LAKE MANAGEMENT
The Lake
"Lake Lure is held in trust by the Town of Lake Lure for the benefit of the citizens of Lake Lure".
The creation of Lake Lure and its purchase by the town is outlined on the History of Lake Lure web page. In accordance with the original purpose for the creation of the lake, it is maintained and managed primarily as a recreational facility with the generation of electricity by the hydroelectric plant being a secondary but important consideration. Lake levels are managed utilizing state-of-the-art weather and rainfall monitoring equipment.
In 2003, the Lake Lure Marine Commission was established under authorization from the North Carolina state legislature to “make regulations applicable to Lake Lure and its shoreline area concerning all matters relating to or affecting the use of Lake Lure.”
The Lake Advisory Committee is appointed by the town council to make recommendations to Council and to the Marine Commission on matters affecting the management of the lake. The committee administers the water sampling and testing program and is responsible for stocking the lake with game fish. They have been involved in providing valuable information for the dredging and silt removal decisions by the town, particularly after periodic floods. The committee also makes recommendations on lake commercial license applications.
A Lake Structures Ordinance was developed by the committee and passed by the town council in 1992. The ordinance provides guidance on the construction and required maintenance of all structures within the boundaries of the lake, including docks and boathouses.
The marine commission has passed local lake and boating regulations, which establish restrictions on the size of boats permitted on the lake and rules of conduct to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the lake for boating and swimming. A boat permit required for all boats (motorized or non-motorized) on the lake.
Click here for NC boating and safety certification
Click here for online boating course
For more information on the management of the lake, click on one of the following links:
Lake Management
Lake Lure Lakefront Owners' Association
Research, Surveys and Studies
2006 - Lake Lure Boating Management Plan
2005 - Press Release: “ Management of Lake Lure”
2004 - The Law of Lake Lure by George William Sherk
2001 - Lake Use Survey Results
1999 - Memo on Lake Use Study by Admiral Clyde Lusk
Rules & Regulations
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
NC Boating and Safety Certification
Boat Permits
Boat Permitting Process (Private Boats)
Annual Boat Permit Application Form
Boat Permitting Process (Commercial Boats)
Launch Site Permitting Process
Fishing
In Lake Lure and surrounding streams of the Hickory Nut Gorge, you will find Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass, Crappie, White Bass, Catfish, Bluegill and Sun-perch.
State licenses are required to fish in the lake and river. Don't forget to buy trout stamps, which are also required for creek and river fishing. Also, boat permits are required on Lake Lure.
Lake Use Regulations - Fishing
