The North Carolina Wildlife Federation to Deploy Large-Scale Rock Reefs at Lake Norman
Fish are about to be a whole lot happier at Lake Norman. Why? Because they are getting some new homes!
North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Duke Energy, Lancaster Custom Dock & Lift Systems, and Jim Myers & Sons will install caution buoys and multidimensional rocks (riprap) at the Hager Creek Access Area on Lake Norman. Structure enhancements will help attract fish, support fish habitat and spawning, and reduce jet ski and boat traffic interference. This is great for the ecosystem.
This will be done this October. Habitat restoration projects play a significant role in North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s wildlife and habitat efforts. In 2020, Duke Energy completed the Hagers Creek public access area and fishing pier on Lake Norman as a requirement of the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project License. The improvements are part of ongoing efforts to make quality access areas available for public recreational use on Duke Energy-managed lakes.
Typical with older large reservoirs, the bottom of Lake Norman is generally barren and doesn’t provide habitat structures such as woody debris, vegetation, and rock outcrops that attract fish. The structure enhancements increase ecological viability, food, cover, and spawning opportunities. A Habitat Enhancement Program grant is supporting the project. The fund benefits fish, wildlife, and habitat along the Catawba-Wateree and its North and South Carolina tributaries.
