Fishing Mayo Lake

AKA: Mayo Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Mayo Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Mayo Reservoir, NC

Popular Fish Species Mayo Lake, NC

Mayo Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Some big bass roam Mayo Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Additionally, the availability of extensive cover for sunfish, baitfish and bass enhances the fishery. Recently, the fishing for bass has been impressing locals. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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 fishing Mayo Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Black Crappie Fishing

Crappie fishing has been good and they are running in sizeable schools. Black crappie reside throughout Mayo Lake, and they are averaging a very good size this year. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate 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.

Chain Pickerel Fishing

Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Mayo Lake has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, bowfin and chain pickerel at Mayo Reservoir in North Carolina.

Mayo Lake Fishing Video

Bass and crappie are the primary target of anglers at Mayo Reservoir in the north-central part of the state. This is a 2,800-acre lake lots of shoreline, pockets, channels and docks to fish. Catfish, sunfish, pike and bowfin also call Mayo Lake their home and can add to your fishing experience. If you enjoy fishing from a kayak or canoe, this is a great place to experience. Kayak and canoe launch areas are available at Mayo Lake Park. There is a great boat launch for larger craft, a campground with RV hookups and a fishing pier. There is ample places around the lake to fish from shore.

Anglers visiting Mayo Lake can expect a diverse range of fish species to target. The lake is well-known for its populations of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Largemouth bass are a popular catch, with the lake offering plenty of structure and vegetation for them to thrive. Crappie can be found around submerged brush piles and drop-offs, providing exciting opportunities for anglers to reel them in. Catfish, including channel catfish and flathead catfish, are abundant in the deeper sections of the lake, while sunfish can be caught near the shorelines and around the lake's structures.

Mayo Lake in North Carolina is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene and rewarding fishing experience. With its diverse fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish, anglers have plenty of opportunities to test their skills and reel in their desired catch.

Primary fish species residing in Mayo Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Mayo Lake Amenities

Marina: NEARBY
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a common activity on Mayo Lake, with boaters having access to public boat ramps for easy launching. Whether you prefer a motorized boat or enjoy the tranquility of paddling in a kayak or canoe, the lake's calm waters provide an excellent setting for exploring and finding the best fishing spots. Boaters can enjoy the scenic views, navigate through the coves and channels, and have the opportunity to reel in their favorite fish species.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Triple Springs Access Area
Located in Mayo Lake Park, mid lake on the east side of the lake, this three-lane, concrete boat ramp has four docks and a large gravel area for parking.

Fishing Guides On Mayo Lake

If you offer fishing guide services on this 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 Mayo Lake, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are campgrounds and designated camping areas that offer amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities. Camping near Mayo Lake allows anglers to wake up to the sounds of nature, fish at their leisure, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Mayo Lake Park Campground - 336 597-7806