Smith Lake in Lincoln County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Within Lincoln County, North Carolina, you have Smith Lake. It stands 804 feet above sea level. A pocket of water where every cast reaches cover. Our Lincoln County list holds plenty of bigger water. The closest town, Westport, is 1.3 miles away. Denver lies 3.7 miles off, Lowesville another 4.9 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Smith Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fish documented in Lincoln County include striped jumprock, seagreen darter, Carolina fantail darter and margined madtom. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Smith Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 78°F on average, January about 40°F. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Time your trip to Smith Lake by conditions rather than dates. A rising level after rain switches things on for a day or two.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Nixon Lake is 0.6 miles distant. Confirm access to Smith Lake locally before you travel.