POND FISHING

Robinson Catfish Lake offers relaxed, family-friendly catfish angling with channel cats, blue cats, and plenty of big fish that keep anglers coming back. With extended hours, friendly staff, and a simple pay-lake setup, it’s one of Gaston County’s go-to spots for easy, down-home fishing fun.

Robinson Catfish Lake — Pond Fishing in Dallas, North Carolina

A Classic Country Catfish Lake in Gaston County

Robinson Catfish Lake is a long-time local favorite tucked away in Dallas, North Carolina, just outside Gastonia and a short drive from Charlotte. This country-style pay lake is known for its friendly atmosphere, easygoing fishing setup, and deep roots in the community. Families, seasoned catfish anglers, and night-fishing regulars all know it as one of those no-frills, good-times spots where you can settle in for hours, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasure of fishing. The pond doesn’t allow any drugs or alcohol so you can feel safe in this family friendly environment.

What Makes Their Fishing Special

Fishing at Robinson Catfish Lake is all about catfish — big ones. The lake is stocked with channel cats and blue cats of all sizes, including some heavy hitters that draw in serious fishermen from all over the region as well as some carp too! What sets this spot apart is the mix of day fishing, extended hours, and special overnight sessions, depending on the season. Many anglers enjoy long, quiet evenings on the banks with lanterns, chairs, coolers, and a good line in the water.

The lake is built for comfort and accessibility:

Plenty of bank space for spreading out with 16 acres of lake!
Lights around the lake for night fishing
Shelters and shaded areas
Friendly, family-run staff who keep things clean and welcoming

Anglers regularly mention that the lake gives everyone a fair chance at landing a solid catfish, and the environment feels relaxed and community-driven rather than competitive or crowded. It’s the ideal spot for beginners learning the ropes, older anglers who want a quiet place to unwind, and regulars who come for the camaraderie as much as the fish.

Operating Season & Hours

Hours vary by season, but Robinson Catfish Lake typically operates spring through fall, with extra-long hours or overnight opportunities during the warmer months.
Common patterns include:

March Hours:
Weekends Only – Fri/Sat 9am-10pm & Sun 9am-9pm
Spring–Fall:
Monday: Closed
Tues-Thur: 9am – 9pm
Fri-Sat: 9am – 12 Midnight
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Special: Frequent late-night or overnight fishing sessions, and tournaments, announced on Facebook

Because the lake’s operating hours are updated most frequently on Facebook, it’s always best to check their page before heading out.

Prices for Fishing

Robinson Catfish Lake uses a simple pay-at-the-gate fee system, which varies depending on day vs. night fishing and special tournaments.

Standard Pricing for 6 Hours of Fishing

$15 ages 12 & up
$7 ages 6-11
$1 Each Additional Hour After 6 Hours

Fishing Rules

Pricing is for up to 8lbs of catfish or 4lbs of catfish for a kid ticket. Anything over must be thrown back. You can have a total sum of catfish or carp up to 8lbs (4lbs for kid ticket) or a single fish up to 8lbs (4lbs for kid ticket). If you catch a fish over 8lbs (4lbs for kid ticket) it must be thrown back.
The lake is catch and keep (up to 8lbs) or catch and release.
You can keep catfish and carp only, not flathead (brim, bass, or crappie). You can fish with the flathead fish.

They occasionally run specials, such as reduced rates or promotional nights, especially at the beginning of the season or on holiday weekends.

How to Book Fishing

Robinson Catfish Lake is walk-in only — no reservations are needed for normal fishing hours.
To prepare:

Check their Facebook page for updated hours, special events, or overnight schedules.
Bring your gear, bait, and personal setup (chairs, coolers, lanterns). They do sell bait and some tackle onsite.
Pay at the entrance and pick your spot.

For tournaments or group events, messaging the lake on Facebook is the best way to coordinate ahead of time.

Tips & What Visitors Need to Know

Bring cash — most pay lakes use cash-only entry.
Nighttime fishing is a big attraction. They do have outdoor lights but its not a bad idea to bring lanterns/lights.
No fishing license required because it’s a private pay lake.
Bring your own gear — rods, bait, chairs, coolers, bells, rod holders, etc.
Bait (all kinds) and tackle is for sale at the lake.
Kids are welcome, and the lake is known for being family-friendly.
Check weather conditions and bring cover if needed; shelters are limited.
Bug Spray isn’t a bad idea.
Two Rods per person is the limit.
No Cleaning Fish at the lake and no cleaning service available.
Follow posted rules about catch limits, lake etiquette, and hours.

Robinson Catfish Lake is a friendly, straightforward place to cast a line, swap stories, unwind, and enjoy old-fashioned NC pay-lake catfishing.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Click the link to visit the official website.

Click Here

VISIT LOCATION PAGE

Click the link to visit the location page for this activity and learn all about the location.

Click Here

ACTIVITY AT OTHER LOCATIONS

private fishing pond Monroe North Carolina

Fishing HollyDay Farms

HollyDay Farms offers private, reservation-only catch-and-release pond fishing on a peaceful 2-acre pond in Monroe, NC, with sunrise-to-sunset access year-round. At just $10 for ages 13+ and free for kids 12 and under, it’s an affordable and family-friendly fishing option close to Charlotte.

Pond Fishing Grandfather Trout Farm NC

Fishing at Grandfather Trout Farm and Gem Mining offers a simple, no-license-needed experience where families catch-and-keep rainbow trout from well-stocked ponds using gear provided onsite. With friendly staff and beautiful mountain surroundings, it’s an easy and memorable way to enjoy Banner Elk’s outdoors.

Man fishing with son at fishing pond in Scaly Mountain, NC.

Fishing Highlands Outpost NC

Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, features a scenic trout fishing pond, offering a relaxing outdoor experience where you only pay for what you catch and they provide everthing you need.

Fishing Jim Booths Catfish Pond

Jim Booth’s Catfish Pond in Walnut Cove, NC offers big, lively catfish fishing in peaceful, well-stocked ponds that draw both casual anglers and serious fishermen alike. With open shoreline, welcoming country vibes, and regular fishing events, it’s a fun and easy place to cast a line and enjoy a day outdoors.

Pond Fishing Cooper’s Creek Trout Farm NC

Cooper Creek Trout Farm & Pond in Bryson City offers easy, year-round trout fishing right from a well-stocked pond where you keep whatever you catch, making it a fun and rewarding outing for anglers of all ages. They provide poles, bait, buckets, and help if you need it, so you can focus on reeling in trout and enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

weekend fishing destination in North Carolina

Pond Fishing Lowrys Fish Farm

Lowrey’s Fish Farm & Sadie’s Channel Cats in Rowland, NC offers relaxed, family-friendly pond fishing where folks can catch catfish straight from well-stocked ponds, bring boats if they want, and take home the fish they catch. With regular tournaments, guided tours, overnight camping, and all the gear available onsite, it’s a favorite destination for anglers of all ages in the Southeast.

Featured image for fishing activity at lake at Jellystone Park near Morganton, NC.

Fishing Jellystone Park Golden Valley

Enjoy fishing at a serene lake surrounded by beautiful mountains and forest. Fish on shore or fish from kayak or canoe.

Fishing Creekside Carp Lake NC

Creekside Carp Lake in Vale, NC offers a specialized carp fishing experience where anglers can target strong, hard-fighting carp in a quiet, well-managed private lake. With plenty of shoreline space and a peaceful rural setting, it’s a great destination for both seasoned carp anglers and newcomers looking to try something different.