B. Everett Jordan Lake is a large reservoir located in North Carolina’s central Piedmont region, primarily within Chatham County. Covering approximately 13,940 acres with 180 miles of shoreline, the lake was created by impounding the Haw River and New Hope Creek. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the reservoir for flood control, regional water supply, and outdoor recreation. Its diverse aquatic environment makes Jordan Lake a popular destination for anglers seeking a wide variety of fish species.
The Primary Sport Fish
Jordan Lake is widely known for its exceptional population of Largemouth Bass, often regarded as a trophy fishery in the state. Many of the lake’s largest bass exceed five pounds, with the official lake record pushing past 14 pounds. These predatory fish frequently relate to submerged timber and the extensive rip-rap along causeways, such as the US 64 bridge, which provides excellent ambush points and stable foraging habitat.
The reservoir’s Black Crappie population is another major draw for anglers. Biologists consider Jordan Lake a productive crappie fishery, with quality fish commonly caught throughout the year, especially during the cooler months. These schooling fish congregate near vertical structure, such as bridge pilings and deep underwater brush piles, where they suspend to feed.
Another primary sport fish is the Striped Bass, which the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission actively stocks each year. The WRC annually releases tens of thousands of pure Striped Bass fingerlings into the lake, having discontinued the stocking of Hybrid Stripers. These powerful, open-water predators cruise the deeper sections, particularly near the dam, pursuing large schools of baitfish. Striped Bass can reach weights upward of 18 pounds, providing an intense challenge for anglers.
Common Panfish and Bottom Dwellers
The lake supports a substantial population of common panfish, targeted by casual anglers. Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, and Redbreast Sunfish are all present, often referred to as “bream.” While Bluegill are numerous, their growth rate is sometimes slower compared to other reservoirs due to the lake’s ecological dynamics.
Catfish species are highly prevalent, occupying the lake’s bottom structures and deeper channels. Channel Catfish are common, often hiding during the day in deeper water, such as old submerged roadbeds. The native White Catfish is also abundant, with surveys indicating they may significantly outnumber other catfish species. These smaller, native bullhead relatives can reach weights of up to six pounds.
The Flathead Catfish, an introduced and highly predatory species, is also established. These large fish prefer deep, slow-moving stretches near substantial cover, such as large log jams or brush piles. As opportunistic feeders, Flathead Catfish primarily consume live fish, including panfish and forage species. Their presence contributes to the overall dynamics of the bottom-dwelling fish community.
The Ecological Foundation
The base of Jordan Lake’s aquatic food web relies on prolific forage and non-game species. Gizzard Shad and Threadfin Shad are the most common prey items, forming the primary diet for larger predatory fish like Striped Bass and Largemouth Bass. The abundance of these shad species is directly tied to the health and size of the sport fish populations.
Other non-game fish, such as the Common Carp and various Suckers (Catostomidae family), are integral to the lake’s ecology. These species are bottom-scourers, feeding on detritus, insect larvae, and small organisms found in the sediment. Their presence plays a role in nutrient cycling within the reservoir.
The lake also contains the invasive White Perch, which has become one of the most abundant species in gill-net surveys. These small, schooling fish compete directly with young crappie and other gamefish for food resources. The combined presence of all these species creates the complex ecosystem supporting the fish community of Jordan Lake.