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 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Harris Lake
Chatham County, North Carolina · 4,100 acres (6.4 sq mi)
60°F water, calm this morning.
About Harris Lake
Harris Lake spreads over 4,100 acres in Chatham County, North Carolina. It lies on the Buckhorn Creek. A cooling lake for the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant southwest of Raleigh.
From end to end it runs about 5.2 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 43 miles. At about 220 ft above sea level, it warms early in spring. Holly Springs lies about 3.8 miles to the northeast. The closest city is Cary, about 12 miles away.
- Size
- 4,100 acres (6.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 43 miles
- End to end
- About 5.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 220 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- River
- Buckhorn Creek
- County
- Chatham County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 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
Lakes like Harris Lake in North Carolina usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 60°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- 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
- 7
6 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 6:49 am · sunset 5:10 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Harris Lake
- Holly Springsabout 3.8 mi northeast
- Scotts Millabout 6 mi northeast
- Fuquay-Varinaabout 6.5 mi east
- Apexabout 6.9 mi northeast
- Carynearest city, about 12 mi northeast
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Questions about Harris Lake
What fish are in Harris Lake?
Lakes like Harris 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 Harris 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 Harris Lake?
4,100 acres, with about 43 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Harris Lake?
Holly Springs is about 3.8 miles northeast; Scotts Mill is about 6 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Harris Lake today?
The surface was about 60°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Harris Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
