Here Are The 15 Best Lakes To Visit In North Carolina Says Southern Living

We are here. The time of year when we are making those summer vacation plans. And maybe you are more of a lake person than an ocean person. This is a great guide. Here are the best lakes to visit in North Carolina says Southern Living.

A new report by the travel experts at Southern Living, reveals the best lakes to swim, sail or simply soak up the sun. According to our source, The Charlotte Observer, the list details the " watery playgrounds, from human made bodies of crystal clear reservoirs to beautiful naturally formed lakes". Ranked as the best lake in North Carolina is Salem Lake near downtown Winston Salem. Check out the lake right there at Salem Lake Park. And there's lots to do there. Some of the activities include fishing, walking trails and a family friendly picnic area.

Southern Living had more to say about Salem Lake. As published in the Charlotte Observer, “Often called a hidden diamond in the city, the lake covers 365 acres and is known for its reasonably priced boat and kayak rentals,visitors can fish from the pier for a minimal fee, and bait is available nearby. A 7-mile walking trail surrounds the lake and offers scenic views of the water from every vantage point. You may even see folks on horseback riding along the trail.” Ah they have me at fishing and horseback riding.

Southern Living lists the best lakes to visit in North Carolina. Among the top 15, I was surprised at some of the results. Lake Norman came in 8th place on the list. Lake Junaluska came in 15th. Lake Lure made the list at number 12. Surprisingly Lake Wylie did not crack the top 15. For the entire list check out the story from Southern Living right here.

I have not been to all the lakes in North Carolina but I can reveal the ones I love that I have visited. The fishing is great in both Lake Norman and Lake Wylie. I have caught many a bass in Lake Norman and countless catfish in Lake Wylie. My husband lived at beautiful Lake Junaluska and it is just heavenly. And Lake Lure cannot be beat for both tranquility and beauty. Now there is a complete list of the best lakes in North Carolina. I have some lake visiting to do.

Here is a little background on my experience fishing.  My dad took me pond fishing for the first time just about the same time I was able to hold a cane pole.  To say I was "hooked" right away is an understatement.  The funny thing is, my Dad didn't really like fishing but when he saw how much I loved it he took me time and time again. As a grown up, I started looking into fishing guides.  Here are my 3 favorite fishing guides on Lake Wylie.

I grew up with a dad that fostered my love of fishing and he took me as long as I did these things. Girl,he said, "you need to tie your own knots, bait your own hook, take off your own fish, know how to clean it and learn how to cook it." And I did.

After I got to college at Western Carolina University I found a great river to go trout fishing in and I quickly moved right across the street from that river.  Now here is the funny thing.  I married a guy that does not like to fish. How did that happen? Long story short, I started to look into fishing guides on Lake Wylie.  There are many of them and many good ones.  Admittedly I have not tried them all but I have found three that I would highly recommend. I have fished with these three guides multiple times and I have always had a blast.  And most importantly they put me on some fish. If you are looking to catch catfish on Lake Wylie, you will not go wrong with these amazing captains.

Justin has taken me and my morning show partner Tanner out fishing several times.  This man is passionate about catching catfish.  He knows where to find them!  We have always had a blast with Justin and he is a heck of a nice guy.  He loves teaching kids how to fish.  Make it a girls day on the lake or bring the family. He offers different levels of guide service and may even clean what you catch!  Check out Justin's Facebook page right here.

I have been fishing with Rodger more times than I can count.  We primarily fished on Lake Wylie but caught some big ones on Lake Wateree as well.  Rodger is another guy that knows where to find catfish and how to catch them.  My brother in law Jim and I really enjoyed fishing with Catfish On! Guide Service.

Captain Trent is an old college friend of mine.  He and I used to fish for trout on the Tuckaseegee River in Cullowhee, North Carolina so he is a personal friend.  Trent has always been passionate about fishing , lives on Lake Wylie and thought he would share his secret fishing spots with others.  He has a new guide service he calls Wylie Guide and my brother in law and I  went fishing with him in December.  It did not take long for him to find some nice ones for us and we had a blast.  He is a great guy, a knowledgeable angler and he will flat put you on some fish.  I can personally highly recommend Cpt. Trent for a great day catching catfish on Lake Wylie. Check out details right here

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Here is a little background on my experience fishing.  My dad took me pond fishing for the first time just about the same time I was able to hold a cane pole.  To say I was "hooked" right away is an understatement.  The funny thing is, my Dad didn't really like fishing but when he saw how much I loved it he took me time and time again. As a grown up, I started looking into fishing guides.  Here are my 3 favorite fishing guides on Lake Wylie.

I grew up with a dad that fostered my love of fishing and he took me as long as I did these things. Girl,he said, "you need to tie your own knots, bait your own hook, take off your own fish, know how to clean it and learn how to cook it." And I did.

After I got to college at Western Carolina University I found a great river to go trout fishing in and I quickly moved right across the street from that river.  Now here is the funny thing.  I married a guy that does not like to fish. How did that happen? Long story short, I started to look into fishing guides on Lake Wylie.  There are many of them and many good ones.  Admittedly I have not tried them all but I have found three that I would highly recommend. I have fished with these three guides multiple times and I have always had a blast.  And most importantly they put me on some fish. If you are looking to catch catfish on Lake Wylie, you will not go wrong with these amazing captains.

Justin has taken me and my morning show partner Tanner out fishing several times.  This man is passionate about catching catfish.  He knows where to find them!  We have always had a blast with Justin and he is a heck of a nice guy.  He loves teaching kids how to fish.  Make it a girls day on the lake or bring the family. He offers different levels of guide service and may even clean what you catch!  Check out Justin's Facebook page right here.

I have been fishing with Rodger more times than I can count.  We primarily fished on Lake Wylie but caught some big ones on Lake Wateree as well.  Rodger is another guy that knows where to find catfish and how to catch them.  My brother in law Jim and I really enjoyed fishing with Catfish On! Guide Service.

Captain Trent is an old college friend of mine.  He and I used to fish for trout on the Tuckaseegee River in Cullowhee, North Carolina so he is a personal friend.  Trent has always been passionate about fishing , lives on Lake Wylie and thought he would share his secret fishing spots with others.  He has a new guide service he calls Wylie Guide and my brother in law and I  went fishing with him in December.  It did not take long for him to find some nice ones for us and we had a blast.  He is a great guy, a knowledgeable angler and he will flat put you on some fish.  I can personally highly recommend Cpt. Trent for a great day catching catfish on Lake Wylie. Check out details right here

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