According to Progress Energy, the 850-acre lake was constructed in 1972 by Carolina Power & Light to provide cooling water for the L.V. Sutton steam electric plant machinery. Since then, it has become a popular location for anglers. According the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, its maximum depth is 25 feet (in the old creek channel) but it averages 5 feet in depth. Standing timber was not removed before the area was flooded to form the lake. This has left many stumps and logs, which provide ideal habitat for largemouth bass.
The old coal-fired plant was replaced with a clean-burning natural gas plant in 2014. The land and water are managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and that relationship will continue.
Lake Sutton waters are between 6 and 40 feet deep. The better fishing is in the deeper water. The best time of day is 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Start fishing in the first lake — go from the launch ramp to the middle of the lake towards the Hot Canal (see map) to begin fishing. You’ll be in about 6.5′ of water.” Avoid weekends because of the larger crowds.
Know the water temperature as it varies from lake to lake. When it reaches the 73º F region, you will catch fish.
Northeast winds are not conducive for fishing. Wind above 12 knots is a waste of time. You can fish the lake with canoes and kayaks but don’t attempt this with winds above 8 knots.
Typically, bass live in a 5-foot diameter world so crank bait and rattle trap baits don’t work well. Use a 7-foot rod with 10 lb test line and an extremely slow retrieve. The Shaky Head Worm, Zoom Trick Worm and Flat Tail Swim Bait work well. Use a #2 Red Hook painted partially black.
For spin fishing, use a “Texas rig” with a sinker; different size worms; and 10# test fluorocarbon line. Cast in concentric circles. Try Gulp green worms and a Gulp bass formula to cover the worms. The Gulp bass formula is available at Walmart. Use green, red, and blue colored Gulp. Also use swim baits, including larger artificial fish to catch larger bass.
A popular baitcasting lure is a “jig and pig.”
Bobby Sands mentioned that his friend, Chuck Weidner wades at Lake Sutton, and Al Noble commented that the biggest bass around this area are in Lake Sutton.
Are There Really Flounder and Crabs in Sutton Lake?
