Harwood Lakes Fishing near Mount Holly, North Carolina

• Overview

  Harwood Lakes is a Mecklenburg County water, in North Carolina. It sits in dry hill. At roughly 8 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Nearest town is Mount Holly, 2.6 miles off. Belmont is 6.3 miles and Lowesville 7 miles. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive. Access points are few, so the middle stretches see little traffic.

• Where to Fish on Harwood Lakes

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Survey and observation records for Mecklenburg County include bluegill, redbreast sunfish, green sunfish and goldfish. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The shape of Harwood Lakes rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 40°F in January and 79°F in July. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Harwood Lakes runs to that rhythm year in and year out. A settled week fishes better than a changeable one.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. The nearest alternative is Brinkleys Twin Lakes Number One, 0.4 miles out. Confirm access to Harwood Lakes locally before you travel.