Mint Hill, NC Fishing: Ample River and Lake Fishing in Charlotte’s Seat of Hometown Hospitality

Mint Hill is a suburban township in southeastern Mecklenburg County and northwestern Union County in North Carolina. It is a major suburb near the Cabarrus County line and is situated on the outskirts of the state’s largest city, Charlotte. Mint Hill, not Charlotte, was Mecklenburg County’s first official community when it was founded around 1750 by Scots-Irish pioneers. It was initially called Charlotte Town, got its charter, and was designated as a county seat in 1768. At the time, it was named after the speaker of the house Stephen Cabarrus and was later renamed Concord by the Scots-Irish and the Germans in 1796. It then became known as Clear Creek around the 1770s. Mint Hill was reincorporated into the county in 1971 following the threat of Charlotte-Mecklenburg consolidation and bitter zoning battles with the county commissioners.

Mint Hill offers homegrown entertainment in a quiet community surrounded by farmland and heavily wooded areas. The hopping suburb is rich in culture and history, as evidenced by its many fun and exciting sites and attractions. Those who stay in Mint Hill can enjoy all its features as a city-like community while still having the privilege of being in an intimate and charming setting. Residents and visitors can explore what Mint Hill brings to the table while also having the option to access the state’s largest city, which is just a few minute drive away. Mint Hill can be a river and lake fishing haven for anglers on their North Carolina fishing tours because it gives access to some of the state’s best angling spots.

Mint Hill Fishing

Mint Hill is centrally located among a bunch of the best fishing spots in North Carolina. Nearby rivers and lakes are inundated with some of the most sought-after fish anglers enjoy chasing. The suburb is an excellent place to set up base as it provides plenty of other things to see and do for a fantastic getaway.

Anglers can head to the Catawba River on the west as they travel across Charlotte. It is one of the best places for river fishing because its expanse of water acts as an ideal habitat for a variety of freshwater fish. Its upper reaches are home to coldwater species such as brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass. That area has several different access points, including access for wading. Its lower reaches are home to largemouth bass, striped bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish who like living in warmer water. Other species one can find throughout the river system are common carp, white bass, spotted bass, and black crappie. The Catawba River is regularly stocked with trout because its waters are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Those who chase fish in the river go drift fishing by boat. Catching trout by fly fishing is a favorite in the river. The river’s nearest access area from Mint Hill is the Southpoint Boat Ramp in Belmont.

The Catawba River feeds from the Inland Sea of NC, Lake Norman, found northwest of Mint Hill. It is the state’s largest man-made lake where anglers can land trophy-size and record-winning fish. It is a bass fishing haven where anglers can target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, white bass, and bodie bass. It also has an excellent population of catfish species. Other notable species one can target are black crappie, white crappie, yellow perch, white perch, and bluegill. Baitcasting is the best way to catch fish from the lake because live bait shops can be found around the area. There is onshore access through three fishing piers and two designated areas for bank fishing. Lake Norman possesses eight boat launch areas open to the public, with Blythe Landing Park being the closest to Mint Hill. Anglers can find a variety of freshwater charters that move throughout the Catawba River and Lake Norman, whether it’s striped bass charters, crappie fishing trips, or other angling experiences.

Another excellent river fishing spot is the Rocky River in the east. It’s a great place to chase largemouth bass and smallmouth bass because its flow is swift enough to keep its water cool and oxygenated. Bass are stocked in some adjacent streams. Anglers can also catch white bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, alligator gar, and shad. Catching big fish from the river is possible due to its good bait fish and crawfish populations. The best way to fish in the river is by using a canoe or kayak due to the available public access areas.

Lake Tillery is another nearby fishing destination in the east. It is one of the most scenic lakes in the state, where anglers can catch plenty of bass, bream, and catfish species. The lake’s biggest draws are the giant blue catfish found throughout the reservoir. The preferred baits to lure blue cats are worms, shrimp, or cut bait. Anglers can also find plump crappie and an abundance of sunfish in Lake Tillery. The lake also has schools of white perch and yellow perch. It has a shoreline lined with trees and docks, making it a terrific place for onshore fishing. There are also several boat ramp areas and a marina for boat anglers. The lake also rents out boats and is close to a bait and tackle shop, campgrounds, RV hookups, lodging, and restaurants.

Top 10 Fish Species in Mint Hill, NC

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

Seasonal Fishing

The recreational fishing season for trout is open from April to February, with time in between for restocking. Bass season is when they spawn from March to May. The best months to target catfish are April, May, September, and October. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for crappie fishing, but anglers can catch them anytime. Anglers targeting perch should do so in the early morning or evening hours in late spring and early summer or the late afternoon or evening during late summer. Bluegill are most active during spring and early summer. Fishing for sunfish can be done throughout the year.

Meandering Through Mint Hill

Mint Hill is filled with attractions and sites that will satisfy people’s needs to be around nature, learn about local history, and more.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Anglers are urged to book a fishing charter to experience the best fishing in Mint Hill and North Carolina. Fishing with Gus can accomplish an exciting fishing trip around Lake Norman. One can find excellent local guides around the area, such as Cap's Fishing Charters, S and C Fishing Charters, and Keep Castin' Charters. Boat rentals and bait and tackle shops are also available around local lakes. Anglers must also prepare their North Carolina fishing license before angling in the state’s local waters.

2. Visit a Local Amusement Park

Urban Air Adventure Park has a branch in Mint Hill where people can enjoy indoor park activities such as trampolining, sky riding, wall climbing, and various fun courses. It is located at 9108 Lawyers Road and is open at different times depending on the day between 12 NN and 9 PM.

3. Visit a Memorial Park

The Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park is great for recreational activities such as beach volleyball, tennis, soccer, softball, and disc golf. It also has in-line skating and biking trails. The park is also home to beautiful nature trails that showcase local plants and wildlife and its fascinating wetland and fallen trees area. Park hours are from 7 AM to 10 PM.