Lake Mattamuskeet
North Carolina's largest natural lake, about 18 miles long and averaging only 2 to 3 feet deep, inside Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula. Anglers fish the lake, canals and marshes for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and striped bass, and crab from the canal bridges.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Fish the canals, marsh edges and shallow lake shoreline. Spring and fall are best.
Crappie
Canal bridges and water-control structures in spring.
Catfish
Bank fish the Highway 94 culverts and canal bridges. Hook and line only; jug, trot and limb lines are banned.
Striped Bass
Show up around canals and water-control structures, mostly spring and fall.
Sunfish
Small baits around culverts, bridges and canal edges.
When they bite
Month-by-month activity for each target species.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | ||||||||||||
| Crappie | ||||||||||||
| Catfish |
Boat launches
3 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Rose Bay Canal boat rampPublicUSFWS refuge ramp on the east side of the lake. Boats Mar 1 to Oct 31 only; dock open to bank fishing year-roundDirections ↗
- Central Outfall Canal boat rampPublicUSFWS refuge ramp near refuge headquarters. Boats Mar 1 to Oct 31 onlyDirections ↗
- Highway 94 culvertsFreeBank fishing and crabbing year-round; the only refuge spot open 24 hoursDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Mattamuskeet 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
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Lake Mattamuskeet ↗Local tips
- Refuge boating (motor, canoe or kayak) is allowed only March 1 through October 31, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset; boats may not be left overnight.
- The lake averages 2 to 3 feet deep, so use a small, shallow-draft boat; airboats, sailboats and jet skis are banned and the speed limit is 25 mph.
- Bank fishing is year-round only at posted spots like the Highway 94 culverts and canal bridges; some areas close to the public in winter for wildlife.
Angler reports
Water temp, what's biting, and anything else other anglers should know about Lake Mattamuskeet.