Fishing Rowland Lake Number One in Gaston County, North Carolina

• Overview

  Rowland Lake Number One falls in Gaston County, part of North Carolina. This is oak and grass country. Surface area runs to about 7 acres — small enough to read in one session. The nearest town is Stanley, 1.5 miles away. Then Dallas, 3.9 miles, and Ranlo, 4 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Rowland Lake Number One

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Survey and observation records for Gaston County include bluegill, redbreast sunfish, striped jumprock and white sucker. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. On Rowland Lake Number One the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 78°F and January reads 39°F. Temperatures stay workable through the cold season. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. It holds true on Rowland Lake Number One more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, Rhyne Lake Number Two is 3.9 miles off. For Rowland Lake Number One, the notice at the access point is the final word.