Fishing in Huntersville

With access to both Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake, Huntersville offers a surprising number of public fishing spots. This guide covers six publicly accessible locations, from a quiet greenway pond to the river shoreline deep inside a nature preserve. All are free to fish, and each spot has something that sets it apart.

Where to Fish in Huntersville

‍Huntersville Public Fishing Spots at a Glance

‍Local Fishing Spots

Becker Pond

Becker Pond runs along the McDowell Creek Greenway, a quarter-mile walk from the Regal Cinemas parking lot at Birkdale Village. Fishing is permitted here, as it is along other county greenway water access points. The pond has a few benches, a small bridge, and open shoreline, though tall water plants line much of the bank. The greenway side of the pond is shady in the morning but not in the afternoon. No restrooms on site.

The greenway is well-used and easy to navigate, making this a natural stop for anyone already in the area.

Blythe Landing Park

Blythe Landing Park sits on the south-eastern shore of Lake Norman and is primarily a boat launch facility. The park has a large parking lot designed to accommodate vehicles with boat trailers, and multiple piers and docks on site. Fishing from those piers and docks is not permitted but shoreline fishing is. The shore is rocky and some places require picking your way down an uneven bank. Picnic facilities, benches, and restrooms are available elsewhere in the park. For fishing while enjoying views of the open water and people boating, you can't beat Blythe Landing Park.

Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve

Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve abuts the Catawba River on the western edge of Huntersville and offers the most secluded fishing spot on this list. Getting there requires a walk of just under a mile each way on a well-marked, heavily shaded trail, but that is part of what makes this place feel further away from people. Fishing is shore-only, with some shaded spots available along the bank. Parking is limited, there are no restrooms on site, and cellphone signal is limited in parts. Enter at the Stephens Road side and take the Buckeye Loop to the Riverview Loop (which are clearly marked on the map at the trailhead).

Latta Nature Preserve

‍Latta Nature Preserve sits on the western edge of Huntersville along the shore of Mountain Island Lake and is the largest nature preserve in Mecklenburg County. Fishing is just one of the many things to do at Latta Nature Preserve, which works well if not everyone in your group has fishing on their mind.  

From just a fishing perspective, this is the most self-contained option. At the entrance of the park is Quest at Latta Nature Preserve. They sell bait, loan fishing rods for free, and have a tackle loaner program through NC Wildlife. You can fish from many locations along an accessible shoreline with a mix of shaded and open spots, or from a dedicated fishing dock. Paved and unpaved trails, picnic tables, restrooms, and ample parking make this an easy place to visit. 

McGuire Fishing Access

McGuire Fishing Access is part of Duke Energy's McGuire Nuclear Station, which has a dedicated fishing area in an inlet off Lake Norman. Take McGuire Nuclear Station Road into the property and follow the signage over the bridge, then turn left at Duke Power Cowens Ford Drive. The hours are more restricted here than elsewhere on this list, but there are a variety of fishing options — shore and pier, sunny and shady — with plenty of parking immediately adjacent to the water. Picnic tables, restrooms, and a mile-long public nature trail are also on the property.

Neck Road Boat Ramp

Neck Road Boat Ramp is a Duke Energy public access area on Mountain Island Lake, primarily used by boaters launching onto the lake, making it the natural starting point for anyone fishing from a boat or kayak. Shore fishing is permitted provided it is at least 50 feet from the boat ramps and docks, but the available shoreline is limited. The parking lot is large and built to accommodate vehicles with boat trailers. There are no restrooms, picnic tables, or other amenities on site. Unlike the nature preserves in Huntersville, this access is available around the clock.

Fishing FAQs

Do I need a fishing license in North Carolina?

Yes. Anyone 16 or older fishing in North Carolina's public waters must have a valid NC fishing license, regardless of whether you're using a rod, a line, or any other gear. This applies to all of the spots on this list.

Where can I get a North Carolina fishing license?

The easiest way is online through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Licenses are also available at many sporting goods retailers. A standard inland fishing license covers all of the freshwater spots in this article.

Is fishing allowed year-round in North Carolina?

For most freshwater species — including bass, catfish, and sunfish — yes. There are no closed seasons for the species you're most likely to encounter at these spots. 

Are public fishing areas free to use?

Yes. All of the spots in this article are free to fish. Mecklenburg County parks, nature preserves, and greenway access points do not charge a fishing fee beyond the fishing license.

Are there catch limits I need to know about?

Yes. North Carolina sets size and catch limits for many freshwater species. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission updates this information annually.

What fish are commonly found in Lake Norman and the Catawba River?

Lake Norman is well known for largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. The Catawba River, which feeds into Mountain Island Lake and borders several spots on this list, supports similar species. White bass and white perch are also caught regularly in both waters.

What is the NC Wildlife Tackle Loaner Program?

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission runs a free Tackle Loaner Program which loans basic fishing gear much like a library lends books. The program was created in the 1990s and anglers of all ages are eligible. Participants go to a participating site (like Quest at Latta Nature Preserve), get a TLP ID card, and then are eligible to check-out equipment for up to 24 hours. In addition, participants under 16 years old receive a free mini-tackle box with fishing essentials.

Final Thoughts on Places to Go Fishing

We want to thank the team at Quest at Latta Nature Preserve for their help, and to the anglers who answered our questions along the way. Your firsthand knowledge made this article better.

Huntersville is fortunate to have public access to Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, and the Catawba River, along with the parks and preserves that make that access possible. That access is worth protecting. Please follow posted rules and clean up any hooks or fishing line to protect visitors and wildlife.  We need to leave each spot better than we found it.

This list will grow as we discover more public access fishing spots. For fishing licenses and current regulations, visit the NC Wildlife Resources Commission at ncwildlife.gov.