Earlier this year, two new rock reefs were created when tons of rocks were dumped into Lake Norman. One is located at the mouth of Little Creek, and the other is positioned in a deep cove north of Creek Channel Marker D1. This ongoing project, which now numbers a total of six rock reefs, is sponsored by the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and its local chapter, the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists. It is designed to improve underwater habitat for bass, hybrid striped bass and other game fish. Known as the “rock piles”, they are doing exactly what they were intended to do - attract fish!

The large rocks provide shade, cover and a place for algae to adhere and grow, which in turn attracts forage fish. Once a baitfish population has been established, game fish are quick to follow. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take long for fish to find new rock piles. According to Jake Bussolini, author of five ‘how to’ fishing books, “Fish of all sizes begin collecting within hours after a reef’s creation.”

Rock Reefs: GPS Coordinates:
35*39’9.70”N / 80* 57’18.31”W - Near Marker 20
35*36’5.38”N / 80* 56’35.82”W - Near Marker 17B
35*33’2.52”N / 80* 58’18.12”W - Near Marker M1
35*31’5.10”N / 80* 56’19.56”W - East of Marker 10
35*30’3.03”N / 80* 55’20.15”W - NW of Marker D7
35*30’5.52”N / 80* 56’42.36”W - N of Marker D1

A map with the above GPS coordinates can be found at: www.lakenormanwildlife.org/images/Rock%20Reefs.jpg
It is relatively easy to find any of the six rock reefs. Put the coordinates in a GPS unit and click the “Go To” button. Once the boat is in the general area, watch for irregular bottom features on the sonar and/or down imaging screens.

Rock reefs can be fished using the same methods as when casting or trolling over river humps and deep channel points. Lures of choice are drop-shot rigs, jigging spoons, bucktails, Alabama Rigs, and deep diving crank baits. Top water lures and jerk baits can be quite effective when fish are suspended or when feeding on the surface.

See you out there!

Tips from Capt. Gus! Before pulling monofilament knots tight, wet with saliva or line lubricant to prevent abrasion.

Hot Spots of the Week: Bass and crappie fishing has been excellent since water temperatures have warmed into the sixties. Crappie limits are easy to achieve when jigs are pitched around submerged brush and downed tress. Anglers fishing jigs under neighboring boat docks are also catching limits by using a bow and arrow casting technique. Bass in creeks are hitting a variety of lures in back coves. Catfish Guide, Mac Byrum reports catching Arkansas blue cat fish in the ten to thirty pound class on fresh-cut gizzard shad. He suggests fishing in ten to twenty feet of water.

Upcoming Events:
A Free Kids Fishing Tournament sponsored by the Mountain View Baptist Church, Maiden, NC will be on May 3^rd from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Jones Fish Camp, Highway 16, Maiden, NC. Call 704 634 3926 for more information.

Norman’s water level is about 1.2’ below full pond and 2.0’ below full on Mountain Island Lake. The surface water temperature is in the high fifties to mid-sixties in water not affected by power generation on Lake Norman.