Lake Use - 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.

 

Click here for boat permit process

 

 

Click here to learn about the Lake Lure Angler Diary Program

 

 

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provides information about fishing licenses and the regulations for fishing in the state.

 

Click here for North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

 

All persons must secure a license from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission in accordance with North Carolina general statutes, to the extent that such license may be required, before fishing in the waters of Lake Lure. The cost of a fishing license varies depending on resident/non-resident status, the number of days, and the type of fish.

 

Fishing licenses can be purchased at:  

 

      Dalton’s General Store                     Thema's Mountain Store

      1100 Bills Creek Rd                         1804 Memorial Hwy

      Lake Lure, NC 28746                       Lake Lure, NC 28746

      Phone: 828-625-9750                      Phone: 828-625-0204

 

Fish Catch and   Size Limits

 

Trout:        Limit 5 per day, per person, and all must be no less than 15

                  inches long.

 

Bass:        Limit 5 per day, per person (total bass)

 

                  Largemouth Bass must be no less than 16 inches long.

 

                  Smallmouth Bass must be no less than 14 inches long.

 

Crappie:  Limit 20 per day, per boat, and all must be no less than 10

                 inches long.

 

It is unlawful to use basket tote lines or other stationary or unmarked devices, other than poles and those items normally used by sport fishing, for the catching of fish in the waters of Lake Lure.

 

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to fish or go in or upon any boat, boat house, pier or dock belonging to another, or so near thereto as to interfere with the owner’s possession of the same without permission of the owner’s thereof.

 

Fish Stocking Program and Winter Catch and Release

 

Around the first of December each year, the town stocks the lake with fish that tend not to reproduce well. In most years this will be rainbow trout (approximately 1,400 two-lb fish), but occasionally Crappie or other species will be stocked.  

 

The town council has mandated a delayed harvest, catch and release, period for all fishing after the lake is stocked with fish each winter. This period generally runs from December 1st to March 1st, but you should contact the Municipal Center/Town Hall at 828-625-9983 for specific dates. Under this program, no fish may be kept during this period. Individuals fishing must use single hook artificial lures only, and all hooks must be barbless.   This will help to ensure that fish caught at this time will be released nearly unharmed. No fishing with live, natural, or prepared bait will be permitted at this time.