking above. Local time at the spot.

Next hours

11:00

76°

12:00

79°

13:00

82°

14:00

85°

15:00

86°

16:00

85°

17:00

83°

18:00

81°

19:00

80°

20:00

74°

21:00

73°

22:00

74°

Likely catch now (12 species)

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

62%

Active through the day, water near its preferred 26 degrees.

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Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

45%

Water near its preferred 26 degrees, overcast lifts the bite.

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Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

45%

Water near its preferred 26 degrees, overcast lifts the bite.

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Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

33%

Slow during the day, water near its preferred 26 degrees, peak season, overcast lifts the bite.

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Blue Catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

32%

Slow during the day, water near its preferred 26 degrees, peak season, falling pressure ahead of weather.

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White Bass

Morone chrysops

31%

Active through the day, off season, overcast lifts the bite.

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About the fishing here

Popular catches here include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish and White Bass.

Bluegill fishing is usually best around May-Jul. The best windows are usually dawn, day and dusk.

A state fishing license is required to fish here. Napp ranks the species above from the live weather, water temperature, season and time of day, so the order changes through the day.

Guides for this water

Tips right now

Technique Start with a float bait for bluegill, the most likely catch right now.

Timing This is a prime window for bluegill at the day. Fish hard now.

Colour Low light: try red, yellow and bright tags for bluegill.

Lure Float bait for bluegill: Worm under a float.

Depth The water temperature suits the fish. Fish actively at normal depths and edges.

Fishing permit

A state fishing license is required to fish here. Licenses are issued by each state:

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About this water

Lake Norman is an artificial fresh water lake in southwest North Carolina. The largest lake in the state, it was created between 1959 and 1964 as part of the construction of the Cowans Ford Dam by Duke Energy. Located in Iredell County, 15 miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park boasts the region's popular mountain biking trail system.

Read more on Wikipedia →

Map

More waters nearby

Lake Wylie North Carolina · 32.2 mi away Lake Tillery North Carolina · 53.6 mi away Lake James North Carolina · 54.0 mi away Salem Lake North Carolina · 56.6 mi away Linville River North Carolina · 57.3 mi away Linville River North Carolina · 58.2 mi away Linville River North Carolina · 58.9 mi away Bald Mountain Lake North Carolina · 69.2 mi away

Common questions

What fish can you catch at Lake Norman?

Popular catches here include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, White Bass, Common Carp and Flathead Catfish.

Do you need a fishing license at Lake Norman?

Yes. A state fishing license is required; see the link on this page for the state's rules.

When is the best time to fish Lake Norman?

Bluegill fishing is usually best around May-Jul. The best windows are usually dawn, day and dusk.

What is biting at Lake Norman right now?

Right now Bluegill is the most likely catch, at about 38%.