Spring Prep on High Rock Lake

HOW DO YOU PREP FOR SPRING WHEN YOU LIVE ON THE LAKE?

Sand, leaves, dirt, snails, fish bones, tree limbs, and debris? Yes, if your backyard is actually on High Rock Lake.

It’s time to rake and clean the beach or shoreline, depending on the lake level. That means chain-saw activity and lots of picking up branches and logs, piling up for a lakeside bonfire.

And spring is the perfect time to refresh the pier, floating dock, and even spruce up the perfect lakeside seating – Adirondack chairs. Checking wooden boards that have warped over the winter, cleats that may be missing a screw, and boat bumper guards that may have worn down are all part of the action.

SPRINGTIME IS A FRESH START TO MANY THINGS, INCLUDING FRIENDSHIPS

Do you remember January’s blustery weather and snow just about every weekend? Well, March has certainly wiped that memory out for me. So far, the temperatures have been above normal, and we wanted to take the boat out for our first 2022 outing.

It was great timing too since our neighbors had friends, Kasey and Brian King fly here over the weekend from Gilbert, Arizona. This was the couple’s first visit to High Rock Lake and Rowan County, I asked them to share their overall impression of High Rock Lake with us. As the saying goes, you only get one chance at a first impression, and I wanted to share theirs with our High Rock Lake blog readers.

“We arrived as the sun was setting, and were awe-struck seeing all of the pinks and yellows dancing off the majestic lake. The Evergreens that are surrounded by early spring budding trees define the shoreline and show just how peaceful and untouched this area is. Rowan County certainly has a hidden gem nestled in their backyard,” said Kasey.

Since our new friends are west coast residents, they frequent Lake Tahoe which is amazing in so many ways. We can’t compare the two lakes since Tahoe is two million years old! And ranks in the top 20 in the world’s oldest lakes.

High Rock on the other hand was built in 1926 by Tallassee Power Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa), and continues to be a working hydroelectric project now owned by Eagle Creek Renewable Energy.

HRL covers 15,180 acres within its 360 miles of shoreline.

“Our boat ride was a tad choppy, but the 70-degree weather was perfect, with a breeze and lots of sun. We had a masterful captain navigate the lake along with his trusted first mate, Sprawl, the dog. We watched as several species of birds chased fish and we enjoyed pointing out many beautiful lakefront homes, each with their own charm and personality,” said Kasey. “No two houses are alike.”

I shared details about our annual community lake activities with our new friends. Pointing out previous winners’ docks from the July 4^th dock decorating competition to the Rowan Chamber’s 8^th annual Dragon Boat Festival at the Rowan Shrine Club, and the growing, volunteer-led HRLCleanSweep on September 17th.

“We can’t wait to come back and actually get to try some water sports in the summer. Kayaking is a favorite activity, and it looks like High Rock Lake with its many sheltered coves would be ideal,” shared Brian. “And I really want to go fishing, I heard about the crappie and catfish. Next time!”

I think our new friends were impressed with our man-made reservoir and what it has to offer to residents and visitors alike. And I am sure we will have many more ‘first’ boat rides for others coming in 2022.

TIME TO GET YOUR FISHING LICENSE

Did you know there is a Lifetime Fishing (and Hunting) License through the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission? If you have a love for fishing and hunting, a lifetime license is a great option for you. Lifetime Licenses were launched in 1981 to not only offer hunters and anglers the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation throughout their lifetime, but also to raise money for the NC Wildlife Endowment Fund. Since the Fund’s inception, more than $69 million in interest generated has been spent on programs and projects that benefit wildlife conservation.

There are seven types/price points available, such as infant, youth, adult, 50 and over, senior, disabled veteran, totally disabled, and volunteer firefighter and rescue squad/EMS. Spread your love for wildlife conservation with a lifetime license! Learn more at: ncwildlife.org/Licensing.aspx

Posted to Subscribers of North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

I would love to hear from you on what your favorite lake activity is, or someone that you would like me to feature in 2022. Please email me at highrock@YourRowan.com

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