• Lake Norman Fishing Report - NC

    Fishin' With Gus
    (704) 617-6812 http://www.fishingwithgus.com/index.php Gus@LakeNorman.com
  • With Capt. Gus you will learn fishing techniques that will improve your fishing and allow you to catch more fish on you own boat. Light tackle is used to maximize the excitement of lake fishing. Guide boats can accommodate from one to six anglers. Fishing guides are available year round. They fish daily, including weekends and holidays.

  • Lake Norman Fishing Report - NC

    Hot Spots of the Week:
    Blue catfish are hitting near the dam at the lower end of the lake. Soft plastic lures are catching bass under deep-water docks and boat houses. Jigging spoons and buck tail jigs are catching spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, white perch and flathead catfish in Mountain, Reed and Davidson Creeks. Channel catfish are hitting a wide variety of stink baits fished from piers and boat docks.

    The surface water temperature varies by location, but is mainly in the mid eighties in open waters not affected by power generation. The water level is about 2.9’ below full pond on Lake Norman and 3.1' below full on Mountain Island Lake.



    No Wake Rule
    On Lake Norman it is unlawful to operate a vessel greater than no-wake speed within 50 yards of a vessel launching area, bridge, dock, pier, marina, vessel storage structure, or vessel service area.

    While No Wake Buoys serve as reminders around bridges, boat access areas and certain marinas, the regulation is in effect even where warnings aren’t present.

    The No Wake rule is somewhat confusing. When asked the definition of no wake, there are some who think it means idle speed, while others believe it is five miles per hour. “No Wake” means no appreciable wake. Simply stated, if you have a wake behind the boat, particularly white water, you are traveling too fast in a No Wake Zone.

    No wake zones identified with buoys are usually located in congested areas that bare the skipper’s undivided attention. Buoys are in places where boat traffic is busier than normal and/or places that are so narrow that boat wakes can do harm to moored boats, dock structures and shorelines. To be on the safe side, No Wake Zones should be given the same respect and considerations that are afforded to School Zones on land.

    Boat wakes can make for bumpy and sometimes unsafe rides even in open water. Smaller vessels should try to avoid high boat traffic areas, and keep a vigilant lookout for any abnormally large waves or choppy seas they create. If and when a big wake is encountered, consider these tips for crossing it safely.

    Oncoming Waves
    * Avoid taking the wave(s) head on.
    * Ask that everyone aboard be seated and face forward.
    * Slow the vessel while maintaining forward momentum.
    * Cross the wave(s) at a slight angle.

    Overtaking a Vessel Pulling a Large Wake
    * Stay a safe distance behind.
    * Choose a side to pass.
    * Give one short blast of your horn to warn that you are turning to your starboard side or two blasts if you are turning port side.
    *Turn vessel at a forty-five degree angle.
    * Increase speed slightly and pass a safe distance from behind the vessel being overtaken.
    * As your bow passes the crest of the wave, increase speed slightly to avoid falling into the trough of the wake.
    * As the stern clears, increase RPM’s to cruising speed and get back on course.

    Finally, a request to any vessel pulling large wakes! Remember the little boats, canoes, kayaks, Jon boats, and other vessels filled with people relaxing and enjoying a day on the lake. Don’t spoil their day by rocking and rolling them with your boat’s wake.

    Upcoming Events:
    “How to Navigate Lake Norman Day or Night” will be the topic of a free safe boating class at The Peninsula Yacht Club, 18501 Harbor Light Blvd, Cornelius, NC 28031 on September 10th at 6:30 p.m. Becky Johnson and I will cover topics that include “Understanding LKN’s Channel Marker and Buoy System”, “How to Avoid Shallow Water”,” The Ten Most Dangerous Spots”, and “Interpreting Lake Maps”. For more information, call Ashley at 704 892 7575.

    Free Fishing Seminar: “How to Use Topographic Maps to Improve Your Fishing” will be discussed at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, on Wednesday, September 17th at 6:30 p.m. Jake Bussolini and I will conduct this all new seminar, which will cover the basics of interpreting topographic maps and will pin point some of the best fishing locations on Lake Norman. Contact 704-658-0822 for additional information.

    Tips from Capt. Gus! Remember, you are responsible for any damage your boat wake causes!


    Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is an outdoor columnist and a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, www.Fishingwithgus.com or call 704-617-6812.
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