Fishing Buckhorn Lake
AKA: Buckhorn Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Buckhorn Lake, NC
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Currently, largemouth bass are thriving in Buckhorn Lake due to a good food supply and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure.
Channel Catfish Fishing
This year a healthy population of channel cats populate the waters of Buckhorn Lake, and can be found all around the lake. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Blue catfish also reside in the lake.
Black Crappie
Good schools of black crappie can be found throughout Buckhorn Lake. Crappie fishing is excellent, especially in Spring and early summer. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.
Buckhorn Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, bream, white bass and muskie at Buckhorn Reservoir in North Carolina.
Fishing at Buckhorn Reservoir is a favorite pass time for residents of Raleigh, Wilson and surrounding communities. This 2,000-acre lake offers fishing for bass, trout, crappie, bream, catfish and muskie. Anglers can peruse about 15 miles of shoreline in search of their favorite warm-water or cold-water species. There is ample areas for fishing from the bank, plus a fishing pier. Two boat launch ramps serve the public for a fee, one is dedicated to power boats, the other to non-powered watercraft. The lake is popular for local bass fishing tournaments.
Buckhorn Reservoir, located in Wilson County, North Carolina, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and productive fishing experience. Spanning over 2,800 acres, this reservoir offers a diverse range of fish species, making it an attractive spot for anglers of all levels of expertise.
One of the primary draws of Buckhorn Reservoir is its excellent bass fishing. Largemouth bass are abundant in the lake, providing exciting opportunities for anglers to hook into these feisty fighters. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, standing timber, and rocky points, creates ideal habitat for bass. Anglers can employ various techniques such as topwater lures, plastic worms, or crankbaits to entice the bass into biting.
Crappie fishing is also popular at Buckhorn Reservoir. Anglers can target both black crappie and white crappie, particularly around submerged structures and brush piles. Jigs, live minnows, and small crankbaits are effective baits for catching crappie. The spring and fall seasons are particularly productive for crappie fishing, as they gather in shallower waters to spawn.
Buckhorn Reservoir is also home to other fish species, including catfish, bream, and muskie. Catfish, such as channel catfish and blue catfish, can be found near the lake's bottom structures and are often caught using cut bait, stinkbaits, or live worms. Bream, including bluegill and redear sunfish, provide enjoyable angling opportunities, especially for families and young anglers using lightweight tackle and live bait. Muskie, a voracious predator, can be caught using spoons, spinnerbaits, or live minnows.
Primary fish species residing in Buckhorn Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Buckhorn Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is allowed on Buckhorn Reservoir, providing anglers with easy access to different fishing areas. Whether you prefer a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, the lake's boat ramps and marina facilities make it convenient to explore and fish different parts of the reservoir.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Buckhorn Lake & Shelter Boat Ramp
Located along the northeast shores of the lake, near the dam, this three-lane boat ramp has docks, paved parking and a bait shop.
Fishing Guides On Buckhorn Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on Buckhorn Lake, please contact us for a free listing to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near Buckhorn Reservoir, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trip and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are options to suit various preferences and needs. Camping by the lake provides the opportunity to fish at your campsite.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Rock Ridge Campground - 252 291-4477
Buckhorn Reservoir NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Buckhorn Reservoir
City Of Wilson Buckhorn Lake & Shelter
8177 Rock Ridge School Rd
Sims, NC 27880
252 399-7530
Fishing lakes in each state.
030524
Buckhorn Reservoir in NC
NORTH CAROLINA
Fishing for bass, trout and muskie in east central NC