The Lake & Boating
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can fish in the lake and streams, but a North Carolina fishing license is required. Don't forget to buy trout stamps, which are also required for creek and river fishing. In Lake Lure and surrounding streams of the Hickory Nut Gorge, you will find rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish, bluegill, and sun perch. The maximum number and minimum size of trout, bass, and crappie that may be taken from Lake Lure are as follows: Trout: A limit of 5 per day, per person; all must be no less than 15 inches long. Bass: A limit of 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: A limit of 20 per day, per boat; all must be no less than 10 inches long. It is unlawful to use basket trot lines or other stationery 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.
Yes. It's a uniquely engineered design that was installed in the 1920s before the lake was filled. Over 50 manholes were placed around the perimeter of the lakeshore, each leading to a system of large cast-iron pipes that are mostly buried in the lake bed. The system collects wastewater from over 600 homes and businesses and directs it to the sewer treatment plant just east of the dam. It's an elegant solution for the mountains because it utilizes gravity, and the wastewater cannot leak into the lake--the pressure of the lake water prevents anything from escaping the pipes. As the pipe joints deteriorate, however, lake water does leak into the system. In 2010 and 2011, a team of commercial divers sealed all the accessible joints and eliminated over half a million gallons a day of lake water leakage.
The link below will provide you with the full list of all rules concerning boat usage on Lake Lure. But the most important rules to know are as follows: Your boat permit has to be displayed on your boat. Remember, a ‘no wake,’ (idle speed) is required when you are in any of the lake’s coves, within 75 feet from shore, within 75 feet of other boats and within 100 feet of a public safety boat while emergency lights are in use. No wake is also required from 7 pm to 7 am October through April and from 9 pm to 7 am from May through September. Children under 13 have to wear a life jacket, also known as a personal flotation device. Only two people at a time can be towed behind any boat and both must wear a personal floatation device. Are you in a rented boat or one supplied with your rental home? Your permit does not allow any towing, skiing, or tubing. Once your boat is underway, everyone must stay inside the boat and its railings. Remember to use your docking lights only while docking your boat. Only beer and wine are allowed on your boat. No fortified wine or spirituous liquors. All NC Laws pertaining to public consumption of alcohol are enforced. No trespassing on private property, docks, or boathouses. No swimming is allowed from town-owned land or in the Washburn Marina Bay.
Those are Aerators installed in the lake bed near the beach to keep the water clean and circulating. Because the water is shallow there, it's important that the water does not become stagnant there.
The lake is manmade. It covers approximately 1.15 square miles or about 812 acres.
It was built during 1925 & 1926.
One of the most unique aspects of our community is our beach at the lake, surrounded by our beautiful mountain range. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is a great way to spend a hot summer day. It also includes a water-park, picnic area, and a nice, covered shelter for rent. Bear in mind that it is unlawful (and unsafe) to swim in Lake Lure off the shore of any town-owned property, except at the town-owned beach. No person shall swim farther than 50 feet from the shore of Lake Lure unless accompanied by an observer in a boat, or it is a marked-off area permitted by town regulations.
Contact Information
Address
2948 Memorial Highway
Lake Lure, NC 28746
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 255
Lake Lure, NC 28746
Office Number
Phone: 828-625-9983
