Q&A about Lake Norman

Questions and Answers about Lake Norman

Fishin' with Gus! /Frequently Asked Questions
April 22, 2006 (Updated)
Fishin' With Capt. Gus! - Frequently Asked Questions
April 23, 2006

Everyone seems to have questions related to fishing on Norman and other area Lakes. Some of the most frequently asked questions are addressed below.

Up north, we had a closed season on bass fishing. What are the regulations on Lake Norman?
Lake Norman does not have a closed fishing season. Anglers can fish year round for any species, except grass carp.

Where is Blue Heron Island?
There are two islands just south of Markers D4 and D6 in Reed Creek. Blue Heron Island is the smaller of the two and the closest one to Marker D6. It is a major rookery for Great Blue Heron that live in the lower part of Lake Norman. Since the island is off limits to visitors during nesting season, bring binoculars to view the birds.

I see signs and buoys that say "No Wake." How fast can a boat go in a "No Wake" zone?
"No wake" means, "No Wake!" If you can see a wake behind the boat, you are going too fast. Boat wakes are like fingerprints. Each one is different. Wakes might vary with the way the boat is loaded. Some boats might produce a wake at one mile per hour and others at three.

I read that grass carp are stocked in Lake Norman. Are they edible?
Yes, they are edible, hard fighting fish. But, it is illegal to have one in your possession. Grass carp are stocked to control the spread of Hydrilla and other exotic weeds.

What types of fish are stocked in Lake Norman?
Striped bass and grass carp are the only species stocked regularly in Lake Norman. Bass, catfish, perch and crappie reproduce naturally each year, so regular stockings are not required.

When is the best time to fish?
Fish bite year round on Lake Norman. Spring and early winter are preferred fishing periods for many anglers. Regardless of the time of year, get an early start. Fish seem to bite best when the sun begins to rise. Daylight is also the time that little, if any, pleasure boat traffic is on the lake.

Are rumors true that divers have seen giant catfish swimming in the deep water near the dam?
It depends on how big a giant catfish is! Reports of big catfish sightings abound each year. The biggest catfish ever caught on a rod and reel in Lake Norman weighed eighty-five pounds. Some anglers surmise that a five foot, hundred pound Arkansas blue cat will be caught this year.

How do I get help in an emergency if my boat is in a dead cell phone area?
The old stand-by is to wave your arms, a flag, shirt, etc. when a vessel passes. Another option is to install a marine band VHF radio. Channel 16 is monitored by the Lake Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary, NC Wildlife Officers and other boaters equipped with VHF radios.

The Lake Norman Striper Swipers annual Spring Classic Striper Tournament is scheduled for April 29th and 30th. The captain's meeting will be at the New Stutts Marina in Mooresville, NC. This two day event has been well attended in recent years and will culminate the 2005/2006 striper tournament season. Details are available at http://www.lnssfishn.com/ or by calling Tommy Messick at 704 634 6410.

The Hot Spots of the week are the Reed/Davidson Creek areas at the lake's lower end. Stripers, largemouth, spots, white perch and catfish have been very active. Stripers and bass are feeding on shallow points, while perch and cats are cruising the edges of creek channels. The lake is down 4.5 feet from full pond and the water surface temperature is in the high 60's and low 70's.

Tips from Capt. Gus: If your boat battery is more than two years old, it should be replaced. Regardless of the age, Spring is the time to check the fluid level and fill as needed.


I do not have a boat. Where can I fish from the shore on Lake Norman?
Public fishing is allowed at the McGuire Nuclear Plant off Highway 73, at Plant Marshall off Highway 150 and at the Lake Norman State Park near Troutman, NC.

What am I likely to catch on Lake Norman?
Largemouth bass, spotted bass, stripers, catfish, white perch, carp, crappie and bream.

How big are the fish in Lake Norman?
Some are really big. A state record blue catfish was taken last year. It weighed eighty-five pounds. There are those that think (?) a hundred pound plus, blue is lurking near the dam. Several twenty pound striped bass were caught during tournaments this year. The state record spotted bass came from Norman. It tipped the scales at six pounds-five ounces.

Can I catch trout, walleye and white bass?
High summer water temperatures combined with low levels of dissolved oxygen make it all but impossible for trout and walleye to survive in Lake Norman. White bass use to be plentiful, but have practically disappeared in recent years.

Is fishing better above the Highway 150 Bridge?
Not, necessarily! There are times when Ramsey, Reed, Mountain and Hagers Creeks produce a lot of fish. Also, both hot water discharges are located below the 150 Bridge. Many people fish the north end of the lake because it has less open water and is easier to fish on windy days.

When is the best time to fish?
As a rule fish bite best early in the morning and again just before dark. But, there are many occasions when fish feed aggressively through out the day. Spring is a preferred time by many, because fish are hungry and in shallow water. Night fishing is popular in the summer. Stripers like cold water, winter is a good time to fish for them

I thought Striped Bass were a saltwater fish?
They are, but they swim up freshwater rivers to spawn. Stripers are able to adapt and can live in freshwater lakes when conditions are right. Most land-locked striped bass are stocked by wildlife agencies. As is the case on Lake Norman.

Where can I get a North Carolina State Fishing License?
Walmart, Dicks, The Denver Sportsman and Piedmont Bait & Tackle as well as most bait shops that surround the lake sell fishing/hunting licences. Licenses can also be acquired on line at www.ncwildlife.org .

Future columns will attempt to answer other questions. If you have one of your own, email Fishing With Gus at Gus@lakenorman.com .

Tips from Gus!

Freshwater spinning outfits work best when spooled with monofilament line that is less than twelve pound test. Baitcasting reels can handle heavier line, fifteen to thirty pound is often used depending on fishing conditions.


BY GUS GUSTASON

Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' with Gus! at http: //www.lakenormanstriperfishing.com/ or call 704 489 0763. For additional information, e-mail him at Gus@lakenorman.com