Lake Norman is the largest man-made impoundment in North Carolina. The lake was created to provide electricity and drinking water to the Piedmont region of the Carolinas. Sometimes referred to as the “inland sea” of North Carolina, Lake Norman has a surface area of more than 50 square miles and approximately 520 miles of shoreline. The lake is fed by the Catawba River and drains water into Mountain Island Lake.
Public access to the lake is available via Lake Norman State Park. The park features shoreline fishing areas as well as eight public boating access areas. A number of private marinas around the lake provide boat rentals, launching facilities, boat slips, storage, repairs, gas, and other services.
Lake Norman Fishing
Lake Norman is recognized for its outstanding blue catfish fishery. In addition to trophy catfish, the lake supports largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, striped bass, white bass, yellow perch, and other species.
Lake Norman Watersports
Pleasure boating, skiing, kayaking and other watersports are popular on Lake Norman. Sailing is extremely popular on the lake. The Lake Norman Yacht Club hosts a number of South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association (SAYRA) sailboat races throughout the boating season.
Related Information
North Carolina Freshwater Fishing