Hurricane Lake in Jackson County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Hurricane Lake lies within the bounds of Jackson County, North Carolina. Land around it is open valley. It sits higher than most water we list in North Carolina. Cullowhee sits 14 miles from the bank. Franklin is 15 miles and Sylva 18 miles. Within a short run: Whiteside Lake about 1.6 miles, Cashiers Lake roughly 1.8 miles, Hidden Lake about 2.2 miles, Webb Lake roughly 2.7 miles and Jenkins Lake about 2.8 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Hurricane Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Open biodiversity records for Jackson County list greenfin darter, rainbow trout, brown trout and redbreast sunfish. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Hurricane Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 34°F in January and 68°F in July. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. On Hurricane Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, Whiteside Lake is 1.6 miles distant. Confirm access to Hurricane Lake locally before you travel.