Fishing Falls Lake
A 12,000-acre reservoir on the Neuse River, minutes from north Raleigh, with some of the best largemouth, crappie and catfish water in the Triangle.
The lake out our front door
Falls Lake stretches from the dam near Wake Forest up into Durham and Granville counties, with hundreds of miles of wooded shoreline, flooded timber and creek arms. It is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Falls Lake State Recreation Area runs the campgrounds, beaches and many of the boat ramps.
The Outpost sits on Six Forks Road in Bayleaf, on the lake's east side. The Upper Barton Creek ramp is a few minutes up the road, and the rest of the ramps are an easy drive.
Gear Up for the Lake
Falls Lake species
Ask at the counter for this week's report. Here is what the lake is known for.
Largemouth Bass
Falls Lake is a proven big-bass lake. Flooded timber, laydowns and creek channels hold fish year round. Spring and fall are prime.
Crappie
A crappie favorite across the Triangle. Minnows and small jigs around brush and bridge pilings, especially in the spring spawn and again in the fall.
Catfish
Channel, blue and flathead catfish. Cut bait and live bait on the bottom in the creek channels, day or night.
Bream & White Perch
Great for kids and bank fishing. Crickets and worms under a float will keep the rod bending all afternoon.
Helpful links
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Park hours, boat ramps, beaches, camping reservations and alerts from NC State Parks.
ncparks.gov →NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Regulations, creel limits, size limits and license information. We sell licenses in store.
ncwildlife.gov →Army Corps of Engineers
Lake levels, releases and Corps-managed recreation areas on Falls Lake.
saw.usace.army.mil →Want the real report?
Follow us on Facebook for lake conditions and catches, or just stop by and ask.
Falls Lake Outpost on Facebook