Friendly Lake Fishing in Guilford County, North Carolina

• Overview

  Look for Friendly Lake in the Guilford County part of North Carolina. Elevation runs to 794 feet. It covers about 6 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. For a base, Greensboro sits 6.2 miles out. After that come Summerfield at 6.6 miles and Oak Ridge at 7 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Friendly Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Fish documented in Guilford County include bluegill, green sunfish, redbreast sunfish, black crappie and redear sunfish. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Anyone new to Friendly Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 38°F in January up to 78°F in July. The year never really closes; it just gets uncomfortable in summer. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. That is the shape of the year on Friendly Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is a launch about 80 yards from the bank. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Jefferson Club Lake sits 1.9 miles off and takes the overflow. For Friendly Lake in particular, ask before you travel.