• Frequently Asked Questions - Lake Norman

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Since the last FAQ list was posted, many new residents have moved to the Lake Norman area. Below are some of their questions.

    How low did the lake water level drop during the summer of the 2015 drought?
    According to information posted on Duke Energy’s website, the lowest point was on 9/24/15 when the lake level reached 93.6 or 6.4 feet below full pond. Since then, it has returned to normal levels.

    Where can I check lake levels?
    * http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/levels.asp
    * Call (800) 829-5253 and follow prompts
    * The Charlotte Observer

    Which fish bite best during the fall and winter?
    Black bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, crappie and white perch are cool water favorites. Fall and early winter is a great time to fish and enjoy being on the lake.

    Where is the best place to view the fall color change around the lake?
    The Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166 (704 528-6350) is beautiful in the fall. Bring your camera. The drive either by car or boat is picture perfect during late October and early November.

    What is the definition of No Wake?
    No wake” is defined as a vessel traveling at or below idle speed, or at such speed that its wake is not sufficient to cause possible injury or damage to other persons, boats or property.

    Explain the Lake Norman “No Wake Law”.
    It is unlawful to operate a vessel at greater than no-wake speed within 50 yards of a vessel launching area, bridge, dock, pier, marina, vessel storage structure, or vessel service area.

    What are North Carolina’s inland fishing license requirements?
    All residents and non-residents over the age of sixteen are required to have a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online, at area tackle shops, sporting goods stores or by calling (888) 248-6864. For additional information, visit http://www.ncwildlife.org/ .

    Who needs a license (Boaters Education Certificate) to operate a boat on Lake Norman?
    A boater’s education certificate is a requirement for all boaters born after January 1, 1988. For details, visit
    http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/...Q_Brochure.pdf .

    Where can I purchase bait and fishing tackle?
    * Beaches Grocery – Highway 73, Stanley, NC - 704 827- 2188
    * Shoals Sporting Goods – 7936 Unity Church Rd. Denver, NC -704 966-1533
    * Triangle Food Market – Highway 16, Denver, NC – 704 483- 3490
    * Balls Creek Bait & Tackle – Highway 16, Newton, NC – 828 454-0904
    * Piedmont Bait & Tackle – Highway 150 Lincolnton, NC – 704 735-4416
    * Tackle Town – Cousins Lane, Maiden, NC – 704 483-1007
    * Perth Bait & Tackle - Perth Rd, Troutman, NC 704 528-4826
    * Lake Norman Grocery and Amoco – 1208 River Highway, Mooresville – 704 799-0032
    * Carolina Fishing Tackle – Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC - 704 799-2912
    * Boaters Warehouse – 798 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC – 704 664-2628
    * Gander Mountain – Exit 36 Mooresville, NC – 704 658-0822
    * Bass Pro Shops – Concord Mills Mall - 704 992-2200
    * Wal-Mart – Various Locations
    * Dicks - Various Locations

    Tips from Capt. Gus! To improve the action of a soft plastic worm, use a sharp knife or razor to split the tail half way up the body. Try the same technique when fishing with dead shad orherring. Run the knife blade along the backbone from the tail toward the gill plate. When pulling the split bait in the water, it will flutter and appear lifelike.



    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 website www.Fishingwithgus.com or call 704-617-6812.