Roanoke Rapids Lake
Roanoke Rapids Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 4
- Access Points
- 4
- Species
- 16
Roanoke Rapids Lake is a 4,600-acre reservoir located in northeastern North Carolina, situated downstream of Lake Gaston in the Roanoke River Watershed. Created in 1955 when the Roanoke Rapids Power Station dam began operation, this scenic impoundment offers diverse fishing opportunities in a relatively uncrowded setting. Known particularly for its exceptional striped bass fishing, especially in the fall, the lake provides year-round angling for multiple species. With its proximity to accommodations and amenities, Roanoke Rapids Lake serves as an excellent destination for both serious anglers and families looking for a quiet getaway with ample fishing, boating, and kayaking opportunities.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Roanoke Rapids Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
American Shad
Alosa sapidissima
Black Bullhead
Ameiurus melas
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Freshwater Drum
Aplodinotus grunniens
Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus
Spotted Bass
Micropterus punctulatus
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
White Perch
Morone americana
Yellow Bullhead
Ameiurus natalis
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Roanoke Rapids Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Roanoke Rapids Lake
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
North Carolina licenses and regulations
North Carolina Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
North Carolina Fishing License
Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirements of any fishing license and trout privilege license.
North Carolina Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
North Carolina Stream Access Laws
If a boater can float the water, it is navigable and can be used for recreation. Navigable waters are in the public trust, including streambeds. If the navigable water is tidal, public use extends to all waters that cover an average high tide.
Take Roanoke Rapids Lake with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Roanoke Rapids Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Roanoke Rapids Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
Get the onWater Fish app
Free on iOS and Android
Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Roanoke Rapids Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Fishing near Roanoke Rapids Lake
Neuse River
Tar River
Tar River Reservoir
Roanoke River
Lake Gaston
Wiggins Lake
Nobles Millpond
Contentnea Creek
Brinkley Lake
Explore North Carolina waters
Top fishing waters
Popular Cities
Loading popular cities...
Explore near Roanoke Rapids Lake
Fish species
Fishing spots
Nearby waters
More in North Carolina
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.