Fishin’ with Capt. Gus! Fish Info 7-31-11-1.jpg

Photo Courtesy of Capt. Gus:

Michelle Kofel of Huntersville, NC holding a spotted bass caught while on a family fishing trip on Lake Norman..



Fishin’ with Capt. Gus!
Fish Info

7-31-11



Newcomers will be happy to learn that Lake Norman is the premiere lake in the region for bass fishing. BASS (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) and the FLW (Forrest L. Wood) tournament trails hold frequent national events here. Lake Norman is also gaining notoriety for its trophy blue catfish population and for having a great white perch fishery.



If you are new to the area, perhaps the information below will help to familiarize you with what our lake has to offer. For more information, pick up a free copy of the NCWRC’s Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest, available anywhere that fishing licenses are sold.

Which fish are caught during the summer? Most species bite every day of the year on Lake Norman. Summer is the preferred time for catfish, white perch and sunfish. Stripers, crappie and bass are more active in cooler months, but also bite during the summer, especially after dark.



Is it true that Smallmouth Bass, Trout and Walleyes are caught on Lake Norman? No. They are cold-water fish that generally swim in mountain lakes and streams farther north.

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

Daily Size and Creel Limits- Lake Norman:
Stripers: 16” minimum (Oct. 1 - May 31) - No minimum size (June 1 - Sept 30) - Four fish limit
Largemouth and Spotted Bass: 14" minimum (two may be less than 14") - Five fish limit in aggregate

Crappie: 8” minimum - Twenty fish limit in aggregate
White Perch: No size or creel limit
Catfish: No size or creel limit - Exception: only one blue catfish allowed over 32"
Sunfish: No size limit – Thirty fish limit in aggregate



Who needs a fishing license? Anyone sixteen and over who fishes in public waters is required to have a valid fishing license. Licenses can be purchased at most area bait shops and at department stores that sell bait and/or tackle, on line at www.ncwildlife.org., by phone at 888-248-6834, or by mail at N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.

What is the best type rod and reel to use for most fish on Lake Norman? Light-to-medium spinning tackle will handle most species. Try a 6’-7’ rod and a matching reel loaded with and 8-12 lb. test line. For children, a closed faced spinning reel, combined with a 5’-6' rod and 8-10 lb. test line is ideal.



Is there a closed season for bass on Lake Norman?
No. Anglers can fish year-round for all species, except grass carp, which are stocked to control the spread of Hydrilla and other exotic weeds.



What other types of fish are stocked in Lake Norman?
Striped bass are the only game fish stocked regularly. Bass, catfish, perch and crappie reproduce naturally each year, so regular stockings are not required.

Are the rumors true or false about divers seeing giant catfish swimming in the deep water near the dam?

Reports of monster catfish sightings abound each year. The biggest catfish ever caught on a rod and reel on Lake Norman weighed eighty-five pounds. Some anglers surmise that a five foot one hundred pound Arkansas blue catfish is swimming somewhere in the lake.



Which baits are best?
That depends on the species you target. Regardless, about any fish that swims will take a worm or a lively minnow. Bass are generally caught on artificial lures, catfish bite fresh cut and prepared baits, stripers take lures and live shad/herring, crappie can't resist minnows and jigs, and white perch prefer shiny lures and minnows.

Upcoming Events:
The Lake Norman Sail & Power Squadron is conducting Boater Safety Training on Saturday, August 13th, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. at the Mount Mourne VFD, 1577 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville, NC. The cost is $45.00. Pre- registration is required. For additional information visit: www.usps.org/lakenorman.com or call 704 660 5568.



Free Safe Boating Class - “How to Navigate Lake Norman Day or Night” will be held at North Point Watersports, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Topics for discussion will include “Understanding LKN’s Channel Marker and Buoy System”, “Identifying and Learning How to Avoid the Ten Most Dangerous Spots”, and “Interpreting Lake Maps”. For more information, call me: 704-617-6812 or email Gus@LakeNoman.com.



Tips from Capt. Gus: Most baitfish are difficult to keep alive during the summer. Two that do thrive and are preferred baits for catfish, are the black salty and the goldfish. Ask for them at your favorite bait and tackle shop.



Hot Spots of the Week: White perch are still feasting on forage fish in deep coves and at the edges of points to depths of sixty feet. There are plenty of small perch in twenty feet of water, but the larger fish are suspended in deeper water. Bass are hitting top water lures at dawn on rip-rapped points and around boat docks. Spotted bass are chasing baits to the surface throughout the day on creek and river points. Some stripers and blue catfish are being caught from channel marker 3 south to the dam.



The surface water temperature varies by location, but is mainly in the nineties in open waters not affected by power generation. The water level is about 2.5 ' below full pond on Lake Norman and 3.3' below on Mountain Island Lake.



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.