Crappie

If you're looking for a productive crappie fishing destination in western North Carolina, consider Lenoir. The impoundments on the Catawba River, particularly Lake Rhodhiss and Lake Hickory, offer excellent crappie habitat. These lakes have plenty of submerged timber, brush piles, and bridge pilings that attract crappie. Spring is prime time, as the crappie move into the shallows to spawn, making them easier to target. Fall can also be very productive as the fish feed up before winter. A local tip: try trolling small jigs or minnows around submerged structure in the backs of creeks. Be aware that water levels can fluctuate, so check the lake levels before you head out. The crappie in these lakes tend to run a decent size, with many exceeding a pound, making for a rewarding fishing experience.