What Twin Lakes Park offers anglers

Twin Lakes Park in Greensboro, North Carolina sits on two connected impoundments that hold largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill in reliable numbers. The park is public, day-use only, and offers boat ramps, bank access, and a small tackle shop near the entrance. The lakes run about 70 acres combined and are shallow enough that structure matters more than depth—fallen trees, weed lines, and the channel between the two lakes concentrate fish predictably.

The real draw here is that you can fish it without a long drive from the Piedmont corridor. If you're based in Greensboro, High Point, or even Winston-Salem, Twin Lakes is a 20-minute option when you have a few hours and want to avoid the weekend crowds at Kerr Lake or Jordan Lake. Spring and fall are strongest, but the lakes hold fish year-round if you adjust your approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Twin Lakes Park has two boat ramps and allows bank fishing along most of the shoreline, with parking near both water access points.
  • Largemouth bass respond best to shallow-water structure like fallen timber and weed edges, especially in early morning and late afternoon.
  • Channel catfish bite consistently on chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits fished on the bottom near deeper holes between the lakes.
  • The park is day-use only with no overnight camping, and a North Carolina fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and older.
  • Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) produce the most active feeding; summer requires early starts and deeper presentations.

Boat ramps and parking

Twin Lakes has two public boat ramps, one at the north end and one at the south end, both maintained by the city of Greensboro Parks and Recreation. Each ramp has a small parking area—the north ramp typically fills first on weekends. If you're launching a kayak or canoe, either ramp works, though the north ramp has a gentler slope and is easier for hand-launching small craft.

Bank fishing is possible along much of the shoreline, particularly on the eastern side of the north lake and around the dam area. Parking for bank anglers is limited but available near the main entrance. There is no fee to fish, but the park gates close at dusk, so plan your exit time accordingly. The tackle shop near the entrance sells live shiners, crickets, and basic lures, though selection is small—bring what you know you'll need.

Bass fishing in spring and early summer

Largemouth bass in Twin Lakes respond hard to shallow cover from March through May. Focus on fallen trees along the banks, especially on the north and east sides where deadfall accumulates. Spinnerbaits in white or chartreuse, crankbaits that reach 4 to 6 feet, and soft plastics rigged Texas-style all work. Fish early—the first two hours after sunrise produce more strikes than midday.

By June, the bass move deeper and become less aggressive. Switch to early morning and late evening presentations, and work the channel between the two lakes where cooler water and deeper structure hold fish. Plastic worms fished slowly on the bottom or around submerged brush piles will catch fish, but you'll work harder for fewer bites. If you're fishing midday in summer, focus on the deepest holes you can find and fish slowly.

Catfish and bluegill year-round

Channel catfish in Twin Lakes bite consistently if you fish the bottom with the right bait. Chicken liver, cut shad, and commercial stink baits all work. Fish near the dam or in the deeper channel between the lakes, using a simple three-way rig or a basic slip sinker setup. Catfish don't care much about time of day, so you can fish them anytime the park is open. Evening and night produce more bites, but daytime fishing works too.

Bluegill are abundant and provide reliable action for kids or anyone wanting a quick outing. Small jigs, live crickets, or tiny spinners work well around any dock, fallen tree, or weed edge. They bite best in spring and fall but are present year-round. The bluegill population is healthy enough that you can keep a few for a shore lunch without affecting the fishery.

Seasonal patterns and timing

Spring (March through May) is the strongest season. Bass spawn in shallow water, catfish move into the shallows to feed, and bluegill are active all day. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 70s, and fish feed aggressively. Early morning and late afternoon are prime, but you can catch fish throughout the day.

Summer (June through August) slows the action. Bass move deep, catfish become more nocturnal, and bluegill bite best in early morning or evening. If you fish midday, focus on shade and structure. Fall (September through November) mirrors spring—water cools, fish move shallow again, and feeding windows extend throughout the day. Winter (December through February) is slowest, but catfish and some bass remain catchable if you fish slowly and deep.

What to bring and what to know

A North Carolina fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license online through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website or at most tackle shops. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat—there is little shade on the water. If you're launching a boat, arrive early on weekends; the ramps can get congested between 8 and 10 a.m.

The park has no overnight facilities, so plan for a day trip. Restrooms are available near the parking area. Cell service is spotty in some areas, so don't rely on your phone for navigation once you're on the water. If you're new to the lakes, fish with a local or ask the tackle shop staff for recent reports—they know where fish are holding that week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Twin Lakes?

Yes. Bank access is available along most of the shoreline, particularly on the east side of the north lake and around the dam. Parking for bank anglers is limited, so arrive early on weekends. You'll have the best luck fishing early morning or late afternoon from the bank.

What's the best bait for catfish at Twin Lakes?

Chicken liver, cut shad, and commercial stink baits all catch channel catfish consistently. Fish on the bottom near the dam or in the channel between the lakes using a slip sinker rig. Catfish bite throughout the day, but evening and night produce more strikes.

Do I need a boat to fish Twin Lakes?

No. You can fish from the bank or launch a kayak or canoe from either boat ramp. Bank fishing works well for catfish and bluegill, though a boat gives you access to more bass structure and deeper water.

What time of year is best for bass at Twin Lakes?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are strongest. Water temperatures in these seasons push bass into shallow structure where they feed actively. Summer requires early starts and deeper presentations; winter is slowest.

Is there a tackle shop at Twin Lakes?

Yes, a small shop near the entrance sells live shiners, crickets, and basic lures. Selection is limited, so bring the tackle you know you'll need. The staff can provide recent reports on where fish are biting.