Lake Norman Boating Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Lake Norman is a picturesque body of water that is centrally located 20 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. It is a special lake that appeals to people of all backgrounds and lifestyles. With 500 miles of stunning shoreline to explore by boat and endless water, most people struggle with where to begin. Don’t fret. We’ve got your Lake Norman boating guide right here:
- Marinas on Lake Norman
- Fishing on Lake Norman
- Restaurants on Lake Norman
- Boating Rules & Regulations
Keep reading for additional Pro Boatsetter Tips.
Lake Norman Boat Rentals— Starting at $47/hr
Marinas on Lake Norman
Come to any one of these marinas to bask in amazing amenities and park your boat in the safest dockhands!
Midway Marina
- Address: 8693 NC-150, Terrell, NC 28682
- Slips: Small (8’ wide), medium (9’ wide), and large (10’ & 11’ wide)
- Features: Covered slips, uncovered slips, full-service gas dock
Stutts Marina
- Address: 571 Stutts Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
- Features: Covered slips, full-service gas dock, pet-friendly
- Pro Tip: While boaters can’t launch their boats from Stutts Marina, there are several nearby ramps like Pinnacle Access Area or Hager’s Creek Access Area.
Safe Harbor Kings Point
- Address: 18020 Kings Point Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031
- Dockage: Wet slips (26’ – 34’)
- Features: Gas dock, complimentary WiFi, bathhouses, BBQ grills
Pro Boat Access Tips: Launch your boat from any one of these ramps: Boat Ramp Long Island Road, Lake Norman State Park Boat Ramp, Stumpy Creek Boat Landing, and Blythe Landing Park.
Fishing on Lake Norman
Bass lovers catch largemouth, smallmouth, striped, and spotted bass! Also, the spotted bass population is booming in Lake Norman. Find the best spots in the deep waters on the south end of the lake.
Pro Fishing Tip: Even though they are smaller than or equal to the size of a largemouth, these fish are very fond of live minnows as bait. The largest recorded spotted was 6.5 pounds, lured in by a finesse worm.
Lake Norman has fishing limits of five basses in combination. For instance, you can get five largemouth bass. Or catch one smallmouth, one largemouth, and three spotted basses. At least three of these fish must be 14 inches long, however, two of the five may be smaller than 14 inches. This rule only applies to Norman Lake.
Other fish species here are blue and channel catfish, yellow perch, black crappie, and bluegill.
You’ll also need a fishing license to fish in Lake Norman. Don’t miss out on the action! Getting a fishing license is quick and easy. Get yours here. You can pick a license good for ten days, a year, or a lifetime. And don’t forget to get a fishing charter to make the best out of your excursion.
Where to Eat on Lake Norman
It should be no surprise that the food is as diverse as the fun on a lake this wide! We’ve gathered together a few of the great dock and dine destinations on Lake Norman for your upcoming boat trip. Bon appetite!
- Address: 18665 Harborside Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031
- Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm; Sun 11:30am-9pm
- Reservations: Yes, required.
- Type of food: Seafood, vegetarian, traditional American
- Dockage available: Yes
- Address: 643 Williamson Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
- Hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
- Reservations: Yes, but not required.
- Type of food: Authentic Italian, American, seafood
- Dockage available: Yes
- Address: 167 Pinnacle Ln, Mooresville, NC 28117
- Hours: Tues- Thurs, Sun 11am- 9pm; Fri- Sat 11am- 10pm
- Reservations: No
- Type of food: American, bar, seafood, Mexican
- Dockage available: Yes
- Address: 100 N Harbor Pl, Davidson, NC 28036
- Hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9:30pm
- Reservations: No
- Type of food: Regatta-themed, new American
- Dockage available: Yes
Lake Norman Boating Rules & Regulations
Whenever boating in a new place, or somewhere it’s been a while, review the current boating laws, and always make sure to follow them! Some rules and regulations to be aware of when boating on Lake Norman are:
- To operate a vessel lawfully, you must take the Boater Safety Education Course (Applicable only to those born after January 1st, 1988).
- Carry lifejackets aboard (one per person).
- People being towed by a boat or PWC (personal watercraft) must always wear a PFD (personal floatation device).
- Operators and all passengers on PWCs must also wear a PFD.
- Anyone under the age of 13 must wear their PFD at all times.
- Pro Safety Tip: People 13 and older are strongly recommended to wear a PFD on all vessels. However, simply having one PFD per person onboard is enough so long as it is quickly and easily accessible.
- Do not operate a boat while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
- Pro Safety Tip: If you want to let loose and have a few adult beverages, that’s totally fine. Book with a captain for a worry-free boat trip.
Discover more destinations like Lake Lanier, Lake Michigan, and the Potomac River at Boating Resources.
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