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Some of Lake Norman's best secrets
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Published: July 16, 2009
Where are the best places to fish from a boat on Lake Norman?
That depends on the season of the year and the species of fish you are after. As a rule, the islands adjacent to, and just north of the state park in the main river channel, produce lots of fish. Reed and Davidson Creeks at the lower end of the lake are also popular fishing areas. The hot holes yield bass year round and stripers, perch and cats are caught there in the winter. Other good bets are the bridges that crisscross the river and creek channels.
What are the best live baits to use?
Again, it depends on the species you are targeting. Bass eat medium size shiners, shad, herring and bream. Stripers prefer larger shad, herring and shiners, along with five to twelve inch trout, bream and white perch. Flathead catfish feast on white perch, bream and channel cats like night crawlers, and blue cats like gold fish, black salty's and shad. Crappie eat small minnows, and bream (sunfish) munch on crickets and worms.
Which birds make their nests on shoal and channel markers? Are they eagles?
The nesting birds are ospreys, not eagles. They are members of the hawk family, commonly known as "fish hawks" since their primary diet is fish. Because of their large wingspan, they are often mistaken for the much larger eagle.
Is it true catfish as big as stretch limousines swim near the dam?
Probably not! The largest catfish ever taken from Lake Norman weighed 85 pounds – a far cry from a 4,000 pound limo!
When is the best time to fish in the summer?
Fish when the air temperature is the coolest and the hot sun is not shining on the water. That usually means fishing is best between dusk and dawn, or on cloudy days. July and August are great months to fish after dark, particularly around bridges, lighted boat docks and in the river channel at Cowan's Ford Dam.
What are the best artificial lures for catching bass?
n Soft plastics — worms, lizards and flukes
n Buzz and spinner baits
n Shad Rap (#5)
What are the best colors to use for artificial lures?
Chartreuse, grey, silver, blue, black, crayfish and pumpkin seed are all good colors.
Why are there so many bass tournaments on Lake Norman?
Because fishing for largemouth and spotted bass is the best it has been in decades. It is common for tournament anglers to limit out early in the morning, and spend the rest of the day culling the smaller fish and replacing them with larger ones.
Are white perch good to eat?
You bet! Their tender white meat is delicious when battered and deep fried.
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