Lake Norman Striped Bass Fishing Charters

Lake Norman Striped Bass Fishing Charters

Best Striped Bass Fishing Charters in Lake Norman

Striped Bass Fishing in Lake Norman

Striped Bass
  • Size 10 to 30lbs
  • Food Value Good
  • Game Qualities Good
  • Habitats River, Lake, Inshore, Nearshore

(Morone saxatilis)

Lake Norman Bass fishing needs no introduction – it’s one of the main reasons why anglers from all over the country come to the region. The lake is home to several Bass species, each one more fun to catch than the last. Fishing is open all year and there are hundreds of miles of shoreline to explore, which means there’s more than enough fish for everyone. Need we say more?
 

What You Can Catch

Passionate Bass fishermen love Lake Norman because it allows them to target different varieties of their favorite fish in one place. Along with Striped Bass, which is the all-time favorite, you can find plenty of Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, as well as their Spotted and Hybrid cousins.
 
Stripers are the wild card. They’re constantly on the move, which makes the challenge of catching them all the more exciting. They’re the biggest nomads of the Bass family, but you can find them in the shallows during spawning season (spring and fall) and in deeper waters the rest of the time.
 
Spotted Bass are very loved by the locals, and you could easily catch a couple on your fishing trip. They’re everywhere, though they prefer warmer water, and you can almost always find them in the south end of the lake, close to the town of Cornelius.
 
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are always a welcome catch, though you’ll find Largemouth on the line more frequently than Smallmouth. Largemouth love rocky structures, while Smallmouth are usually hiding in clear water. One of the most popular spots to target both species is close to the warm water discharge from the local nuclear station.
 
Last, but not least, Hybrid Striped Bass have only recently been introduced to the lake (in 2013) and quickly became the talk of the town. This mix of White and Striped Bass can  withstand hot summer temperatures, and they come in healthy sizes. The best time to catch them is around sunrise and sunset.
 
Due to all this Bass variety, Lake Norman hosts Bass tournaments every year. This fact alone is enough to have you reaching for your rod!
 

What to Expect

There’s no doubt that Lake Norman is productive and teeming with all the Bass you can catch, but traveling with a knowledgeable and experienced local charter captain is still crucial. There are many professional guides running trips out of Hickory, Mooresville, and Cornelius, so you just need to pick the town that is closest to you.
 
Trips can last anywhere from 2–8 hours, depending on your preferences and how many fish you’d like to catch. Shorter excursions are great for family outings – our little ones can fight their first Smallmouth Bass and bring it into the boat. If Bass fishing is your passion, then a full day trip is the right choice for you.
 
Charters usually provide all the fishing gear you need, as well as a boat to take you to the best spots. Sometimes pickup is included, but you should discuss it in advance with your captain.
 
For this occasion, you’ll need to buy a fishing license, a supply of food and drinks, and make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Don’t forget rain gear during the fall and winter months.
 
Every freshwater angler should experience a Lake Norman Bass fishing adventure at least once in their fishing career. It’s exciting, productive, and most importantly, memorable!

Lake Norman Striped Bass Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Striped Bass fishing in Lake Norman varies slightly throughout the year. High season is April to June and October to November. Low season is January to March, July to September and December. There is no closed season.
Lake Norman
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Striped Bass Fishing in Lake Norman

If youโ€™re a first time fisherman or fisherwoman and you need a guide, donโ€™t hesitate to hire Captain Will Price! All I can say is you wonโ€™t be disappointed, youโ€™ll be blessed beyond measure with his customer service and professional knowledge!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If youโ€™re a first time fisherman or fisherwoman and you need a guide, donโ€™t hesitate to hire Captain Will Price! All I can say is you wonโ€™t be disappointed, youโ€™ll be blessed beyond measure with his customer service and professional knowledge!
Set'n Hooks Guide Service
Set'n Hooks Guide Service Charlotte, North Carolina
Use Jeff! Great captain and great time of year to fish. Jeff goes by the name of Water Bugz. Use him.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Use Jeff! Great captain and great time of year to fish. Jeff goes by the name of Water Bugz. Use him.
Water Bugz Fishing Guide
Water Bugz Fishing Guide Mooresville, North Carolina
It was very enjoyable. The weather was supposed to be inclement but we dressed in layers and ended up needing sunscreen!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was very enjoyable. The weather was supposed to be inclement but we dressed in layers and ended up needing sunscreen!
Fishers Of Men Guide Service
Fishers Of Men Guide Service Island Park, ID
Be flexible. The bite could shift from catfish to bass to striper. Our captain was ready for whatever, so just be happy with something stretching your line.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible. The bite could shift from catfish to bass to striper. Our captain was ready for whatever, so just be happy with something stretching your line.
Set'n Hooks Guide Service
Set'n Hooks Guide Service Holly Springs, North Carolina
I would recommend investing in a guide service if this is your first time on Lake Norman. I highly recommend Captain Will with Onslow Bay Guide Services. I had a lot of success and a lot of fun on the lake this morning.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would recommend investing in a guide service if this is your first time on Lake Norman. I highly recommend Captain Will with Onslow Bay Guide Services. I had a lot of success and a lot of fun on the lake this morning.
Onslow Bay Guide Services โ€“ Mooresville
Onslow Bay Guide Services โ€“ Mooresville Raleigh, NC
Make sure you communicate your experience level to uour your guide. Definitely invest in a charter.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you communicate your experience level to uour your guide. Definitely invest in a charter.
Fishers Of Men Guide Service
Fishers Of Men Guide Service Sherrills Ford, North Carolina
This is a great area to go and have an relaxing time doing what we love best fishing.....
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is a great area to go and have an relaxing time doing what we love best fishing.....
Fishers Of Men Guide Service
Fishers Of Men Guide Service Shelby, NC

Fish Species Similar to Striped Bass in Lake Norman