Lake Brandt

Structure & water

Middle lake in the Greensboro cascade (Higgins → Brandt → Townsend) on Reedy Fork and Horsepen Creeks. Originally built 1925, raised in 1958. Very shallow overall — mean depth ~6.6 ft, max ~25 ft at the dam. Heavily forested shoreline with submerged pre-impoundment stumps forming subtle 'stumpy humps' across the main lake. Stained, eutrophic water; Secchi often under 3 ft.

Forage: Threadfin shad, gizzard shad, bluegill, crayfish

Hot spots

• Main-lake stumpy humps

  Pre-impoundment stumps on subtle depth changes — Carolina-rigged lizard and squarebill produce most fish.

• Back coves on the western side

  Protected creek-channel water 2–10 ft; bass stage prespawn and school here in fall.

• Rock wall at the Hwy 220 canal mouth

  Classic prespawn staging spot — spinnerbait along the rock for 3 lb-plus females.

• Dam area

  Only ~25 ft water on the lake; summer fish hold on the thermocline near deep structure.

Top patterns

Launches & marinas

• Lake Brandt Marina

  5945 Lake Brandt Rd, Greensboro, NC 27455

  Marina

  Phone: (336) 545-5333

  Fees: City of Greensboro lake permit required; daily launch fee

  Single concrete rampKayak/canoe launch (year-round)Boat & kayak rentals (May–Oct)Bait & tackleSnack barRestrooms

  Only access point on Brandt. Closed Wednesdays; no night fishing. Trolling-motor-friendly — small jons and kayaks dominate.

Regulations

City of Greensboro lake permit required. NC license required. Largemouth: 14" minimum, 5/day. Bank fishing prohibited. Closed Wednesdays; no night fishing.