Lake Gaston
A 34-mile Dominion Energy hydropower lake on the Roanoke River along the North Carolina and Virginia line, just below Kerr Lake. It is known for largemouth bass in grass and docks, plus stocked striped bass and walleye.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Excellent population. Fish aquatic grass edges and the many boat docks.
Striped Bass
Stocked by NCWRC. Quality fish; spring runs up to the Kerr Dam tailwater.
Crappie
Docks, bridges and brush in creek arms. Minnows or small jigs.
Blue Catfish
Blue and channel catfish are common. Cut bait on channel edges.
Walleye
Stocked yearly by Virginia. Best in the upper lake in February and March.
Chain Pickerel
Shallow grass and wood in creeks, especially in cool months.
Boat launches
7 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Summit Boat LandingPublicNCWRC/VDWR landing, Halifax County NC. Double rampDirections ↗
- Salmon LandingPublicNCWRC/VDWR landing, Warren County NC. Single rampDirections ↗
- Hawtree CreekPublicNCWRC/VDWR landing, Warren County NC. Double rampDirections ↗
- Henrico Boat LandingPublicNCWRC/VDWR landing, NC side. Single rampDirections ↗
- Pea Hill CreekPublicNCWRC/VDWR landing, Brunswick County VA. Double rampDirections ↗
- Poplar CreekPublicNCWRC/VDWR landing, Mecklenburg County VA. Double rampDirections ↗
- Steel BridgePublicNCWRC/VDWR landing, Mecklenburg County VA. Single ramp, fishing platform, kayak launchDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Gaston are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Marvins Bait & TackleNearby210 Craige St, GastonDirections ↗
Local tips
- Hydrilla is present; clean plants off your boat, motor and trailer before leaving.
- Walleye fishing is best in the upper lake in late winter, February and March.
- The upper end below Kerr Dam has had low oxygen in summer; fish move with the cooler, oxygenated water.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
More North Carolina lakes
Lake Phelps High Rock Lake Jordan Lake Falls Lake Fontana Lake Lake Waccamaw Lake James Badin Lake All North Carolina lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.