Lake Lure Fishery Update

A Fishery Update from Gary Hasenfus

Lake Advisory Board Member and Local Fishing Enthusiast

March 2026

Eighteen months after Hurricane Helene many are wondering how the storm and flooding affected the Lake Lure fishery.  On the positive side, wild animals have a strong desire to survive and adapt to terrible conditions. We are seeing proof of this in Lake Lure. In fact, we are receiving reports from lakefront residents that White Bass and large mouth bass can be readily viewed around boat houses and they appear healthy. It is also worth noting that we have gained a number of fish since the lake has been closed during this period for debris and silt removal, making it difficult to remove fish through fishing that would normally take place.

Today, we must admit that we do not know the exact condition and number of fish populating Lake Lure.  We have active efforts underway to add structure for the fish in the form of recycled Christmas trees to replace the habitat lost by the debris removal process. The removal of debris was extensive and left a limited amount of habitat for plant and animal growth, which provide food and shelter for the fish.  To date, over 100 tree clusters have already been established to form new habitats for the fish and more trees will be placed in the lake over the next couple of weeks. In fact, this process should conclude with over 120 two and three tree habitats all around the lake.

In addition to the need for habitat, thread-fin shad will be introduced to provide an additional food source. Threadfin Shad are very productive in Lake Lure and may spawn three or more times during a summer season. Historically, Threadfin Shad have been stocked and can be credited with good growth rates of Black Bass, proven by fish studies conducted in previous years. 

Although these two strategic efforts (habitat creation and thread-fin shad stocking) are steps in the right direction to support the fishery, we need checks and balances. In the past this has been achieved through fish studies completed by qualified research teams. Starting in 2007 and continued in 2011, 2018, and 2023, a meaningful plan has been evoked and followed for data that supports and reinforces our observations of good progress for the Lake Lure fishery.

In summary, Lake Lure fishery appears to have survived the horrific destruction of Helene. The town continues to support the imperative asset so that all that live on or visit may enjoy the sound of, “I got one“!