“Charlotte is a very popular fly fishing destination,” says Paul Rose, fishing expert and owner and operator of Carolina Bonefishing. He says he brings visitors to Charlotte for fly fishing excursions often.
Want to give it a try? Plan to get an early start in the morning and to find a solitary location on the water for maximum fishing success.
These are some of the best places to fly fish near Charlotte – all within 2 hours of the city.
Note: for each body of water, you will need to have a standard North Carolina fishing license and possibly a trout stamp. Along with each of these locations, here is a map of all fishing areas available in the entire state of North Carolina.
Broad, Congaree and Saluda rivers
All flowing near Columbia, South Carolina, these three rivers are the home to trophy-sized fish that will surely make your fly fishing dreams come true. The Saluda is a fishery with cold water year round that is the home to monster sized trout and striper, the Broad is filled with smallmouth bass and the Congaree is known for its striper.
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Lake James
With the Catawba River feeding into the lake from the North, this beautiful lake has become home to a plethora of small and largemouth bass.
Lake Norman
With a massive 520 miles of coastline, Lake Norman is undoubtedly one of the most diverse areas near Charlotte to satisfy your fishing needs. Although this lake is greatly used for motor boating, there are several coves tucked away where there are peaceful places to fish. People have been known to catch several types of bass, white perch, crappie, sunfish, carp, gar and catfish in these waters. One of the best entrances for this is the Beatties Ford entrance on Unity Church Rd. in Denver.
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Lake Wylie
The primary game fish at Lake Wylie is trout, but fishers have also reeled in small- and largemouth bass, carp and even saltwater fish. Due to the lake’s jagged shoreline, there are many nooks and crannies to snag some fish.
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
Location: 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville
Fish: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
This nature center extends into Mountain Island Lake and has numerous fishing opportunities, including a public fishing dock available to those 16 years or older.
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McDowell Nature Preserve
Location: 15222 York Road
Fish: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
There are a number of public docks for use and several banks off of Copperhead Island that people enjoy fishing on.
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Mecklenburg County Parks
Location: Several different parks. Click here for addresses and details specific to each park.
These several parks are the home to small ponds that are a part of the community fishing program. They are fun places to practice your casting and maybe catch some smaller fish.
Mitchell River Access
Location: Off of I-77 North at exit 93
After exiting, travel west to Kapps Mill Road and continue straight until the road ends at an intersection. The Mitchell River access is one of the more secluded fly fishing areas and will provide a peaceful environment, along with great, roadside fishing.
Mountain Island Lake
Located just below Norman, this lake’s shoreline acts more like a river, which is ideal for fly casting. The clear water and current provides a great location for catching several types of fish, such as spotted bass, carp and bream. Small watercraft, even kayaks, are recommended to access some of the best and most isolated fishing locations.
Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve
Location: 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte
Fish: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Dragonfly and Slider ponds are both home to largemouth bass and bluegill.
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Rocky Broad River
Located in Henderson and Rutherford counties, this river runs almost the entire length of Lake Lure. There are plenty of pull-off spots for parking along the way and is a hatchery supported stream, which provides plenty of game for fishers.
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South Mountain State Park
Location: 3001 South Mountain Park Avenue, Connelly Springs
Fish: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily during the summer
At just over an hour away, this is one of the closest state parks near Charlotte to fly fish. The Shinny Creek and the Jacob’s Branch, located to the north and to the west of the main parking area, are the most popular for wild trout waters. The park recommends that people camp out the night before at one of the campsites in order to get an early start and claim your area to fish.
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Stone Mountain State Park
Location: 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap
Fish: 7 a.m.-close year-round
This popular state park is more commonly known for its climbing and hiking, but it is also one of the best locations near Charlotte to rip some lips. With over 20 miles of trout streams claimed by the park, there is plenty of space to enjoy the day and fish.
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Wilson Creek
Location: Pisgah National Forest, Caldwell County
Located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and tucked within Pisgah National Forest, this creek a proclaimed delayed harvest water system and a known insect hatchery, which attracts even more fish. With its combination of pools, riffles, runs and pool water, there are plenty of options for the fishing community.
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Never gone fly fishing? Here’s where to start in Charlotte.
For those who are entirely new to the sport or just need some helpful tips, here are some other resources to get you started.
Looking for a community to start off your fishing journey? Click here to view a list of several fly fishing clubs and organizations in or near Charlotte.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Location: 5 locations around Charlotte (map)
With a complete webpage dedicated to pro tips, Dick’s Sporting Goods will certainly have all the information you need to get started. They also have a massive array of gear accessible for newbies.
Great Outdoor Provisions Company
Location: 4275 Park Road
Whether you want to ask for expert advice, watch informative videos, or shop for all of the fishing gear, this is the place for you.
Jesse Brown’s
Location: 4732 Sharon Road
Pro tip: Don let us know that during the summer, it’s not ideal to go to cold water to fish and recommends to stay local.
This local Charlotte outfitter provides specific fly fishing services such as $15 trout reel rigging, $25 saltwater reel rigging, $15 line cleaning and conditioning and $25 reel clean and lubing.
Orvis
Location: 6800 Phillips Place Court
Orvis is most definitely one of the best locations to start off your fly fishing journey. Not only do they have all of the gear available, they also offer classes (Fly Fishing 101 and 201) and free video lessons. These courses prep newcomers for fishing on their own.
