The pier at Ramseur Lake draws some people to fish. (PJ Ward-Brown / Randolph Record)
RAMSEUR — New rules for Ramseur Lake have been good for fishing, town officials said.
Mayor Hampton Spivey said the recreational area has seen steady use since it opened for the year in March.
“The lake is rather busy,” Spivey said. “It’s pretty steady.”
Starting this year, gas-powered motors are no longer allowed on the lake. So watercraft must be powered by electric motors or man powered.
“Some of the fishermen who were opposed to (the new watercraft regulations) told me it’s the best thing we ever did,” Spivey said.
The elimination of gas-powered motors was announced prior to the 2024 opening of the lake. That provided boat users a full year notice prior to the implementation of the new rules.
There were largemouth bass caught up to 10 pounds this spring. Ricky Turpin of Asheboro pulled in a 10-pound largemouth June 4 after previously making a 9-pound catch.
LeAnn Thompson, the warden at the lake, said crappie have been caught at 3 pounds.
There also have been flathead catfish, bluegill and shell crackers caught, Thompson said.
“There’s a little bit of everything,” she said.
The man-made lake has existed since the 1970s.
“So there’s pretty big fish out there,” Spivey said.
There’s also other wildlife. Thompson said an 80-pound snapping turtle was caught this spring.
The West side of the park was closed when the park opened for the season. Both sides are now open.
Paddle boats and kayaks along with electric-only powerboats are available to rent.
Ramseur Lake, also known as Kermit G. Pell Water-Based Recreation Facility, is one of the two main recreation areas in Ramseur. The other is Leonard Park.
Hours for Ramseur Lake for May through August are 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Hours vary in other months, while the facility is closed in December, January and February.
