Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

[penst8grad]

My sister and I are considering taking our families on a shared vacation next year. She's in GA and I'm in PA so Southern Virginia or Norther NC is about half way.

does anyone have any lakes that are worth a look? We'd like to rent a cabin on the water for 7 too.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Try a Google search for Jordan lake.Its not far from I-40,I-85 near Raleigh,
Its a large lake with good fishing.Not sure but there is probably rental property around there..

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Go here http://www.kerrlake.info/fishing/index.htm and look around. This is a very large lake with lots of rentals and fantasic fishing. I stay at The Little Retreat every spring for a week and love it. They have one cabin that will sleep 8 and its right on the lake.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

I forgot about Kerr lake. I think i'll make a trip there this fall...

 

[penst8grad]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Thanks guys. Looks like Kerr Lake fits the bill quite nicely. Are there any fishing maps on the internet?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Look here for some online maps..
"http://www.kerrlake.com/map/map.htm"

 

[penst8grad]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Look here for some online maps..
"http://www.kerrlake.com/map/map.htm"

Thanks. You guys are a big help.

 

[Jdubb16]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Lake Gaston. It is 34 miles long and 1.5 miles wide at it widest point. It also has tons of coves and creeks to explore. It gets busy in the summer, but we have never had trouble finding a quite spot to do watersports. Unlike Kerr lake, its water level stays within a 1 foot range. Kerr Lake(to the West) and Roanoke Rapids Lake (to the East) fluctuate to balance the level in Gaston. There are two dams seperating the three lakes.

Here is a link with some good info: http://www.lakegastonchamber.com/

Jon

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Kerr, gaston, Roanoke rapids all good. Especially Kerr and gaston. Jordan is something like 18 BILLION gallons of water low right now. Cant even get the water from the ramps - too much mud from what I understand.

Another option might be one of the rivers (as in pamlico) or sounds (as in pamlico,etc...) or down near the beaches. Lots of great water on the backside all the way between beaufort / morhead and swansboro. I actually live closer to the coast and don't spend much time on the lakes any more. Mainly the tar and pamlico. big water, lots of great places to go and absolutely beautiful...

Just some thoughts...

 

[penst8grad]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Thanks again for more suggestions. Kerr and Gaston are perfect fits. Since she's in Athens the ride is essentially I81 to I77 and those are not very far out of the way.

I'll also mention this is a scouting trip. I should have my MBA finished in Dec '08 and will be fleeing the cold at the first opportunity. Was leaving in '99 but met my wife between Jr and Sr year of college. She's ready to move south too and the 10yo is begging for better weather as well.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

I also agree with going to Kerr or Gaston. Kerr is down now, but Gaston is full. I live in Raleigh, not to far from Jordan, I always boat at Falls or Kerr though. I have been to Gaston in the past and its a gorgeous lake. I am planning on trying to get to Kerr this weekend on Sunday, but if the water is low, then we will go on to Gaston.

Kerr has a ton of water, so even with it being low, it should be fine, unlike falls lake here in Raleigh.

I plan on trying to find some property or a trailer around Gaston, as this is the only lake that has a full pool all the time, no matter what.

I also agree with the pamlico sound being a great place to go also. I have relatives that have a place down in Washington, NC and you can get on the river and go all the way to Morehead if you wish. It is gorgeous down there also, even better than the beach to me, but thats my preferrence, being on a boat.

Any of the 3 you do, you will have a great time.

Bryan

 

[Blue Water Runner]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

I will throw Smith Mountain Lake into the mix as well as anywhere on The ICW from Beaufort south. I camped at Surf City last weekend and took a ride down to Wilmington on The ICW and Cape Fear River. Over a 100 miles round trip. Man its beautiful this time of the year.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Kerr is down about 6' right now. So some of the feaders are a little dangerous right now, but the main lake is still in good shape. You just have to pick your ramp carefully. But, he is not coming 'till next year, so the water should be back up by then.


Keep everyone posted on your plans, may get more focussed advice as you narrow down your lake choices.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

180 Shabah,
Do you know if the Manson Ramps are ok, you probably don't go out by this, as this is on the NC side? Just figured it was worth throwing out. Or do you know any good ramps, NC side to launch into Gaston? I come up US 1 to 85, so anything off 85 would work. I am planning on trying to go this weekend.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[180shabah]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Sorry I can't offer any insight into ramps on the NC side. We always dunk in the Clarksville area(Buffalo Landing, Bluestone Landing and OSP when the water is way down).

 

[Jdubb16]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

If I remember, there is a marina right nearmy friend's lake house in Bracey. this is just off I-85, but on the VA side. The lake is right on the border, so one side to the other is not very far.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Well I got up to Kerr Last sunday and put in at Kimball Point, there were no problems at all. The lake is down, but there is still pretty of water. We went and hung out on the large island, that you are looking at the damn from. It was one of the best days all summer I think, hardly any boats at all around.

And I got sunburnt, in october, whats up with the weather. The water was a little chilly but not to bad. Its cooler now, or I would be going back this Sunday, but to cool for the wife and kids.

Bryan

 

[180shabah]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

Glad ypou had a good time. This is our favorite time of year to be out there. You never have to look for a place that is quiet, The whole lake is.

 

[penst8grad]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

You guys are killin me. THere is NO WATER up here. Most localities are on severe drought warning. The rivers aren't even knee deep now and winter is soon to be here.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Freshwater Lakes in S Va or N NC?

We are in an exceptional drought here,next level past severe.The Charlotte area lakes are way down.They have been showing all of the boats on the news sitting on dry land.It kills me to see those big nice boats stuck in the mud.Think of all the boats that won't get winterized..
My usual lake is still full,its an hour away but worth it.