Lake Norman Fishing: Everything You Need to Know

Travelers who head to Lake Norman in the name of fun on the water will find plenty of opportunities await. Lake Norman is a gem of a destination in North Carolina that sprawls across no less than 32,510 acres of terrain and offers up easy access to an impressive 520 miles of shoreline. At its deepest point, Lake Norman passes the 100-foot mark with an average water depth lingering around 33 feet. This combination of features makes it an incredible fishing destination for those who are looking forward to quality time casting a line during their getaway.

For more recommendations on things to do, places to eat, and shops to visit when you are here in Lake Norman, NC visit our Area Guide!

Area Guide

A Guide to Fishing on Lake Norman

Type of Fish You Can Catch

Early summer is often considered the top fishing season on Lake Norman, but in reality, there’s something biting year-round! The lake is well-stocked with largemouth bass but also hosts spotted bass and channel catfish. Anglers will find it just as easy to reel in yellow and white perch in these waters as it is to get crappies fish to bite. One of the largest blue catfish in the state was caught here and weighed in at an incredible 85 pounds!

Fishing Regulations and Requirements

Before you head out on the water with a fishing pole in hand, you’re going to want to make sure you’ve got your North Carolina fishing license ready to go. These can be purchased at local convenience stores like Wal-Mart or directly through the North Carolina Wildlife Division. There are short-term license options for trips less than 10 days and annual license options for anglers who have plans to return time and again to Lake Norman. Once you get on the water, you’ll want to keep size and creel regulations top of mind at all times too. There is an 8-inch size limit for crappie fish and a 20-inch limit for striped bass and bodie bass. White bass have a 14-inch limit while largemouth and spotted bass also have a 14-inch minimum with the exception of two catches. Crappie fish come with a daily creel limit of 20, largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass sit at 5 and striped bass and bodie bass have a daily creel limit of 4. White bass come in at 10 and walleye fish come in at 8.

Where to Fish

Anglers have many options when it comes to picking the perfect place to spend a day fishing. Lake Norman hosts three piers to choose from and there are also options to opt for shoreline fishing instead. To fish from a vessel, head over to one of the many marinas on-site and rent a boat for the day that fits your angling style.

Fishing Tours

If you’re looking for some instruction and insight, booking a guided fishing tour is always a great option on Lake Norman. Fish On! Is a premier provider of chartered fishing experiences here and everything you need to make the most of the day is included in the cost of the outing.

Stay on Lake Norman

There are plenty of ways to make a big catch on your next fishing trip to Lake Norman. Whether you take a fishing tour or you rent a boat and take a trip, we hope you make your trip a memorable one.

When you’re ready to make the most of a Lake Norman adventure, Lake Escape has the vacation rental you need to top it off in luxury and style. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting and exciting property options in the area!

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