Hardin Lake Fishing near Summerfield, North Carolina

• Overview

  In North Carolina, Hardin Lake falls inside Guilford County. What surrounds it is dry hill. It runs to roughly 73 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Size puts it in the front rank of our Guilford County list. Summerfield lies 2.2 miles from the water. Stokesdale lies 3.2 miles off, Oak Ridge another 5.7 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Hardin Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Records held for Guilford County cover bluegill, green sunfish, redbreast sunfish, black crappie and redear sunfish. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Hardin Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 77°F; the cold one sits at 37°F. Summer heat is the limit here, not winter cold. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Time your trip to Hardin Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Lambert Lake sits 1.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Hardin Lake locally before you travel.