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When it comes to lake life in the Charlotte Metro area, you have three options. Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, and Mountain Island Lake. Most people in the region think of Lake Wylie or Norman. But, Mountain Island Lake can tend to be forgotten about. It would make sense. There are few boat launches, not as many fancy lake houses and I can’t think of a single waterfront restaurant. But, that’s the beauty of Mountain Island Lake. It’s the more natural lake, with large chunks of natural shoreline, beautiful coves, and endless places to play.
I’ve written this complete guide to help you enjoy the lake. I’ll take you through everything you need to know to enjoy a day at Mountain Island Lake. Suitable for kayakers, paddleboarders, boaters, anglers, hikers and more. Now, let’s get right to it!
First, A Bit of History
Mountain Island Lake is one of the earlier products of a broader movement to dam the southeast. When I say dam, I mean a hydroelectric dam designed to generate electricity. However, these dams also cause lakes of various sizes to form, including Mountain Island Lake. In 1923, the Mountain Island Hydroelectric Dam was built, creating the lake as we know it today. Back in the day, this hydroelectric dam helped to meet the growing demand of the textile industry in the area. Today, it provides only a small portion of the electric power used by the Charlotte North Carolina metro region.
Before the dam, it was simply another stretch of the Catawba River. Farmland and not much else existed around here at that time. One notable piece of history was Rozzelle’s Ferry. For a small price, people could cross the Catawba River via Rozzelle’s Ferry. This sat around where Highway 15 crosses Mountain Island Lake today. However, a bridge was built before the flooding of Mountain Island Lake.
Latta plantation is another notable landmark. This historic plantation house sat close to the Catawba River and is still standing next to Mountain Island Lake. Built around the 19th century by the Latta family, it’s one of the few historic plantation houses in the area. Today, it sits with Latta Nature Preserve, which you can read more about here.
Where is Mountain Island Lake Located Exactly?
So, you’re ready to get on the lake. First, you probably want to know how to get there. Mountain Island Lake is located in the northwest region of the Charlotte metro. Just outside of I-485. A simple drive from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the simple town of Mt. Holly, NC, and the Whitewater Center.
If you plan to come from most places within the Charlotte metro area, you’ll probably take I-485. This should make the trip no longer than 35-40 minutes depending on where you are coming from. The lake’s location is perfect because of its proximity to the city. Places to refresh before or after your water day on Mountain Island Lake are very close by.
Access to the Lake
Public access to Mountain Island Lake can be achieved at numerous locations. Most spots are dependent on your plans for the day. Below is my comprehensive list of the major spots:
- Riverbend Boat Ramp – The furthest south on the lake you can publicly access it. This boat ramp is situated just off of highway 16. The largest boat ramp on Mountain Island Lake, it features four ramps, making it the ideal spot for launching larger vessels. It’s recently been strict about parking if you are not launching a boat, so I’d advise you to stay away from other activities.
- Latta Nature Preserve – One of the larger parks in the Charlotte metro, this preserve features many miles of public shoreline on Mountain Island Lake. Perfect for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more on Mountain Island Lake.
- Neck Road Boat Ramp – A smaller boat ramp on the lake. The big difference is that it features a small area for kayakers to launch as well as it’s beautiful location in a cove. I wrote a quick read about it here.
- Lucia Access Area – This small access features a handful of gravel parking spots along a cove on the lake. It’s only meant for kayakers and paddleboarders. But, if the water levels are low, it can be impossible for anything to access the water.
- Highway 73 Access Area – This very small boat ramp area features a handful of gravel parking, a little boat ramp, and a decent area to bank fish. It’s located right next to the Cowan’s Ford Dam that holds back Lake Norman. Read more about the spot here.
Activity Guide
So, you are ready to hit the lake? First, you need to determine what the plan is. Well, this guide will run through all of the major activities on the lake and my secrets to enjoy them. This should make for an engaging day at any time of the year.
Mountain Island Lake Boating
Like most other lakes in North Carolina, boating on Mountain Island Lake is a top activity. If your boat fits on a trailer, it can most likely make it into the lake. The two main boat ramps are Riverbend and Neck Road. However, you can also launch smaller vessels at the Highway 73 Access Area by Cowan’s Ford Dam. All three of those spots are listed above.
Riverbed and Neck Road boat ramps are your best bet to get into the water. Riverbend is the largest spot with roughly 100 parking pots for boat trailers. The Neck Road boat ramp is about half the size of that. Both receive a large amount of visitors and will fill up on any given summer weekend, so plan to get there early. One caveat is that Neck Road Boat Ramp usually allows you to park on the side of the entrance road once parking fills up. That does not exist for Riverbend if you’re in a pinch.
Once you are in your boat, there are dozens of places to explore on Mountain Island Lake. Most, you could see all in one day. I’ll name some of the main attractions.
The Mountain Island
Where Mountain Island Lake got its namesake from, this mountainous hill in the middle of the lake is a popular spot for people to hang out at. It’s situated just past Highway 16, right near the top of the hydroelectric dam. Your closest boat ramp is Riverbend. The island itself and much of the shoreline around it are public lands and the perfect place to enjoy a swim.
Gar Creek
This is located more in the middle area of the lake. Gar Creek is a massive cove that stretches back all the way up to the current Gar Creek. This once was a simple creek that quickly became flooded during the construction of the dam. You’ll enter the Gar Creek Cove on Mountain Island Lake just by the water treatment plant. On your left will be Latta Nature Preserve and on your right is private property.
Look out for huge boulders that stagger up like icebergs in Gar Creek. There are a few towards the cove’s entrance and in the back. Gar Creek is one of my favorite fishing spots. I used to catch tons of Largemouth Bass on my kayak and some from the banks of Latta Nature Preserve.
Neck Road Cove
This cove holds the Neck Road Boat Ramp. If you launch from here, you’ll be right in the cove. It’s a quaint little place with older lake houses and the upper edge of Latta Nature Preserve. This is another great place to fish on the lake. Just outside of the cove to the right is a larger lake cove that goes back into a swampy area. Fishing is also plentiful here.
The Sandbars
Just north of Neck Road is two massive sandbars that become extremely popular in the summer. You’ll notice them by the lake beginning to narrow into a river and the huge crowds in the water. This is a must-do for me on the lake. The sheer size plus the average depth being around 1-2 feet makes it a paradise for swimming and hanging out.
Water clarity makes the spot pristine. Mountain Island Lake normally features clearer water, which becomes evident by the sandy bottoms of these sandbars. There isn’t a recommended time to get here as there’s always going to be a spot for you. I sometimes take my Jon boat out just to come here.
Besides the sandbars, a handful of swampy coves exist in this area. Signs of old duck blinds can be seen among the grass. These coves are reserved for only the shallowest of drafts. So, bring your Jon boat if you plan to fish back here.
Mountain Island Lake Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
Due to the Latta Nature Preserve plus the miles of natural shoreline, Mountain Island Lake is the place to bring your self-powered vessels. Most of the access points listed above are kayaker-friendly. Plus, the numerous shallow coves create a quiet place for you to go on any self-powered vessel.
As mentioned, you can launch at almost all access points. The exception is the Riverbend Boat Ramp. Since it is trailer parking only, you may run into a fine unless you trailer your kayak. Your best launch spots exist at Latta Nature Preserve. My personal favorite is the Gar Creek access. The parking brings you right to the shore and into the quiet Gar Creek Cove. Latta features another kayak launch spot with a small dock to help you get in. Regardless, you’ll be able to paddle the public shorelines of Latta Nature Preserve.
Another great spot in the Lucia access area. This spot brings you into a very shallow, but well-preserved natural cove on the Catawba River portion of the lake. Access can be difficult when the lake level is low. For the most part, however, this is a perfect place to get into the water. I like to paddle across the river to Duck Cove. This massive cove hosts an entire ecosystem of life. I wrote some details about it here.
Beyond those spots, most of the coves along the entire lake are where you should paddle. I like to hop between coves, hugging the shoreline when I’m on the main channel of the lake. Some of the coves closer to Highway 16 contain public shoreline and are a great place to just hang out for a swim.
Some Tips
- Avoid hanging out in the main channels of the lake, it will get crowded especially on a summer weekend.
- Plan a route beforehand when you go out to paddle via a map software like Google Earth.
- Keep in mind that Duke Energy does random flow releases from Lake Norman. This can make for heavy currents and difficult paddling north of the Neck Road Boat Ramp.
Mountain Island Lake Fishing
When it comes to fishing in the Charlotte metro, Mountain Island Lake is my go-to spot. Originally, this was because I’d kayak fish and the lake was the smoothest sailing for me. Now, it’s because I’ve had so much luck here. Mountain Island Lake has a healthy population of Spotted Bass along with your common North Carolina freshwater species. Now, I won’t give all my secrets, but I’ll run through some of the basic tips for fishing on the lake.
Fish the Coves
Most of the coves along the lake, especially those with structure, are your prime fishing areas. The bass love to hang out around docks, large fallen trees, and underwater rock formations. Depending on the season, fishing reactionary hard baits or soft baits is your best bet. Live works worms well for bluegill and Sunfish.
Go up the River for Catfish
If you’re interested in catfishing, going up towards the river portion past Nack Road is top real estate. Catfish prefer the flow of that section the best. Channel Catfish are the most common with baits such as chicken liver working well. I’ve caught Blue Catfish as well up here.
Spend Time in the Secluded Areas
The natural areas of Mountain Island Lake tend to be of higher quality in my fishing experience. If you’re having no luck around the docks, go around Latta Nature Preserve or up the river to Duck Cove.
Try the Fish Attractors
This is new to me, but Mountain Island Lake has several fish attractors. These are tree-like structures that exist below the water. Personally, I’ve never fished here, but it’s worth a try as part of your strategy.
What Fishing Gear to Bring on Mountain Island Lake?
Don’t know what you need for lake fishing? I’ll run through a few high-level gear recommendations for lake fishing given the three main fish focuses: bass, panfish, and catfish.
Largemouth Bass
- A Spinning Rod Combo – A lew’s spinning rod and reel are a great bang for your buck. The 5’6″ or 6’0″ options with medium action are perfect for the size of Largemouth Bass you’d encounter. Pair it with 10-12 lbs test fishing line.
- Rooster Tail Spinner Lure – These work wonders as a cast-and-retrieve lure in the spring and summer. Fish with this around the coves, especially when you see fish feeding on the topwater.
- Soft Plastic Lures – This is best around the coves when it’s hotter out and the fish don’t seem to be feeding. Play around with different rigging techniques and always try different variations of creatures (crawfish, lizards, bugs, etc.)
Panfish
- A Small Fishing Rod – The Ugly Stik Dock Runner is perfect for small bluegill and other panfish. It’s light enough to transport but strong enough to handle larger panfish.
- Redworms and Wax Worms – Find these at your local Walmart or under a rock! Live bait is the best for Panfish. I’ll have a hard time recommending an artifical alternative.
Catfish
- A Heavy Action Rod – A Shakespeare rod combo from Walmart should do the trick. Aim to get 20-30 lbs fishing line.
- Chicken Liver – These work the absolute best for catfish. Again, it’s hard to recommend a good, artificial alternative. Pick these up for cheap in the meat section of Walmart.
Mountain Island Lake Swimming and Recreation
Swimming on Mountain Island Lake is an obviously popular activity. There are several areas around the lake to swim. My top spot is the sandbar as mentioned above. Its shallow depths, sandy bottom, and protection make it the perfect spot. The public shorelines closer to Highway 16 and the hydroelectric dam are also great places to swim. I will note that swimming is not allowed in Latta Nature Preserve.
Other water activities like wakeboarding are acceptable on the lake. The larger section of Mountain Island Lake is the best spot for any activity like wakeboarding. Regardless, it can be difficult on crowded days. Lake Norman is far superior to activities like that.
Safety Tips and Good To Knows
Like any water activity, safety is always important to consider. Here’s a few quick tips from my experience on Mountain Island Lake:
- Follow common boating safety practices as always
- Kayakers and paddleboards should stay close to shore, especially around blind turns
- Pay close attention to the buoys, the lake is full of shallow spots and rocks
- Never get extremely close to Cowan’s Ford Dam
- Pay attention to high currents closer to the dam – never paddle too far downriver if you’re inexperienced
Now Get Out there and Enjoy the Day!
Mountain Island Lake is my favorite lake and may soon become yours. Hopefully, I’ve armed you with all the right information to have a great day no matter the time of year. From boating to fishing or even hiking by the lake, it’s hard to go wrong. Now get out there and enjoy the day!
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