Together We Rise - Guidelines for Phase One - Soft Opening for Lake Lure

Town of Lake Lure – Phase One Lake Reopening (Soft Opening)

The Town of Lake Lure is very pleased to announce a Phase One “Soft Opening” of the lake beginning April 20, 2026, following continued progress in recovery efforts and improving lake conditions.

Lake levels are currently approaching full pond, and this initial reopening phase will allow the Town to safely reintroduce public access while continuing to monitor conditions and complete ongoing work.

What to Expect During Phase One

This soft opening is designed to prioritize safety while allowing limited recreational use. Conditions on the lake remain variable, and recovery operations are still ongoing.

Important Guidelines 

1. No Wake Requirement: 

• Until further notice, the entire lake is designated as a NO WAKE ZONE to ensure safe and controlled conditions. This requirement will be closely monitored by Town staff and may be lifted at the discretion of the Town Manager when conditions allow.

• The only exception is for authorized contractors, who may operate at normal speeds as necessary to perform their work efficiently.

2. Lake Use Regulations Still Apply:

• All existing Town of Lake Lure Lake Use Regulations remain in effect.

  • All motorized vessels must be properly permitted.

  • Operators must have the required boater safety certification.

  • All users must comply with direction from Town law enforcement.

• Motorized Vessel Restrictions:

  • Public launching from Town-owned ramps is not permitted during Phase One.

  • Authorized contractors are permitted to use Town ramps for launching and retrieving vessels as part of approved work.

  • Vessels may also be launched from private property where lawful access is available and authorized by the property owner.

  • Once launched, vessels must be operated by the owner or an authorized, properly licensed operator.

• Non-Motorized Use:

  • Non-motorized vessels, fishing, and swimming are permitted.

  • Non-motorized vessels may be launched at Pool Creek Picnic Park.

• All users participate at their own risk due to potential debris and changing conditions.

• No Towing Activities:

  • Water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and similar activities are not permitted during Phase One.

• Ongoing Hazards:

  • Boaters should use extreme caution. Submerged debris and other hazards may still be present as a result of recent events.

• Contractor Access and Restrictions

  • Due to limited parking at Town ramp locations, contractors are limited to one trailer at a time per site.

  • Contractors may use Town ramps only for launching and retrieving boats, and for transporting necessary construction-related materials associated with approved work.

  • Loading or unloading rip rap, stone, or similar bulk materials at ramps is not permitted.

Additional Important Information

• The Washburn Marina/Morse Park boat ramp area remains closed due to ongoing work.

• The lake fuel pump is not currently operational and is not expected to be available until closer to Memorial Weekend.

• The Town does not provide towing services for stranded vessels.

• Emergency response and enforcement presence will be active and monitoring conditions closely.

• Lake operations may be modified or suspended at any time if safety concerns arise.

This phased reopening process allows the Town to confirm that safety measures, operations, and access points are functioning as intended under full pond conditions while continuing critical recovery work.

• As conditions continue to be evaluated, a subsequent phase of reopening will be considered and announced at a later date.

• We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we take a careful and responsible approach to reopening the lake.

• For updates and additional information, please continue to follow official Town communications at www.townoflakelure.com.

Questions: For questions, please email Communincations@townoflakelure.com