When the wind allows access to the lake, largemouth bass are hitting crankbaits in 4-6 feet of water just inside the feeder creeks. Good-sized largemouth bass are also being caught on slow-rolled spinnerbaits, fished along steep dropping points in the Poplar Creek area.

Crappie fishing is excellent.

Striper activity is best below the Gaston Dam, in Roanoke Rapids Lake, on live shad, Sassy Shads and Redfins.