My buddy and i and making a trip from PA down to Lake Norman around the 17th of february.

Any advice on what to use and what type of water conditions to expect?

Tks a lot

Mike

Nobody fishes lake norman?

Lake Norman is a really clear lake. Spotted bass are usually caught on the south end as LM are caught more up top on the north end. Shakey head or wacky style in something green pumpkin should get you some bites of spots. There are a ton of docks on that lake. If you fish them, drag your bait so it touches the pilings, that usually when you will get bit. Look for some rip rap along the shore lines, they hold spots to.  Try cranking for some LM.  Good Luck. Hope this helps.

Cool. I was thinkin some 6xd, suspending jerks and jigging

I used to fish Norman quite a bit when I lived about 200 yards away from the ramp in Huntersville.  I don't know that I would classify it as a clear lake per say.  It has days, but I don't think it's really a super clear lake.  Buzzbaits around and between docks in the early AM produced the majority of my early day fish.  Jerkbaits are a great bait there around this time of year, during February they should still be producing.  Like fishyfingers said, there are a ton of docks so keep that in mind.  Whether you like worms, tubes, jigs, whatever you prefer I'd be pitching them at and under the bigger docks.  I wouldn't spend too much time on the smaller docks, they have so many to choose from that the smaller ones just don't entice big fish.  One other suggestion i may have is to check out NCAngler.com at times they have a good bit of info on there about Norman.

I think we are gonna stay on the north end...should be a good time...gonna be there presidents day weekend

I think we are gonna stay on the north end...should be a good time...gonna be there presidents day weekend

 

I'll be there the same weekend.  I'm kayak fishing with a buddy of mine, likely on the northern side.  best of luck!

Thanks and good luck to you too!

I can tell you the Nc wildlife released something like 300,000 hybrid bass last fall. I personally don't fish lake Norman, too much traffic for me. I went to High Rock last week and the water was very muddy from all the crazy weather we've been getting the last few weeks. Good luck and I hope you enjoy Nc.

Yeah they released 162,500 hybrids.. Haven't been there in quite a few years though.

Yeah they released 162,500 hybrids.. Haven't been these in quite a few years though.

I knew it was a lot the Ncwlc released. I hope to see some in the lakes near me soon. Those hybrids look like they'd be fun to hook up with.

Edit: here's the article on the bass.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/06/19/4116724/coming-to-lake-norman-hybrid-striped.html#.Uu2stn-9KSM

Change of plans...we will down at the end of march now...cant wait!

Change of plans...we will down at the end of march now...cant wait!

 

i think you'll be happy with your delay!  the lake should be much more lively around then.  If i do not post back in this thread, PM me anytime after Feb 18 and i'll fill you in on my trip that weekend

Will do man!

I'm fishing a small tournament on Norman this Saturday, I'll try to report on water temps and clarity, etc. but a lot will change from now till end of March.

Will do man!

 

man, it's going to change big time b/w here and there.  water was in the 40-43 degree range and fishing was SLOW.  only caught a handful, none real keepers.  a-rig, rattle trap and jig were the only baits getting bit.  Most were caught on the rig, then the trap and lastly the jig.  by the time you get to the lake that water temp will be up and you'll find them more active than this week!

Thanks for the update. I'm going to norman with coldsvt. I hope water temps climb into the 60s by then. We are beaver fishing fools and I'm looking forward to lots of dock fishing.