Huntersville, NC Fishing: Fantastic Fishing in a Booming Suburb

One can find the suburban town of Huntersville in Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. It is located just 14 miles north of uptown Charlotte, is part of the Charlotte Metropolitan Area, and is the 16th largest municipality in the state. It was a small mill town before it was incorporated in 1873. Huntersville was renamed to honor local cotton farmer and landowner Robert Boston Hunter after it was originally named Craighead. Early houses dating back before the 1950s in Huntersville were built by local farmers, carpenters, and bricklayers. From then until now, the area has been steadily annexed and evolved into a vibrant destination for residents and tourists.

Huntersville is a booming suburb that combines retail and residential areas with historic cultural attractions. It has something for everyone as it is home to diverse attractions, entertainment, shopping, dining, natural parks, and is a base for NASCAR. One can get a unique snapshot of what being in Huntersville is like when they explore Birkdale Village. The area offers an array of shops, restaurants, entertainment, colorful buildings, beautiful gardens, and bubbling fountains. Anglers can’t be wrong when they plan their next fishing trip in Huntersville because just to the north, they’ll have the opportunity to fish from North Carolina’s largest man-made lake. There are also plenty of things to do, whether one wants to have a relaxing escape or experience an outdoor adventure.

Huntersville Fishing

Huntersville’s surrounding area has some of the most prominent fishing spots in North Carolina. Whether looking to fish by boat or from the shoreline, this extraordinary place offers any angler many options while letting them enjoy the suburb’s natural beauty, diverse attractions, and outdoor activities.

Regardless of the year, Lake Norman is the perfect place for recreation and relaxation, whether a quick trip or a small getaway. The lake can be found to the immediate north of Huntersville. It is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, where anglers can have the chance to catch trophies and record-winning fish. People sometimes refer to the lake as North Carolina’s inland sea due to the diversity of the fish found living in and migrating to its waters. Some prime targets one can reel in from Lake Norman include channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, yellow perch, white perch, and bluegill. Striped bass was introduced in the lake to cater to sport fishing. Those who want to fish from land can do so from Lake Norman’s three fishing piers; Patriot Pier at Ramsey Creek Park, Lake Norman State Park Pier in Troutman, and Stump Creek Pier on Perth Road. Bank fishing is also available as there are two designated areas for that. Lake Norman has eight boat launch areas that the public can access for boat anglers. Blythe Landing Park is the nearest access area from Huntersville. Multiple marinas can also be found along the shores, providing boat slips, boat and gear rentals, storage, and boat repairs. One can find other species in the lake, such as black bullhead, sauger, spotted bass, and longnose gar. Most anglers come to the lake to experience its exceptional catfish fishery. Blue catfish were brought to Lake Norman to help control the shad population. The largest blue catfish in the state was caught in Lake Norman, weighing a whopping 85 pounds. Baitcasting is the most popular way to lure fish from the lake, with live bait shops situated near notable angling spots. 

To the east of North Mecklenburg Park in Huntersville’s northeast, one can find North Prong Clark Creek. Part of the waterway is located in the NorthStone Country Club. The creek provides a perfect place for those looking for a peaceful and quiet bank fishing experience. Largemouth bass and bluegill are what anglers can find in its waters. Take note that there are rules indicating to employ put-and-take fishing. The creek has trails and a picnic area and is wheelchair accessible. Simple spinning and baitcasting are how most catch fish from the stream.

Close to Lake Norman, anglers can head to the Catawba River near Lake Norman to the town’s west. The river feeds water into the lake, drains down to Mountain Island Lake, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is the best place for river fishing enthusiasts as its expanse of waters acts as a home to a variety of freshwater fish. An angler can spot coldwater species in its upper reaches like brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass. The lower reaches have largemouth bass, striped bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish who like living in warmer water. Other fish in the river are common carp, white bass, spotted bass, and black crappie. The river’s waters are cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so it is regularly stocked with trout. Though an angler can go wading in the river, most fishing is done by drift fishing on a boat. Fly fishing is also a common way to catch fish in the river. Anglers into reservoir fishing can head to the Rock Hill Area, where Lake Wylie is. Lake Wylie, which sprawls across the North Carolina-South Carolina border, is a fishing tournament hotspot.

Most local fishing tournaments are held in Lake Norman with a prominent focus on bass fishing. Some of the events held in Huntersville are the Carolina Bass Challenge's Classic, the S.A.B.A. Fishing Tournament, and the Phoenix Bass Fishing Tournament.

Top 10 Fish Species in Huntersville, NC

The top 10 fish species found in Huntersville, North Carolina, are channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.

Seasonal Fishing

Bass species, including largemouth, smallmouth, white, and striped bass, are best targeted in the spring. From March through May, an angler can find plenty of bass during their spawning season. Catfish and crappie also spawn in the same period as bass. The best months to catch channel, blue, and flathead catfish are April, May, September, and October. Bream or panfish species like yellow perch, white perch, and bluegill can be caught all year. Spring and winter are excellent times to target bluegill. Because walleye prefer low light conditions, spring and fall are the best times to fish for them. 

Experience Huntersville’s Nature and History

Huntersville is home to many historical and cultural landmarks, nature parks, and sites that showcase the area’s unique beauty.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

With main and large waterways found in and around Huntersville, fishing has been deemed one of the most popular outdoor activities. Exploring the vastness of Lake Norman and the Catawba River will be easier for an angler who can book a fishing charter. Boat rental services and bait and tackle shops are readily available in known fishing areas.

2. Explore By Foot

Huntersville is very walkable and can be explored on foot. Lake Norman is near numerous walking and hiking trails. The Carolina Raptor Center offers a walking tour on nature trails where you can see and learn about birds. The Davidson Nature Preserve allows visitors to hike through the 60 acres of the Rocky River Bluff for free.

3. Go On a Historical Driving Tour

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission provides a driving tour of the history of North Mecklenburg County. Huntersville's tour route showcases many historical and cultural landmarks like the Blythe Homestead, Rural Hill, and the Caldwell Station School.