Fishing Badin Lake in Stanly County, North Carolina

• Overview

  In North Carolina, Badin Lake falls inside Stanly County. It lies 522 feet above sea level. Around 8.7 sq miles of open water: conditions change from one end to the other. The bank runs about 51 miles in total, split between open shore and sheltered corners. Among the waters listed for Stanly County, none is wider. For a base, Badin sits 3.2 miles out. After that come Albemarle at 8.6 miles and Denton at 13 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Badin Lake

  Depth is on record at 190 ft. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Species logged across Stanly County include redbreast sunfish, bluegill and green sunfish. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Take Badin Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 78°F; the cold one sits at 40°F. Summer heat is the limit here, not winter cold. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. It holds true on Badin Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. The nearest mapped parking is 0.9 miles away, so the last stretch is on foot. Facilities run to toilets 0.9 miles from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Dafor Lake, 3.3 miles away. For Badin Lake in particular, ask before you travel.