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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Frequently Asked Questions
January 20, 2008
The arrival of the New Year seems an appropriate time to answer some of the most frequently questions from readers about boating and fishing on Lake Norman.
Which boat ramps are currently open? Beatties Ford, Little Creek, Long Island, Stumpy Creek, Pinnacle, McCray and Hager access ramps are open. Ramsey Creek, Blythe Landing and the State Park are closed.
What effect does low water have on boating and is it safe to be out there? Don’t be intimidated by Lake Norman’s low water levels. Popular areas of the lake still have plenty of deep water. Many dangerous shoals are exposed, which makes it easier than ever to navigate. To be safe, stay in the main channel or in familiar waters.
Is it true that Smallmouth Bass, Trout and Walleye are caught regularly on Lake Norman?
No. These coldwater fish generally live in mountain lakes and streams.
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.
Which fish are caught during the winter months? Some species of fish bite every day of the year on Lake Norman. Winter is the preferred time for stripers, although they can be caught twelve months of the year. Bass, perch and catfish are most active from spring through fall. They also bite during the winter. Tasty crappie can be found around deep cover.
Creel and size limits:
Stripers: Four fish – 16” minimum
Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Five fish in aggregate
Largemouth: 14” minimum - two may be less than 14” inches
Spotted: 12” minimum - two may be less than 12” inches
Crappie: – Twenty fish – 8” minimum
White Perch, Catfish and Sunfish: – no creel or size limit
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 shops and at department stores that sell bait and 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 with matching reel and 8-12 lb. test line.
Tips from Capt Gus:
Some anglers wear latex surgical gloves when dipping bait during the winter months. The gloves will not keep your hands warm, but will allow them to stay dry.
Upcoming Events:
Mitchell Community College in Mooresville has scheduled a fishing class covering advanced techniques for catching bass, stripers and catfish. The class will be on Tuesday nights, January 22 and 29, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. For more information, call 704 663 1923.
A free striper-fishing seminar is scheduled at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 Mooresville, NC on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 6:30 PM. This 90-minute session will be presented by Lake Norman fishing guides Capt. Craig Price and Capt. Gus Gustafson. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.
The Lake Norman Striper Swipers’ Open Winter Classic Tournament is Saturday, January 26, 2008. Guaranteed first place prize is $1500. The biggest one-day striper-fishing event of the season will be at Midway Marina at the Highway 150 Bridge near Terrill, NC. For more information, visit www.lnssfishn.com or call Tommy Mesick at 704-634-6410.
The Hot Spots of the week are the deeper sections of major creeks that feed Lake Norman. Good striper fishing has been reported in Hicks, Stumpy and Reed Creeks. Bass are in both hot holes. White perch are particularly active in Davidson and Reed Creeks.
The lake level is 93.6 or 6.4 ' below full pond. Water surface temperature is in the low to mid fifties.
Captain 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, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
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