Wilkes County. From Boone, take US 421, Turn left at first stoplight (I forget the hwy #) before entering Wilkesboro. Go 4 miles. Turn right when you see the sign, "Gold's Fish Lake".
If coming from the east, go though Wilkesboro and turn right at the last light (At top of long hill, LARGE convenience store on left). Sorry I don't remember the hwy number. Go 4 miles, etc.
Gold's is a small lake. There's another small lake in the vicinity, but I would get you lost trying to give directions. There is a "Big Money" lake also in that general vicinity, but that kind of lake is too expensive for my preference, so I have never been there. If Gold's is not quite what you're looking for, you can ask anyone there for directions to other lakes. Gold's is open Saturdays in the winter 10am-6pm. You probably could get directions at tackle shops & convenience stores in that part of Wilkes County.
Wilkes County is about as far NW in NC as I think you will find a pay lake. I've never heard of any in Watauga, Ashe, or Alleghany counties.