Jordan Lake State Recreation Area (Smithfield)on Jordan Lake
What's working on Jordan Lake
- 01Predatory fish like Walleye and Crappie are actively foraging on baitfish.
- 02Bluegill and Sunfish continue to provide steady action near structure.
- 03Subsurface presentations are generally most effective as water cools.
- 04Warmer fall afternoons may still offer limited topwater opportunities for panfish and bass.
What to tie on at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area (Smithfield)
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Woolly Bugger
A versatile streamer pattern imitating leeches and baitfish, effective year-round for various predatory species including Walleye, Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish, and Whitefish in Jordan Lake's cooling fall waters.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger
A year-round essential, the Woolly Bugger in black or olive effectively imitates leeches and baitfish, which are active food sources for Walleye, Crappie, and other predatory fish in warming spring waters.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger
A versatile streamer pattern imitating leeches and baitfish, the olive Woolly Bugger is effective year-round for various predatory species including walleye, crappie, and bluegill in lake environments.
Buy at AmazonScud
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in lakes with aquatic vegetation. A pink or orange Scud can be very effective subsurface for bluegill, crappie, walleye, and whitefish.
Buy at AmazonScud
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in lakes with aquatic vegetation. This pattern is a reliable subsurface imitation for Bluegill, Crappie, Panfish, Sunfish, Walleye, and Whitefish in the fall.
Buy at AmazonGame Changer (Shad) death
Late February often sees shad die-offs due to cold water; this articulated fly mimics a struggling or dying shad perfectly to trigger winter bass.
Damsel Nymph
Damsel nymphs become highly active in late spring, migrating towards shore to hatch. This pattern is excellent for imitating this significant food source for Bluegill, Panfish, Crappie, and Sunfish.
Buy at AmazonScud
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in lake environments. Though listed as a dry fly in the database, this pattern is highly effective when fished as a nymph in early spring, attracting Bluegill, Panfish, Crappie, and Walleye.
Buy at AmazonYellow Sally
Yellow Sally stoneflies are abundant along lake edges and freestone streams during the summer, drawing aggressive strikes from species like crappie, bluegill, and walleye.
Buy at AmazonNorth Carolina season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.