Crappie

Crappie fishing near Matthews, NC, can be quite rewarding if you know where to look. While Matthews itself lacks large lakes, nearby impoundments like Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake offer decent crappie populations. Spring is the peak season, when crappie move into shallow waters to spawn. Target brush piles, submerged timber, and docks in coves and along creek channels. Small jigs and minnows are the go-to baits, fished under a bobber or slow-trolled. In the fall, crappie often suspend around deeper structure. A fish finder is crucial for locating these schools. A practical tip: The hot water discharge area on Lake Norman can hold crappie year-round, particularly during colder months. Also, be mindful of the size and creel limits for crappie in North Carolina. The crappie in these lakes are generally good-sized, with some slabs exceeding 2 pounds.