The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Waccamaw
Columbus County, North Carolina · 8,940 acres (14 sq mi)
65°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake Waccamaw
Lake Waccamaw spreads over 8,940 acres in Columbus County, North Carolina. A Carolina bay lake with unusually clear, high-alkalinity water and several fish species found nowhere else on Earth.
It stretches about 4.9 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 14 miles. The water sits about 40 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 11 ft, with an average depth near 8 ft. Lake Waccamaw sits right on the water. Wilmington, the nearest city, is about 30 miles east.
- Size
- 8,940 acres (14 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 11 ft (average 8 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 14 miles
- End to end
- About 4.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 40 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Columbus County
- Water
- Known for clear water
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Lake Waccamaw
The fish here: largemouth bass and bluegill and sunfish. At 65°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:45 am · sunset 5:10 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Waccamaw
- Lake Waccamawon the shore
- Brunswickabout 8.5 mi west
- Whitevilleabout 8.9 mi west
- Chadbournabout 16 mi west
- Wilmingtonnearest city, about 30 mi east
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Questions about Lake Waccamaw
What fish are in Lake Waccamaw?
Lake Waccamaw holds largemouth bass and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake Waccamaw?
About 11 ft at the deepest point, about 8 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lake Waccamaw?
8,940 acres, with about 14 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Waccamaw?
Lake Waccamaw is on the shore; Brunswick is about 8.5 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Lake Waccamaw today?
The surface was about 65°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Waccamaw on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
