What Fred G. Bond Metro Park offers anglers

Fred G. Bond Metro Park is a 310-acre park in Cary with two lakes that hold largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. The park sits just off Maywood Avenue near downtown Cary and is open dawn to dusk year-round. Both lakes are stocked regularly by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and the park has paved parking, restrooms, and picnic areas — making it one of the most accessible fishing spots in the Triangle.

The two lakes are Bond Lake (the larger one) and a smaller pond on the south side of the park. Bond Lake is where most anglers spend their time. The shoreline is a mix of open banks, some wooded edges, and a few shallow coves. Catfish fishing is strong here, especially at night or early morning. Largemouth bass are present but not as abundant as in some other Triangle lakes; they tend to be smaller, though you'll catch them consistently along the deeper edges and near any submerged structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Fred G. Bond Metro Park has two lakes open dawn to dusk, with Bond Lake as the main fishing destination for largemouth bass and catfish.
  • Catfish fishing is most productive at night or early morning using chicken liver, cut shad, or stink bait from the bank or a small boat.
  • The park has paved parking, restrooms, and a boat ramp, making it easy to fish from shore or launch a small kayak or canoe.
  • Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and make for good family fishing, especially in spring and early summer.
  • A valid North Carolina fishing license is required; you can fish from the bank for free, but a boat permit is needed if you launch.

Seasonal patterns and what to target

Spring (March through May) is when largemouth bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the coves and grassy areas early in the morning with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures. Bluegill also become active in spring and will hit small jigs or live crickets. This is the best time to bring kids — panfish are eager and forgiving.

Summer (June through August) slows the bass bite during the day, but catfish remain active throughout the night. Switch to live baitfish or prepared stink bait and fish the deeper holes along the dam or channel. Early morning before the sun gets high is your second-best window. Bluegill fishing stays decent in the early morning and late evening.

Fall (September through November) brings another good bass bite as water cools. Fish the deeper edges and any structure you can find. Catfish remain reliable, and this is when some of the larger specimens move in. Winter fishing is slowest, but catfish will still bite on mild days, and a few bass can be caught near the deepest holes.

How to fish Bond Lake from shore and by boat

Bank fishing is free and productive. Park in the main lot and walk the shoreline on the north and east sides of Bond Lake. The dam area on the south side is also accessible and often holds catfish. Bring a rod holder or stake to keep your line in the water while you wait — catfish fishing requires patience. The open banks are best for casting, though the wooded edges hold bass.

If you have a small boat, kayak, or canoe, a boat permit is required. You can obtain one at the Cary Parks and Recreation office or online through the City of Cary website. The park has a small boat ramp on the north side of Bond Lake. Launching a kayak or canoe is straightforward, and the lake is calm enough for beginners. A boat lets you reach the deeper channels and the far shoreline where larger bass and catfish often hold.

Access, parking, and what to bring

Fred G. Bond Metro Park is located at 801 Maywood Avenue in Cary. The main parking lot is paved and free. The park is open dawn to dusk every day. Restrooms are available near the parking area, and there are picnic tables and grills if you want to make a day of it. The park also has a playground and walking trails, so it's a good spot for families who want to fish and do other activities.

Bring a valid North Carolina fishing license — you can buy a short-term license online or at most sporting goods stores. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks. If you're fishing for catfish at night, bring a headlamp or flashlight. A tackle box with soft plastics, crankbaits, and live bait options (shiners, shad, or crickets) covers most situations. If you plan to fish from a boat, bring a personal flotation device and a small cooler for your catch.

Regulations and what you need to know

North Carolina fishing regulations apply at Fred G. Bond Metro Park. You must have a valid fishing license to fish. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no size or bag limit. Bluegill and other panfish have a 25-fish daily limit with no size restriction. Check the current North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulations before you go, as rules can change.

The park prohibits swimming, so you won't have to compete with swimmers. Alcohol is not allowed in the park. Motorized boats are not permitted on the lakes, so the water stays quiet and fish-friendly. This makes it a good spot for kayak and canoe anglers. If you're fishing at night for catfish, stay visible and keep your light on so park staff know you're there.

When other Triangle lakes are crowded or closed

Fred G. Bond is a solid backup when larger lakes like Lake Crabtree or Lake Benson are packed on weekends. It's also a good choice if you want to avoid the drive to the lakes west of Chapel Hill. The park's small size means it can get busy on nice days, but the two lakes and multiple access points mean you can usually find a quiet spot. Early morning or weekday visits are your best bet for solitude.

The park is also useful if you're new to fishing or teaching someone else. The shallow areas and abundant panfish make it forgiving, and the easy access means you can fish for an hour or two without a big time commitment. Many local anglers use it as a warm-up spot before heading to larger lakes, or as a place to practice casting and technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at night at Fred G. Bond?

The park is technically open dawn to dusk, but catfish anglers often fish at night. Contact Cary Parks and Recreation to confirm current night-fishing rules. If you do fish after dark, use a headlamp and stay visible so park staff know you're there.

What's the best bait for catfish at this lake?

Chicken liver, cut shad, live bluegill, and commercial stink bait all work well. Catfish are not picky — they hunt by smell and taste. Start with what you have on hand and adjust if you're not getting bites after 30 minutes.

Do I need a boat to catch fish here?

No. Bank fishing is productive, especially for catfish and bluegill. A boat lets you reach deeper water and the far shoreline, but many anglers catch plenty from shore. If you want to launch a kayak or canoe, you'll need a boat permit from the City of Cary.

Is this lake stocked regularly?

Yes. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission stocks both largemouth bass and catfish in Fred G. Bond's lakes. Stocking schedules vary by year, but the lakes are restocked regularly enough to keep the fishing consistent.

What's the difference between Bond Lake and the smaller pond?

Bond Lake is larger and deeper, with better structure and bigger fish. The smaller pond on the south side is shallower and better for panfish and kids. Most anglers focus on Bond Lake, but the smaller pond can be productive in spring when bluegill spawn.