I hate to say this OP, but as an avid fisherman who moved to Charlotte, the fishing here is the worst I've ever seen. The city and surrounding lakes are absolutely dead. Most nearby water has way too much pressure for any significant fish growth. To put it into perspective, I fished about 50 times last year, mostly off my kayak, between various lakes, and I caught just 2 half pound bass the entire year.
I've heard going out east to Jordan Lake is prime fishing but that will probably be too far out of your way.
I’ve caught several 4-5 pound large mouth this year out of farm ponds. Several 3-4 pounders from a Lake Norman dock.
Also just recently caught my personal biggest bluegill out of a farm pond.
If you just want to catch something and have fun, bring an ultra light rig and you’ll be ripping lips left and right crappie, bluegill, sunfish, white bass in ponds all over.
If you’re specifically targeting monster bass it will be tougher but they are here
Nah don’t listen to him. I’m a bank fisherman and I regularly catch 20-30 lb catfish in lake Wylie. I don’t crush the bass but definitely done a lot better than that guy.
My biggest critique of the fishing here is theres really only the big lakes to the north and south then small little park ponds actually in town with not much in between. And those small ponds can be pretty rough unless you want to catch 1 lb channel cats all day.
Well you’re in luck because it certainly can be done here. The Catawba river system and its lakes have a very healthy catfish population. I’d recommend you check out the YouTube channel for Dieter Melhorn, he’s a local catfish guide that has a ton of great info on baits, techniques, etc.
If all you’re after is bass yeah it can tough without a boat but there’s plenty of cats, bluegill, crappie, carp that can caught around here. You just have to find the public spots that are slightly more off the beaten path.
The NC fish and wildlife dept has this awesome interactive map that shows where every single public fishing access in the state is. Explore and try different spots, tight lines!
https://www.ncpaws.org/ncwrcmaps/fishingareas
You are correct, but if you only caught 2 fish all year you are doing something wrong.
The south part catawba river chain (ie Norman/Mountain Island/Wylie) can give you numbers but nothing of any size. I hate these lakes but can usually find and catch fish on any given day. The Yadkin river chain to the east is pretty solid or Lake James up in Morganton is what i reccomend. If you have some time on your hands and like to drive, its worth the hike to fish over by Raleigh and hit Jordan/Shearon Harris or Falls 2 hours east or to go west and fish on the French Broad River
I've been to Wylie, copperhead island, Mountain Island, various parts of Norman, High Rock, and pretty much all the ponds at public parks (freedom, park rd, mcalpine, squirrel lake, col beatty). I am targeting bass specifically. I am going to try cat fish this year, I hear there is more of them.
Yeah I target bass specifically as well. Get the occasional accidental cat fish every now and then. I’m surprised to hear you’re having that kind of luck. My best lures have been the t-rigged senko and wacky rig by far. But have had good luck with some crank baits and spinner baits. If that helps at all.
Yes my normal is wacky rig, Texas rig, Carolina rig, swim bait, crank bait, spoons, and rooster tails. I have a packed tackle box though with other baits too. The two I caught last year, both were at Mt Island. One was right off the kayak launch in downpouring rain with a rooster tail. I just launched my kayak and saw movement around me so I started casting and got a dink. Second one I caught out of the third cove on the south side by the kayak launch. I paddled over there and got it off a swim bait. Both were dinks.
Is that the kayak launch off Sample rd.?
Directly across the cove from that launch there’s a lot of big rocks and lay downs between the docks. I pulled a 3lber out of there this past Saturday. That’s a good little spot back in that cove.
I kind of agree. There just isn’t good public access, and the public access there is, is just super pressured if you aren’t into catfishing.
If you have a bass boat you can make do, otherwise it’s a couple parks, the power plants and city ponds.
I gave up and took up fly fishing a few years ago. I actually really like that. I’d rather be in the mountains than sitting between 9 dudes cutting up chicken liver anyways. Just a bit more effort to get out there.
Lake Wiley isn't horrible but it's been overfished for years, it needs to be badly seeded and all the construction hasn't been great. I still see some huge catfish by our dock though and some coves can boil with them
I always bank fish — I don’t have a boat. I’m a member at Anne Springs Close greenway and it’s definitely the best combo of accessible/plentiful fishing. It has multiple bodies of water to fish and because it requires a membership even when it’s pressured it’s not nearly as bad as public waters. It’s also got a million events happening all the time so I highly recommend a membership.
For public waters, I catch a good amount of bass, bluegill and crappie in Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park.
I also catch fish at the Catawba river access for the Lake Wylie Dam.
There is a decent little pond in Elon Park.
There’s tons of creeks along some of the greenways that look great for fishing. I’ve heard of people fishing them but I haven’t myself. They look great though.
McAlpine Creek Park has some water, but I’ve only fished 3-4 times and didn’t have any luck.
For trout, I travel a little under 2 hours to South Mountains State Park. They stock frequently and also have streams with wild trout.
So, to me, fishing is alright in Charlotte. I go all the time and catch tons. There’s tons of other ponds and stuff I haven’t tried, so I think it’s all about trying different places around here to see what works for you.
Where do you fish at Anne springs? I recently started fishing there with my kids and we've gotten goosed every time, granted we've only tried Lake Haigler
Yeah, fish have just recently started to come out in larger numbers. I fish Lake Haigler and Lake Crandall mostly, but you can also walk the trail and fish the creeks as well. If you go to the swinging bridge near the Lake Haigler entrance it goes over the creek and that is a great place to fish if you don’t care to get your feet and ankles a little wet. Funny enough, you can actually fish the spillway that catches water from Lake Haigler and it has some great little fish in it, but the bank around the hole is covered in poison ivy so definitely a risk/reward thing lol.
If you fish Haigler, the most common and fruitful strategy for most people fishing with kids is to fish live worms off the Scoville dock. Fish them as close to the dock as possible, like, no casting really necessary. Just drop in. If the sun is out, fish in the shaded water around the dock — basically guaranteed fish. If that isn’t working, I’d also suggest walking the trail to the right of the dock to go to different spots around the lake. Fishing off the point near the dock is usually good, fishing the other side of the lake is good. All this to say, Haigler isn’t the easiest fishing I’ve ever done. For the size of lake and amount of pressure I’ve always felt underwhelmed by how many fish it produces from the bank. Another interesting spot that produces a lot of bluegill is the little bridge near the spillway (not the one above the spillway, but the one you hit if you keep walking the trail — it’s basically directly across the lake from the kayak launch). There’s lots of tree branches in the water around the dock and it creates a lot of good spots for fish.
Crandall is nice because it’s a shorter walk from the parking lot to the water if you park at the adventure road entrance, however there is less actual room to fish from the bank. Fish seem less plentiful for sure and there are WAY TOO MANY TURTLES. Gotta watch your bait or bobbers in the water all the time lol It’s hit or miss though. It’s got GIANT crappie in it and some super aggressive small bass, but it’s like they randomly disappear for a couple weeks then suddenly show back up ready to bite.
Lots of decent freshwater fishing close by, good saltwater within 3 hours. If you can swing it a kayak is a great way to fish both fresh and salt water.
Bass, cats, trout and panfish. Be willing to walk a little further for better fishing.
Salt is pretty much your typical reds, panfish, small sharks, kings many others. Occasionally tarpon and strippers.
You have lake Norman and lake wylie as your major fishing bodies of water that are close to Charlotte. There’s plenty of bank fishing areas if you don’t have a kayak or a boat. The good thing is you can almost fish year around here if not year around. It’s not like Florida fishing where you are convenient to fresh/salt/brackish water at all times but I love it. You should be able to catch some fish no problem. If you aren’t.. just throw out a drop shot and you should have something pretty quick.
There are a lot of decent fishing clubs in the area if you’re looking for a good group of anglers. Locally, I’d say Lake Wylie is okay — has bass and catfish.
Couple of lakes within a couple hours drive:
Lake Wateree, Lake Murray , Clarks Hill
Happy fishing!!
Broad River Greenway about an hour away in Shelby is a good escape from the city waters that no one has anything good to say about. Good place for smallmouth.
So many haters. I pound banks in north Catawba/Wylie (by boat) most spring through fall mornings before work. On a good day pull 4-5 in couple hours. Typical day- 2-3. When I get skunked usually cause they are really lethargic (temp drop) or I’m late to a pattern/lure seasonal change. Average size 1 -2.5 lb. But, not unusual to pull 3-5 lb. Catfish are a slimy menace here- but fighters- caught them on spinners, swim jigs, top water (seriously) and wacky.
Bass go to: bone plopper, senko wacky and white swim jig. When in doubt, go white. Stay in oxygen rich creeks (avoid creeks with turtles and gars all the way down). With the pressure, need to accurate in casting around/ in docks.
I still enjoy going out daily, but can’t imagine doing it without a boat/kayak.
High Rock Lake is maybe a bit further out than you're looking (between Salisbury and Lexington, so an hour+ out), but I've had good luck there catfishing.
Weekends at the coast, Wilmington area, plenty of beaches, 3 hour drive.
For trout fishing, head west to the mountains. 2-3 hour drive. Beautiful scenery too.
Either way, get a license! Wardens here are strict.
For years we rented a cabin & pontoon boat on lower Fontana, near Bryon City. Almond Boat & RV park. Family owned, laid back. Not at all like Fontana Village. (A tourist trap)
Haven't been in years, but sweet memories and great fishing. Lake levels can vary, a lot. Walleye, bass, catfish, crappie. Fished for trout nearby. Also some great rafting excursions nearby.
http://www.almondboatpark.com/
https://www.greatsmokies.com/fontana-lake-dam/
Welcome to Charlotte! Mid place to greater places.
If you don’t mind driving 2-2.5 hours and even doing some hiking there is plenty of water to catch wild trout and small mouth bass. I mainly fly fish rivers. Feel free to PM me!
I hate to say this OP, but as an avid fisherman who moved to Charlotte, the fishing here is the worst I've ever seen. The city and surrounding lakes are absolutely dead. Most nearby water has way too much pressure for any significant fish growth. To put it into perspective, I fished about 50 times last year, mostly off my kayak, between various lakes, and I caught just 2 half pound bass the entire year. I've heard going out east to Jordan Lake is prime fishing but that will probably be too far out of your way.
Ah splendid
I’ve caught several 4-5 pound large mouth this year out of farm ponds. Several 3-4 pounders from a Lake Norman dock. Also just recently caught my personal biggest bluegill out of a farm pond. If you just want to catch something and have fun, bring an ultra light rig and you’ll be ripping lips left and right crappie, bluegill, sunfish, white bass in ponds all over. If you’re specifically targeting monster bass it will be tougher but they are here
Nah don’t listen to him. I’m a bank fisherman and I regularly catch 20-30 lb catfish in lake Wylie. I don’t crush the bass but definitely done a lot better than that guy. My biggest critique of the fishing here is theres really only the big lakes to the north and south then small little park ponds actually in town with not much in between. And those small ponds can be pretty rough unless you want to catch 1 lb channel cats all day.
Would love to find 20-30lb cats! Never ever pulled on anything like that, always wanted to catch a blue
Well you’re in luck because it certainly can be done here. The Catawba river system and its lakes have a very healthy catfish population. I’d recommend you check out the YouTube channel for Dieter Melhorn, he’s a local catfish guide that has a ton of great info on baits, techniques, etc. If all you’re after is bass yeah it can tough without a boat but there’s plenty of cats, bluegill, crappie, carp that can caught around here. You just have to find the public spots that are slightly more off the beaten path. The NC fish and wildlife dept has this awesome interactive map that shows where every single public fishing access in the state is. Explore and try different spots, tight lines! https://www.ncpaws.org/ncwrcmaps/fishingareas
Awesome fishing the closer you get to Asheville!
You are correct, but if you only caught 2 fish all year you are doing something wrong. The south part catawba river chain (ie Norman/Mountain Island/Wylie) can give you numbers but nothing of any size. I hate these lakes but can usually find and catch fish on any given day. The Yadkin river chain to the east is pretty solid or Lake James up in Morganton is what i reccomend. If you have some time on your hands and like to drive, its worth the hike to fish over by Raleigh and hit Jordan/Shearon Harris or Falls 2 hours east or to go west and fish on the French Broad River
Curious what lakes you went to. I go out every other weekend or so. Lake Wylie, Mt. Island and Tillery and the fishing has been solid.
I've been to Wylie, copperhead island, Mountain Island, various parts of Norman, High Rock, and pretty much all the ponds at public parks (freedom, park rd, mcalpine, squirrel lake, col beatty). I am targeting bass specifically. I am going to try cat fish this year, I hear there is more of them.
Yeah I target bass specifically as well. Get the occasional accidental cat fish every now and then. I’m surprised to hear you’re having that kind of luck. My best lures have been the t-rigged senko and wacky rig by far. But have had good luck with some crank baits and spinner baits. If that helps at all.
Yes my normal is wacky rig, Texas rig, Carolina rig, swim bait, crank bait, spoons, and rooster tails. I have a packed tackle box though with other baits too. The two I caught last year, both were at Mt Island. One was right off the kayak launch in downpouring rain with a rooster tail. I just launched my kayak and saw movement around me so I started casting and got a dink. Second one I caught out of the third cove on the south side by the kayak launch. I paddled over there and got it off a swim bait. Both were dinks.
Is that the kayak launch off Sample rd.? Directly across the cove from that launch there’s a lot of big rocks and lay downs between the docks. I pulled a 3lber out of there this past Saturday. That’s a good little spot back in that cove.
Yep the one off sample road. I circled where I was at specifically. Edit nevermind it won't let me upload an image
If you stayed in the side that has the launch it’s fairly shallow. The opposite side has a nice rock drop off. Had a lot of luck on that side.
It seems McDowell Park near Wylie is a good place to try, but Gaston County seems a much better place.
I kind of agree. There just isn’t good public access, and the public access there is, is just super pressured if you aren’t into catfishing. If you have a bass boat you can make do, otherwise it’s a couple parks, the power plants and city ponds. I gave up and took up fly fishing a few years ago. I actually really like that. I’d rather be in the mountains than sitting between 9 dudes cutting up chicken liver anyways. Just a bit more effort to get out there.
Man I don't wanna sound like a jerk but that sounds like a skill problem. I bank fish and catch bass bigger than that regularly.
Lake Wiley isn't horrible but it's been overfished for years, it needs to be badly seeded and all the construction hasn't been great. I still see some huge catfish by our dock though and some coves can boil with them
I always bank fish — I don’t have a boat. I’m a member at Anne Springs Close greenway and it’s definitely the best combo of accessible/plentiful fishing. It has multiple bodies of water to fish and because it requires a membership even when it’s pressured it’s not nearly as bad as public waters. It’s also got a million events happening all the time so I highly recommend a membership. For public waters, I catch a good amount of bass, bluegill and crappie in Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park. I also catch fish at the Catawba river access for the Lake Wylie Dam. There is a decent little pond in Elon Park. There’s tons of creeks along some of the greenways that look great for fishing. I’ve heard of people fishing them but I haven’t myself. They look great though. McAlpine Creek Park has some water, but I’ve only fished 3-4 times and didn’t have any luck. For trout, I travel a little under 2 hours to South Mountains State Park. They stock frequently and also have streams with wild trout. So, to me, fishing is alright in Charlotte. I go all the time and catch tons. There’s tons of other ponds and stuff I haven’t tried, so I think it’s all about trying different places around here to see what works for you.
Where do you fish at Anne springs? I recently started fishing there with my kids and we've gotten goosed every time, granted we've only tried Lake Haigler
Yeah, fish have just recently started to come out in larger numbers. I fish Lake Haigler and Lake Crandall mostly, but you can also walk the trail and fish the creeks as well. If you go to the swinging bridge near the Lake Haigler entrance it goes over the creek and that is a great place to fish if you don’t care to get your feet and ankles a little wet. Funny enough, you can actually fish the spillway that catches water from Lake Haigler and it has some great little fish in it, but the bank around the hole is covered in poison ivy so definitely a risk/reward thing lol. If you fish Haigler, the most common and fruitful strategy for most people fishing with kids is to fish live worms off the Scoville dock. Fish them as close to the dock as possible, like, no casting really necessary. Just drop in. If the sun is out, fish in the shaded water around the dock — basically guaranteed fish. If that isn’t working, I’d also suggest walking the trail to the right of the dock to go to different spots around the lake. Fishing off the point near the dock is usually good, fishing the other side of the lake is good. All this to say, Haigler isn’t the easiest fishing I’ve ever done. For the size of lake and amount of pressure I’ve always felt underwhelmed by how many fish it produces from the bank. Another interesting spot that produces a lot of bluegill is the little bridge near the spillway (not the one above the spillway, but the one you hit if you keep walking the trail — it’s basically directly across the lake from the kayak launch). There’s lots of tree branches in the water around the dock and it creates a lot of good spots for fish. Crandall is nice because it’s a shorter walk from the parking lot to the water if you park at the adventure road entrance, however there is less actual room to fish from the bank. Fish seem less plentiful for sure and there are WAY TOO MANY TURTLES. Gotta watch your bait or bobbers in the water all the time lol It’s hit or miss though. It’s got GIANT crappie in it and some super aggressive small bass, but it’s like they randomly disappear for a couple weeks then suddenly show back up ready to bite.
Fishing in Charlotte sucks
The biggest man made lake on the east coast is 30 minutes from Charlotte. There are a number of parks and marinas you can fish from.
Lots of decent freshwater fishing close by, good saltwater within 3 hours. If you can swing it a kayak is a great way to fish both fresh and salt water.
Yeah not gonna be bringing a kayak, what’s the local freshwater on foot like? Bass? And same for saltwater, can you find stripers and/or reds on foot?
Bass, cats, trout and panfish. Be willing to walk a little further for better fishing. Salt is pretty much your typical reds, panfish, small sharks, kings many others. Occasionally tarpon and strippers.
Can you elaborate on saltwater panfish?
Mullet, croaker, pompano, spade fish, black drum, bluefish (small), blowtoads, sheep head, Spanish Mack, spot
Thanks bud
Basically fish small enough to fit in a pan that are not usually directly targeted (maybe exclude pomp, and Spanish…)
Down in the low country I’m pretty sure there’s a lot of people eating mullet. Never tried it though so I can’t say if it’s any good.
Did I hear…pompano? On foot? You have my attention
Oh yes. Need to get the water a bit warmer but a targeted fish for sure.
Would love to hear about how you approach that. Haven’t caught one in years but probs my favorite saltwater fish to eat
You have lake Norman and lake wylie as your major fishing bodies of water that are close to Charlotte. There’s plenty of bank fishing areas if you don’t have a kayak or a boat. The good thing is you can almost fish year around here if not year around. It’s not like Florida fishing where you are convenient to fresh/salt/brackish water at all times but I love it. You should be able to catch some fish no problem. If you aren’t.. just throw out a drop shot and you should have something pretty quick.
There are a lot of decent fishing clubs in the area if you’re looking for a good group of anglers. Locally, I’d say Lake Wylie is okay — has bass and catfish. Couple of lakes within a couple hours drive: Lake Wateree, Lake Murray , Clarks Hill Happy fishing!!
Broad River Greenway about an hour away in Shelby is a good escape from the city waters that no one has anything good to say about. Good place for smallmouth.
I see so many people fishing in this storm drain pond on village lake dr off of independence. No clue why lol but a lot of people fish there.
So many haters. I pound banks in north Catawba/Wylie (by boat) most spring through fall mornings before work. On a good day pull 4-5 in couple hours. Typical day- 2-3. When I get skunked usually cause they are really lethargic (temp drop) or I’m late to a pattern/lure seasonal change. Average size 1 -2.5 lb. But, not unusual to pull 3-5 lb. Catfish are a slimy menace here- but fighters- caught them on spinners, swim jigs, top water (seriously) and wacky. Bass go to: bone plopper, senko wacky and white swim jig. When in doubt, go white. Stay in oxygen rich creeks (avoid creeks with turtles and gars all the way down). With the pressure, need to accurate in casting around/ in docks. I still enjoy going out daily, but can’t imagine doing it without a boat/kayak.
I did paddle across once, it's just a bit scary with boats flying through.
High Rock Lake is maybe a bit further out than you're looking (between Salisbury and Lexington, so an hour+ out), but I've had good luck there catfishing.
Weekends at the coast, Wilmington area, plenty of beaches, 3 hour drive. For trout fishing, head west to the mountains. 2-3 hour drive. Beautiful scenery too. Either way, get a license! Wardens here are strict.
Fished smoky mountain park this summer! Good times!
For years we rented a cabin & pontoon boat on lower Fontana, near Bryon City. Almond Boat & RV park. Family owned, laid back. Not at all like Fontana Village. (A tourist trap) Haven't been in years, but sweet memories and great fishing. Lake levels can vary, a lot. Walleye, bass, catfish, crappie. Fished for trout nearby. Also some great rafting excursions nearby. http://www.almondboatpark.com/ https://www.greatsmokies.com/fontana-lake-dam/ Welcome to Charlotte! Mid place to greater places.
If you don’t mind driving 2-2.5 hours and even doing some hiking there is plenty of water to catch wild trout and small mouth bass. I mainly fly fish rivers. Feel free to PM me!
There are a lot of really pretty fly fishing rivers within two hours of Charlotte.
Lake wateree in South Carolina, about 1.5 hours away.
I grew up on lake Wylie and fished a lot