Concord, NC Fishing: Harmonious City Lake Fishing

Concord can be found in Cabarrus County in North Carolina. It is the largest city in Cabarrus and acts as the county seat. It has the second largest population in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area and the tenth-largest. Around the late 1700s, Concord was settled by German and Scots-Irish immigrants. Its name means ‘with harmony.’ The name was chosen following a lengthy dispute between German Lutherans and Scotch-Irish Presbyterians about the county seat. In 1796, the city was founded, and in 1806, it was incorporated. 

Concord today presents a mixture of progress and heritage that truly embodies its name. Its motto, ‘High-Performance Living,’ has been validated with multiple awards and accolades, being named one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and recipient of the All-America City Award. It is a perfect blend of business, residential, recreational, and industrial life, making it a wonderful area that pairs adrenaline rushes and relaxation. The city is home to North Carolina’s most popular tourist attractions and several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Concord has many lakes that will have any angler excited to catch a freshwater game as an angling destination.

Concord Fishing

Concord is surrounded by several lakes that offer fantastic freshwater angling opportunities, whether on foot or by boat. Some also provide chances for other recreational activities such as swimming, hiking, and biking paired with picturesque views of greenery.

The waters of Concord are home to largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, white crappie, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and white perch. Do note that there are areas around Concord that are privately owned residences, so make sure to go to places where public access is allowed. 

Lake Fisher is known for its pristine water. It is one of the most popular fishing spots in the city because it is primarily designated for recreational fishing. Bank fishing and private watercraft like boats and kayaks are not permitted in the lake due to watershed rules that maintain the integrity of the water supply. Swimming in its waters is also not allowed. Anglers can rent boats from lake management. They are also encouraged and permitted to bring their fishing equipment and tackle, fuel, trolling motor, outboard motor up to 10 HP, and marine batteries. Lake Fisher is open from 7 AM to 3 PM from Wednesdays through Saturdays and from 1 PM to 6 PM on Sundays. The lake is available for fishing from March to October only. A variety of fish can be found in the lake, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, spotted bass, bluegill, white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Common ways to reel fish from the lake are to use baitcasting or spinning techniques. 

Frank Liske Park to the south has a pond called the Jackson Training School Lake that is annually and monthly stocked with catfish and trout. A small fee is required before anglers can fish from the 9-acre pond.  In the pond, one can find rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, bluefish, and black crappie. The absence of vegetation and multiple access through improved trails around the pond make it a terrific shore fishing area. Paddleboats are also allowed for those who want to fish further out the water.

Lake Lynn can be found east of Concord; anglers can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white crappie, redear sunfish, and creek chub. It allows bank fishing and has a put and take regulation in place due to its small size.

Anglers willing to travel way out west can have the opportunity to fish in Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. The lake can reel in trophy fish, with record-winning catfish, crappie, bass, and perch caught from its vast waters. A variety of freshwater fish like black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, striped bass, bluegill, white perch, yellow perch, channel catfish, and blue catfish can be targeted in Lake Norman. Those who want to stay on land can cast their line from its three fishing piers; Patriot Pier at Ramsey Creek Park, Lake Norman State Park Pier in Troutman, and Stump Creek Pier on Perth Road. There are a couple of locations where one can also fish from the shore, such as Jetton Park and the Ramsey Creek Access Area. Several marinas grace the lake’s shores providing boat launches, boat slips, rentals, storage, and repairs for boat anglers. Nearby shops also sell live bait. 

The Concord Police Foundation has started hosting a fishing tournament called the Blue Line Fishing Tournament in 2021; they aim to make it an annual event held in Badin Lake in New London. Participants can win cash prizes, raffle items, and gift cards. The tournament has been set up to honor the memory of fallen Concord Police Officer Jason Shuping. Anglers compete by catching the heaviest bass and crappie in a span of half a day.

Top 10 Fish Species in Concord, NC

The top 10 fish species found in Concord, North Carolina are largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, white crappie, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, and rainbow trout. 

Seasonal Fishing

Bass species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and white bass are best caught in the early summer and late winter when they are most active and spawning. Recreational fishing for striped bass opens in the fall. Black crappie and white crappie are most active from March to May during their spawning season. Anglers targeting bluegill can effectively do so around May to October. The best months for anglers who want to hook channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish are April, May, October, and November. Local waters that stock rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout allow anglers to fish for them all year. The peak time for yellow perch and white perch is April and May. 

Thrilling Attractions in Concord

Concord personifies the perfect combination of thrilling and relaxing experiences through its countless attractions. The city is home to many of North Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Several large lakes are found in and around Concord, making the city an excellent angling destination. Anglers can book a fishing charter and local guides to help them navigate and fish from abundant local lakes. Boat rental services and bait and tackle shops are available in all fishing lakes.

2. Race by the Charlotte Motor Speedway

The Charlotte Motor Speedway, America’s Home for Racing, is located in southwest Concord. The NASCAR Research and Development Office and several professional race teams are also headquartered in the city. The speedway was built in 1959 and annually hosted several renowned races, concerts, and live entertainment. The site also hosts some of the nation’s largest car shows and swap meets. A spectacular Memorial Day Weekend celebration and Salute to the Troops are popular traditions held in the area every year.

3. Arts and History Downtown

Downtown Concord boasts charm through local restaurants, breweries, shops, outdoor retreats, historic sites, and vivid street art. The centerpiece of downtown, the Cabarrus County Courthouse, is home to the Cabarrus Arts Council. There, people can enjoy curated art galleries. The Davis Theater often hosts various live performances as well. The south area of downtown and Union Street presents a historic architecture listed on the Historic Districts on the National Register.