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Fishing questions answered
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Published: October 16, 2008
Everyone seems to have questions about fishing on Lake Norman!.Some of the most frequently asked questions are addressed below.
Where can I fish from the shores of Lake Norman?
Public fishing is allowed at the McGuire Nuclear Plant off Highway 73, the Marshall Steam Plant off Highway 150, and at the Lake Norman State Park near Troutman.
What am I likely to catch?
Popular catches are largemouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, catfish, white perch, carp, crappie and bream.
How big are the fish in Lake Norman?
An 85-pound state-record blue catfish was taken a few years ago. There are some who believe a blue cat over a 100 pounds is lurking near the dam. Several 20-pound striped bass have been caught during winter tournaments. A state record six pound, five ounce bass was also caught on Norman.
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 were once 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 to the south produce a lot of fish, and both hot water discharges are also below the 150 Bridge. Many 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 mornings and again just before dark, but there are times when they feed aggressively throughout the day. Spring is a preferred time by many because fish are shallow and hungry. Night fishing is popular in the summertime. Stripers prefer cold water, so winter is the best time to catch them.
I thought Striped Bass were 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. Lake Norman's land-locked striped bass are stocked by wildlife agencies.
Where can I get a North Carolina State Fishing License?
Licenses can be purchased at Gander Mountain, Wal-mart, Dicks, Piedmont Bait & Tackle or at other bait shops surrounding the lake. They can also be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org .
Tips from Gus!
Freshwater spinning outfits work best with monofilament line of less than twelve pound test. Depending on fishing conditions, fifteen to thirty pound test is often used on bait casting reels.
Upcoming Events:
On Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., saltwater Charter Boat Captain Shannon Miller will be in the fishing tackle department at Gander Mountain in Mooresville. Capt. Miller will answer questions and discuss offshore fishing techniques he uses on Carolina and Virginia coastal waters. Call 704-658-0822 for additional information.
A two-hour course entitled "Introduction to Bass Fishing on Lake Norman" will be held at Mitchell College, 219 N. Academy St., Mooresville, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. Capt. Gus Gustafson will discuss tackle, tactics and techniques he uses to catch largemouth and spotted bass on Lake Norman. To pre-register and pay the $25 fee, call 704-663-1923.
A free fishing seminar, "How to Read and Interpret a Fish Finder to Catch Perch, Stripers and Bass" will be conducted by Jake Bussolini at Gander Mountain in Mooresville on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 6:30 p.m. Call 704-658-0822 for additional information. Jake is the author of two books, "Jake's Take on the Lake" and "Freshwater Fighters." Both books focus on the specifics of fishing Lake Norman.
Hot Spot of the Week:
Surface feeding stripers and spotted bass are being caught in Reed and Mountain Creeks at daylight. Largemouths are plentiful around docks and riprap. White perch are schooling off points and bottom contour drops to 40 feet.
The past week striper, bass and cat fishing has been very good.
The lake level is down about 2.7 feet from full pond. Water surface temperature is in the 70s.
Captain Gus is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and a Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman. Visit his website at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704 617 6812.
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