What Lake Townsend offers and how to fish it

Lake Townsend is a 3,350-acre impoundment on the Haw River about 15 minutes northeast of downtown Greensboro. It holds largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill, with the best bass fishing in spring and fall when water temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s. The lake has public boat ramps at three locations, a fishing pier at the dam, and shoreline access along several parks—so you can fish from a boat, wade, or cast from land depending what you have and what the season allows.

The lake runs roughly north to south for about 8 miles, with the deepest water near the dam on the south end and shallower flats and creek arms feeding in from the north. Summer heat pushes bass deep, but catfish bite well at night year-round, and crappie congregate around structure in spring. Most anglers fish the main lake body or the creek arms that branch off near the upper end, where current and structure hold fish even when the main lake is slow.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Townsend has three public boat ramps and a fishing pier at the dam, all free to use with a North Carolina fishing license.
  • Largemouth bass bite best in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) when water temperatures stay in the 60s and 70s.
  • Catfish are active year-round, especially at night, and respond to live bluegill, chicken liver, or cut shad fished on the bottom near deeper holes.
  • The creek arms on the north end of the lake hold structure and current that concentrate fish even when the main lake is slow in summer.
  • A North Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older; you can purchase one online or at tackle shops in Greensboro.

Boat ramps and where to launch

The main public boat ramp is at Lake Townsend Park on the south end, off Lake Townsend Road near the dam. The ramp is concrete, well-maintained, and has parking for about 20 vehicles plus trailers. There is no launch fee, but you do need a North Carolina fishing license to fish. The park also has a fishing pier that extends into the lake near the dam—a good option if you do not have a boat or prefer to fish from solid ground.

A second ramp sits at Townsend Park on the west shore, accessible from Townsend Road. It is smaller and less crowded than the main ramp, with parking for roughly a dozen vehicles. The third ramp is at Greensboro Parks and Recreation's facility on the north end, near the upper creek arms. All three are open dawn to dusk, and all are free.

If you do not have a boat, the fishing pier at Lake Townsend Park is your best bet. It is wheelchair-accessible, has benches, and puts you in water deep enough to catch catfish and bass without wading. Shoreline access also exists at several parks around the lake, though some sections are posted private—stick to the public parks and you will have room to cast.

Spring bass fishing in the shallows

March through May is prime time for largemouth bass at Lake Townsend. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s into the upper 60s and low 70s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the creek arms on the north end first—they warm faster than the main lake and hold bass earlier in spring. Look for fallen trees, brush piles, and rocky banks where bass set up to feed before spawning.

Throw crankbaits that mimic shad in 4 to 8 feet of water along drop-offs, or work soft plastics—4-inch worms or creature baits—slowly along the bottom in shallower flats. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but overcast days can produce all day. By late May, as water temperatures push into the mid-70s, bass move deeper and bite slower, so shift your focus to catfish and crappie or wait for fall.

Summer catfish and night fishing

Summer heat makes bass fishing tough, but catfish bite well from June through August, especially after dark. Channel catfish and flatheads both live in Lake Townsend, and both respond to live or cut bait fished on the bottom near deeper holes. Fish the main lake body near the dam or along the deeper channel that runs through the middle of the lake.

Set up before sunset with live bluegill, live shad, or cut shad on a simple three-way rig or slip sinker. Use enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom, but not so much that catfish feel resistance when they pick it up. Fish from a boat anchored in 15 to 25 feet of water, or from the pier at Lake Townsend Park if you prefer to stay on land. Catfish bite most actively in the first two hours after dark and again near dawn.

Fall patterns and crappie in spring

September through November brings the second-best bass bite of the year. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s and 70s, and bass move shallow again to feed before winter. Fish the same areas you worked in spring—creek arms, rocky banks, and brush piles—but focus on slightly deeper water (8 to 15 feet) because the shallows cool more slowly in fall than they warm in spring.

Crappie fishing peaks in March and April when they move into shallow water to spawn. Fish small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with minnows around fallen trees and brush in 4 to 8 feet of water. Early morning is best, and a slow, vertical presentation often outproduces casting. Crappie bite slows considerably by May as water warms, but they remain catchable in deeper structure through summer if you fish at night.

Access and regulations

A North Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license, seven-day license, or annual license online through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website, or at tackle shops in Greensboro like Greensboro Bait and Tackle. Bring your license with you—game wardens do check.

Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no minimum size and no bag limit. Crappie have a 9-inch minimum and a 25-fish daily bag limit. All three boat ramps are open from dawn to dusk, and the pier at Lake Townsend Park is open during the same hours. No gas motors are allowed on the lake—only electric trolling motors or paddle power, which keeps the water quiet and the fishing consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lake Townsend without a boat?

Yes. The fishing pier at Lake Townsend Park is free and accessible from the parking area near the dam. You can also fish from the shoreline at public parks around the lake, though access is limited to designated areas. The pier is your best bet if you want to fish deep water without a boat.

What is the best time of year to fish Lake Townsend?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are best for largemouth bass. Catfish bite year-round, especially at night. Summer is slower for bass but good for catfish and crappie in spring before the water warms too much.

Do I need a boat to catch catfish?

No. You can fish catfish from the pier at Lake Townsend Park or from the shoreline at public parks. Catfish bite well at night on the bottom, so a simple rod, reel, and sinker rig will work from land. Anchoring a boat in deeper water can be more productive, but it is not required.

What tackle should I bring for Lake Townsend?

For bass, bring a medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod with 6 to 10-pound line, crankbaits, and soft plastics. For catfish, a medium-heavy rod with 12 to 20-pound line and live or cut bait works well. For crappie, a light spinning rod with 4 to 6-pound line and small jigs or minnows is ideal.

Are there tackle shops near Lake Townsend?

Greensboro Bait and Tackle is the closest option, located in town about 15 minutes from the lake. They stock live bait, tackle, and fishing licenses. Call ahead to confirm they have what you need, especially live bluegill or shad for catfish.