Biggest lakes in North Carolina: the top 10 by size

The list

Sizes are the published surface area where one exists; the others are our own measure of the water's outline and read "about". Reservoirs shrink and grow with their level, so a dry year shows less water.

1. Lake Mattamuskeet

Lake Mattamuskeet covers about 39,200 acres. You will find it about 5.2 miles southwest of Swanquarter. It holds largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish and crappie. North Carolina's largest natural lake, a shallow haven for wintering tundra swans and snow geese.

Lake Mattamuskeet today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Lake Norman

Lake Norman covers 32,500 acres of water. It holds spotted bass, striped bass, catfish and crappie. The deepest water is around 112 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and a wind-blown bank: good places to start.

Lake Norman today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Lake Gaston

At 20,000 acres of water, Lake Gaston is a big lake. Largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish are the draw. At about 95 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Lake Gaston today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Lake Phelps

Lake Phelps is a natural lake of about 15,600 acres. It lies about 48 miles west of Greenville. The fish here are largemouth bass, catfish and yellow perch. Its bed shows three steep ledges and an upper arm worth a first look. One of the oldest natural lakes in the eastern US, with ancient dugout canoes preserved in its very clean sediment. The water is known for being clear: lighter line and natural colours help.

Lake Phelps today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. High Rock Lake

High Rock Lake spreads over some 15,200 acres. The lake is about 18 miles southwest of Concord. High Rock Dam holds it on the Yadkin River. The fish here are catfish, crappie, bluegill and striped bass. It goes down to about 59 ft.

High Rock Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

6. Jordan Lake

At 13,900 acres, Jordan Lake is a big lake. You will find it about 6 miles north of Chapel Hill. It is the Haw River behind B. Everett Jordan Dam. Like most lakes its size in North Carolina, it should hold largemouth bass, crappie, white bass and catfish. It goes down to about 38 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start.

Jordan Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

7. Falls Lake

Falls Lake covers some 12,400 acres. It lies about 2.2 miles west of Gorman. Falls Dam holds it on the Neuse River. The usual North Carolina mix applies: largemouth bass, crappie, white bass and catfish. An Army Corps reservoir that supplies drinking water to Raleigh and provides flood control.

Falls Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

8. Lake Waccamaw

Lake Waccamaw is a natural lake of some 8,940 acres. You will find it about 30 miles east of Wilmington. Largemouth bass and bluegill are the draw. The deepest water is around 11 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three steep ledges and an upper arm: good places to start. A Carolina bay lake with unusually clear, high-alkalinity water and several fish species found nowhere else on Earth.

Lake Waccamaw today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

9. Chatuge Lake

Chatuge Lake spreads over 7,000 acres. You will find it right by Hiawassee. It is the Hiwassee River behind Chatuge Dam. The fish here are trout, catfish, crappie and walleye. It goes down to about 144 ft. Straddles the North Carolina-Georgia border at Georgia's highest major-lake elevation.

Chatuge Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

10. Lake James

Lake James is a reservoir of 6,810 acres of water. You will find it near Marion. Bridgewater Dam holds it on the Catawba River. The usual North Carolina mix applies: largemouth bass, crappie, white bass and catfish. Surrounded by North Carolina's largest waterfront state park.

Lake James today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

Big water, big days

The bigger the lake, the more the wind matters. Plan the day around the forecast, start on the sheltered side and give yourself a way home if it builds.