Crappie

If you're headed to Mooresville, NC, with crappie on your mind, Lake Norman is your destination. This massive lake offers diverse crappie habitat, from shallow coves and submerged brush to deep water structure around bridges and docks. Spring is prime time as crappie move shallow to spawn; target areas near creek mouths and vegetation with minnows or jigs under a float. As the water warms, they'll retreat to deeper, cooler water, so be prepared to adjust your depth and presentations. Fall can also be productive as crappie school up to feed before winter. A local tip: the Highway 150 bridge area is a known crappie hotspot, but be mindful of boat traffic. Also, pay attention to water clarity, as crappie can be finicky in stained water. Lake Norman crappie are known for their decent size, with some exceeding 2 pounds – a worthy reward for your efforts.