Fishing at Burges Lake, Randolph County, North Carolina

• Overview

  Burges Lake falls in Randolph County, part of North Carolina. Around the bank it is oak and grass. Small at around 3 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is a small entry by Randolph County standards. For supplies, Archdale is 0.9 miles out. Beyond it, Trinity at 1.4 miles and High Point at 4.3 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Burges Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Survey and observation records for Randolph County include bluegill, redbreast sunfish, green sunfish and piedmont darter. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Read Burges Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 78°F; the cold one sits at 38°F. Winter is a mild inconvenience here, nothing more. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. It holds true on Burges Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Kivett Lake, 3 miles out. The position on Burges Lake is worth confirming on the day.