Cape Fear River Access

[jlight2]

I've been fishing the Cape Fear River for Catfish, Bream and Striper since I moved to North Carolina (15 years ago). Catfishing that river is my favorite summer past-time. I've been driving about an hour and a half from Jacksonville up to Lock 1 in East Arcadia to launch. I'm looking for access to a launch somewhere between Wilmington and Lock 1 to cut down my travel time and get me on some less familiar water, but so far I've been stumped. I've checked every map I can find and for the life of me can't find a single launch to access the lower portion of that river.

Does anyone out there have a better knowledge of the area and know where I can get onto the water below Lock 1??

[manxxcatt]

Isn't there an access in Holly Shelter?

found this:

if it helps, save me a coupla good catfish :mrgreen:

Northeast Cape Fear River: Pender County - Holly Shelter NC

Almost 8 miles east of Burgaw on NC-53 turn right on SR-1523. Heading south, 1523 becomes SR-1522 then SR-1520. Unless DOT did some paving recently, the pavement quits after the firstr 2 miles. Just stay on the same road and forget the 'SR' signs. The access area is about 6 miles south of NC-53.

Northeast Cape Fear River: Pender County - Sawpit Landing NC

From Burgaw, follow NC-53 north about 3 miles to SR-1512. (if you cross the river bridge you went too far). Turn right on SR-1512 and go to the end and the access area.

[DKA]

There is a Boat Ramp at Reiglewood at the Golf Course, not a lot closer, but not another one that I know of. Some good fishing @ Elwell's Ferry, straight on up Hwy 87. My favorite place to fish.

[SongDoghunter]

Holly Shelter accesses the North East Cape Fear instead of the Cape Fear. However, if you want some good catfishing, I'd recommend the Black River over by Moore's Creek Battlefield. It empties into the Cape Fear not far down river.

[DKA]

Holly Shelter accesses the North East Cape Fear instead of the Cape Fear. However, if you want some good catfishing, I'd recommend the Black River over by Moore's Creek Battlefield. It empties into the Cape Fear not far down river.

An deep water where they run together, believe it is about 80' deep.

[cyclops]

i fish on the black river at nc 53 and 210 there is a state boat landing off of morgan rd which intersects with both hwys the ramp is real good you would have to go down river to get to the cape fear also be carefull as the black river is pretty shallow have caught some nice bream up stream from this landing