The arrival of the New Year seems an appropriate time to answer the most frequently asked questions from readers about boating and fishing on Lake Norman.

Are striped bass still being stocked in Lake Norman? No. The last stocking of stripers by the NCWRC was in 2012. In lieu of them, approximately 162,500 hybrid striped bass fingerlings were stocked in 2013. Hybrids are the cross between a female striped bass and a male white bass.

Who needs a fishing license? Anyone sixteen years old and over who fishes in public waters is required to have a valid fishing license or otherwise be in compliance. Licenses can be obtained at most area tackle shops and at department stores that sell bait and tackle. They can also be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org, by phone at 888-248-6834, or in person at NCSU Centennial Campus, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.

What are the creel and sizes for fish caught in Lake Norman?
Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass: October 1 - May 31 - Four fish in combination - 16” minimum,
June 1 - Sept. 30 - Four in combination - no minimum size limit
Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Five in combination - 14” minimum (two may be less than 14”)
Crappie: Twenty fish - 8” minimum
White Perch and Sunfish: No creel or size limit
Catfish: No creel or size limit (exception - only one Arkansas blue catfish greater than 32” per day)

When is the best time to fish?
As a rule, fish bite best early in the morning, and again just before dark. However, there are many occasions when fish feed aggressively throughout the day. Spring is a preferred time because fish are hungry and in shallow water. Night fishing is popular in the summer. Stripers, hybrids and white perch prefer cold water, which makes winter a good time to fish for them.

What is the best type of rod and reel to use for typical fishing on Lake Norman? Light-to-medium spinning tackle will handle most species. Use a 6 -7’ rod with matching reel and 8-12 lb. test line.

Where can I fish from the bank? Public fishing is permitted in access areas at the Lake Norman State Park near Troutman, NC and at the McGuire and Marshall Power Plants.

Boating Safety Education Requirements: As of May 1, 2010 anyone younger than 26 years old who operates a vessel powered by a 10 or more horsepower motor on public waterways must have successfully completed an approved boating safety course or proves compliance upon request by a law enforcement officer.

What do the signs with the word “SHOAL” imply? A shoal is as a low place in a body of water that shallows quickly. Shoals are considered to be grounding hazards to vessels, particularly when water levels are lower than normal. The Lake Norman Marine Commission has identified many of the most dangerous shoals in highly traveled channels. Each is identified with a diamond shaped sign mounted on a pole with the word “SHOAL” printed on a white background. Shoal markers also have a flashing white light for night navigation. In addition, the NCWRC has positioned floating buoys in areas that warn of shoals not marked by the Marine Commission.

Tips from Capt. Gus:
A boat battery more than two years old should be replaced. Regardless of age, it is best to fully charge and top off fluid levels before attempting the first trip of the New Year.

Hot Spots of the Week: Anglers casting Alabama rigs off deep points and below diving sea birds are catching quick limits of spots and largemouth bass. The A-rig is also producing nice catches of perch, hybrids and striped bass when trolled behind a slow moving boat. Best bets are Ramsey and McCrary Creeks for bass, Mountain Creek for crappie and Reed, Davidson and Little Creeks for white perch.

Upcoming Events:
Free Fishing Seminar – “Winter Fishing for Bass, Perch, Hybrids and Stripers”. Jake Bussolini, Author, and I will conduct this all new session on January 15, 2014, 6:30 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.

The water level on Lake Norman is about 1.4’ below full pond and is 3.6' below on Mountain Island Lake. The surface water temperature is in the high forties and low fifties in water not affected by power generation on Lake Norman.