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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 Phelps

Washington County, North Carolina · about 15,600 acres (24.4 sq mi)

60°F water, calm this morning.

Water60°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today10 mphNW
Best bite3:15 pmto 4:30 pm

About Lake Phelps

Lake Phelps spreads over about 15,600 acres in Washington County, North Carolina. One of the oldest natural lakes in the eastern US, with ancient dugout canoes preserved in its very clean sediment.

From end to end it runs about 6.9 miles with roughly 19 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 10 ft above sea level. Columbia lies about 13 miles to the northeast. The closest city is Greenville, about 48 miles away.

Size
About 15,600 acres (24.4 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 19 miles
End to end
About 6.9 miles
Elevation
About 10 ft
Type
Natural lake
County
Washington County
Water
Known for clear water

The lake from above

1 2 miles N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Friday Good

  • 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
  • 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph

Saturday Good

  • 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
  • 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 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 Phelps

Anglers come to Lake Phelps for largemouth bass, catfish and yellow perch. At 60°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Good
    Largemouth bass

    Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.

  • Fair
    Catfish

    Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.

  • Good
    Yellow perch

    Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Upper arm

    The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 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

60°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Weather and wind

Friday 60° / —° 10 mph NW Sunny · 7% rain
Saturday 53° / 43° 13 mph NW Sunny · 1% rain
Sunday 55° / 41° 7 mph NW Sunny

Sunrise 6:40 am · sunset 4:59 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Lake Phelps

  • Columbiaabout 13 mi northeast
  • Plymouthabout 14 mi northwest
  • Belhavenabout 16 mi southwest
  • Edentonabout 19 mi north
  • Greenvillenearest city, about 48 mi west

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Questions about Lake Phelps

What fish are in Lake Phelps?

Lake Phelps holds largemouth bass, catfish and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is Lake Phelps?

We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.

How big is Lake Phelps?

About 15,600 acres, with about 19 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Lake Phelps?

Columbia is about 13 miles northeast; Plymouth is about 14 miles northwest.

What is the water temperature at Lake Phelps today?

The surface was about 60°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Lake Phelps on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

Lakes near Lake Phelps

More about North Carolina lakes