Fishing at Howard Pond, Sampson County, North Carolina

• Overview

  Howard Pond lies in Sampson County, in North Carolina. It sits at 105 feet above sea level. Small at around 3 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Most waters listed here for Sampson County are larger. The nearest town is Roseboro, 2.9 miles away. It is 20 miles to Fayetteville, the nearest city. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Howard Pond

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Across Sampson County, recorded fish include swamp darter, bluegill and redfin pickerel. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Take Howard Pond a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 80°F at the top of summer and 42°F at the bottom of winter. Winter is the comfortable season here rather than the difficult one. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. At Howard Pond the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Failing this one, try Laurel Lake, 2.8 miles away. For Howard Pond in particular, ask before you travel.