The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Roanoke Rapids Lake
Northampton County, North Carolina · about 3,890 acres (6.1 sq mi)
62°F water, calm this morning.
About Roanoke Rapids Lake
In Northampton County, North Carolina, Roanoke Rapids Lake covers about 3,890 acres; it is a reservoir. It sits on the Roanoke River. A narrow run-of-river reservoir on the Roanoke River just downstream of Lake Gaston.
It stretches about 7.7 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 28 miles. At about 130 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Roanoke Rapids, is about 1.5 miles east. Rocky Mount, the nearest city, is about 36 miles south.
- Size
- About 3,890 acres (6.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 28 miles
- End to end
- About 7.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 130 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- River
- Roanoke River
- County
- Northampton County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in North Carolina, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 62°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- 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
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 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.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:46 am · sunset 5:03 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Roanoke Rapids Lake
- Roanoke Rapidsabout 1.5 mi east
- South Rosemaryabout 1.8 mi southeast
- Gastonabout 2 mi east
- Weldonabout 5.5 mi southeast
- Rocky Mountnearest city, about 36 mi south
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Questions about Roanoke Rapids Lake
What fish are in Roanoke Rapids Lake?
Lakes like Roanoke Rapids Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Roanoke Rapids Lake?
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 Roanoke Rapids Lake?
About 3,890 acres, with about 28 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Roanoke Rapids Lake?
Roanoke Rapids is about 1.5 miles east; South Rosemary is about 1.8 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Roanoke Rapids Lake today?
The surface was about 62°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Roanoke Rapids Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
