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High Rock Lake, North Carolina, USA

The northernmost of the Uwharrie Lakes, High Rock Lake enjoys its spot as North Carolina’s second largest reservoir entirely within the state: its watery fingers reach out over 15,180 acres. The lake, whose name comes from the neighboring High Rock Mountain, begins at the confluence of the Yadkin and South Yadkin rivers. Created for hydroelectric power in 1928, the lake now provides residents and visitors with many…
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    • All About High Rock Lake, NC

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - North Carolina - Piedmont Region, NC -

    The northernmost of the Uwharrie Lakes, High Rock Lake enjoys its spot as North Carolina’s second largest reservoir entirely within the state: its watery fingers reach out over 15,180 acres. The lake, whose name comes from the neighboring High Rock Mountain, begins at the confluence of the Yadkin and South Yadkin rivers. Created for hydroelectric power in 1928, the lake now provides residents and visitors with many recreational activities.

    Long known as one of the best fishing lakes in the state, High Rock Lake hosted the Bassmasters Classic in 1994, 1995, 1997, and 2007, as well as other angling contests and competitions. High Rock Lake is best known for its largemouth bass. Other popular game fish include channel, blue, and flathead catfish, crappie, and hybrid white bass. Whether you’re a hobbyist angler or pro, this lake is sure to offer you plenty of opportunities to reel in the fish you always dreamed of.

    High Rock Lake has no size or speed restrictions for boats, so you will be sure to see plenty of powerboats, bass boats, and jet skis alongside smaller kayaks and canoes. Several boat ramps and marinas dot the lake’s 365 miles of shoreline, enabling visitors to launch their own boats. If you don’t own a boat, not to worry: you can rent anything from a fishing boat to a pontoon boat at one of the local marinas. And after you have your boat in the water, grab a tube or water skis and enjoy an exhilarating ride.

    Swimmers are also welcome in the lake, but due to the fact that High Rock is the first in a chain of lakes, its waters are often murkier than you may be used to. There is no reason to worry; the water is perfectly safe and refreshing.

    In February 2017, the four hydroelectric stations, known as the Yadkin Project, were acquired from Alcoa by Cube Carolinas, who now manages High Rock Lake and Dam and control water levels for hydropower generation. The average summer water level drawdown is 5 feet. The average winter drawdown is 12 feet, in anticipation of winter rains refilling the lake. Water levels can drop even more during periods of drought. With a maximum depth of 52 feet and an average depth of 16-17 feet, water level variations can have a significant impact on recreation. The elevation of High Rock Lake at full pool is 655 feet above sea level; the minimum elevation for hydropower generation is 594 feet.

    The High Rock Lake Association, first organized in 1954, has served the property owners around High Rock Lake and many others who love to recreate here by addressing water pollution problems, monitoring the water level and advocating for improvements to enhance the recreational values around this beautiful resource.

    Camping is available along the lake’s shores at High Rock Lake Marina & Campground, providing campsites, boat slips, and a boat ramp all in the same location. T.M. Stanback Outdoor Theater, an environmental education building, features live animal exhibits, a petting zoo, miniature golf, picnic shelters, a children’s playground, volleyball, a horseshoe pit, and more.

    Neighboring Lexington, North Carolina is famous for its southern barbecue. Receiving over 100,000 visitors annually, the city is proud to provide many entertainment opportunities, museums and exhibits, and, of course, a whole host of culinary treasures.

    Things to Do at High Rock Lake

    These are some activities in the High Rock Lake, NC area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Tubing
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Museum
    • Playground
    • Miniature Golf

    What Kind of Fish Are in High Rock Lake?

    High Rock Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Flathead Catfish
    • Largemouth Bass
    • White Bass
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    Find Places to Stay at High Rock Lake

    If you’re considering a High Rock Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a High Rock Lake Vacation

    Our interactive High Rock Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    High Rock Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Alcoa Power

    Surface Area: 15,180 acres

    Shoreline Length: 365 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 655 feet

    Average Depth: 16 feet

    Maximum Depth: 52 feet

    Water Volume: 234,866 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1928

    Drainage Area: 3,983 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

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