If you live in the Lake Norman area, you should know that there are only three ways across Lake Norman. NC-150, NC-73, and by boat. Usually, the third option isn’t always ideal, and neither are the first two if it’s rush hour. Regardless, if you take NC-73 down the bridge that crosses the Catawba River, you might have seen the impressive Cowan’s Ford Dam. This massive structure holds back the inland sea that is Lake Norman.
Cowan’s Ford Dam got its name from a historical battle that it currently sits on. The Battle of Cowan’s Ford. This battle occurred around the 1780s when Cornwallis’s troops fought the patriots as they crossed at Cowan’s Ford. Today, nothing much remains except for a few placards.
Turning our attention back to NC-73. If you’ve ever crossed this bridge across the Catawba, you may have noticed a gravel road just before the Denver side of the bridge. This little gravel road holds the Highway 73 Access Area. This modest area is truly a gem considering all the boat ramps nearby. For starters, this boat ramp is small (no dock) and parking is limited. So, it makes for a quiet area on the river. It is also popular for catfishing. There’s a little trail that goes back along the riverbank.
Launching Into the Water
Accessing the boat ramp itself is fairly simple. You do have to go down this steep and bumpy gravel road, which can seem awkward with a trailer. But if your equipment is hooked up properly, you should have no problem. Once down to the ramp area, there isn’t much room to play. But the area doesn’t see a lot of boaters since the ramp is so small. perfect for a Jon boat like mine!
If you boat solo like I do, this ramp can be a bit tricky since there’s no dock to tie up on. I push my boat off the trailer and bring it around to the shore carefully. There are big rocks added for erosion protection, so be careful of your hull and prop. I take one of my ropes and put a rock over it to keep it in place while I park the trailer. With that in mind, if you don’t like getting into the water when launching, this place isn’t for you.
Once you’ve gotten on the water, it is time to explore! You’ll notice the bridge, Cowan’s Ford Dam, and the Catawba River. Heading over to the Cowan’s Ford Dam is a good start if you want to catfish. Bit cats like to hang out in this area. I will warn you that getting too close to the dam is hazardous. Big rocks and turbine turbulence are just a couple of concerns here.
Heading downriver of the Cowan’s Ford Dam is the truly unique part of this area. The Catawba River into Mountain Island Lake along these parts is wooded and usually quiet. Some boats and jet skis venture up here. But, for the most part, this is a uniquely peaceful river stretch. The water is also quite clear around here. Sandy shores and a lack of turbulence in the water allow this.
Boating down from the Cowan’s Ford Dam, there are a few sights to keep out for. Cowan’s Ford Island is the first one. This small island sits right in the middle of Catawba. I usually boat to the right of the island. Fallen trees exist as underwater hazards around the left side. Boating past that, it will mostly be wooded shorelines and a few homes. Eventually, you’ll come up to a little area called Duck Cove.
Exploring Duck Cove by Mountain Island Lake
Duck Cove is a low-lying area that got flooded with the creation of Mountain Island Lake. This created a massive cove that’s home to diverse wildlife. The Duck Cove entrance is well hidden. It will be on your left as you’re heading downstream. The key giveaway is a no-wake buoy at the entrance.
As you enter, keep in mind it’s harder to navigate with larger boats. Numerous fallen trees exist, and the entrance has tight twists and turns. If Cowan’s Ford Dam is letting out water, there will be a surprisingly strong current sucking water into Duck Cove. That current will easily push kayaks and small Jon boats around. However, this can make it much easier to navigate the cove itself with the higher water levels.
The main part of Duck Cove is fairly vast. It’s teeming with panfish species like Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and all of your common aquatic and land species. The wild grasses and other species, such as Blue Heron and Ospreys also thrive here. When entering Duck Cove. You may notice that it gets shallow quickly. I recommend that most v-hull boats do not venture into the cove. Some Jon boats and paddle craft can make it. The depth is all dependent on the lake levels, as mentioned earlier. So, if your goal is to get back into the nooks of the cove, keep that in mind.
If you’re looking to fish, your best bet is live worms out here. You can hit a variety of species depending on the time of year. Lures for bass work quite well around the spawn too. But Duck Cove can be finicky. I’ve either been completely skunked here or only caught fish on Mountain Island Lake here. It just depends on the conditions. Be prepared to try a variety of tactics and strategies.
There is another cove on the opposite side of the lake/river. This area holds Lucia Access Area. A great place to launch your kayak or canoe off of NC-16. However, water levels are another concern here. This cove is largely shallow year-long and muddy. So, if the water is too low, it can be impossible to launch your kayak. I’d avoid this area altogether if you have a boat. The fishing is not the best here either. I have caught a couple of panfish, however.
Beyond Duck Cove and Lucia Access Area is more Catawba River that quickly becomes Mountains Island Lake. It’s only a few miles before you’re at Neck Road Boat Ramp. Feel free to keep exploring or head back up to Cowan’s Ford Dam. Regardless, the ride should only take 10-15 minutes. Sometimes, it’s quickly flowing with the dam releasing water, but it’s usually a pleasure cruise.
When it’s all said and done, you’re ready to head back in. The retrieval is only as complicated as the launch. Again, no tie-off dock is an inconvenience, but it should be straightforward. If you do get the chance to make it out to this wonderful access area, I’d love to know! I hope you get the chance to enjoy this awesome place like me. Be safe and have fun!
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