• Always call first to make sure the lake is not closed for workdays or special events. Staff can also bring you up to date on current conditions.
• Stop by the office or fishing center first. Each lake has unique rules, fees and schedules. Make sure you have the proper permit, plus your state fishing license. Find about horsepower limits for boats.
• Staff members at the fishing centers also sell bait, tackle and drinks. They can assist you with fishing tips.
• Bring everything you need for a day on the water, including sunscreen, insect repellent, water and snacks. Leave the alcoholic drinks at home. Wildlife officers patrol the lakes to keep you safe and enforce the rules.
• Watch the weather. Summer thunderstorms are common in the Piedmont. Leave the water and seek shelter before a storm hits.
• Know that the city lakes supply drinking water for people, so keep them clean. Pick up litter. Do not leave fishing line on the ground to strangle ducks. Again, check the rules when you get your fishing permit.
• Ask about loaner fishing tackle programs and fish feeders at the lakes. Most lakes offer youth fishing events, big fish contests and tournaments. Enjoy the hiking trails and picnic areas between fishing trips. Greensboro’s Lake Brandt and High Point’s Oak Hollow offer waterfront golf courses, and Salem Lake is encircled by a seven-mile, hard-packed trail frequented by hundreds of runners, walkers and cyclists every day.
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