Graham-Mebane Lake Tournaments & Programs
UPCOMING LAKE PROJECT: During the 2025 fishing season, our launch ramps will be closed for approximately 6 to 8 weeks due to the construction of new ramps. This closure may impact the scheduling and structure of the Season-Long Big Bass Tournament (BBT) and BBT Second Chance Tournaments, though the extent is currently unknown. Despite this, we are committed to maintaining our standard of eight entrants in the Big Bass Tournament Fish-Off—whether through the usual monthly BBT winners or by including winner(s) from the Second Chance Tournament.
Paddle Tour on the Lake
Fishing Tournaments
Challenge Paddle Tour
Youth & Educational Lake Programs
Introduction to Kayaking
Lake Cruise on the Pontoon
Volunteer Opportunities at the Lake
Paddle Tour on the Lake
Paddle Tour on the Lake – 2025
Dates to Choose From:
• Saturday, May 31 from 4:30pm – 7:00pm
• Sunday, June 29 from 12:00pm – 2:30pm
• Saturday, July 12 from 10:30am – 1:00pm
• Sunday, July 27 from 12:00pm – 2:30pm
• Saturday, August 9 from 10:30am – 1:00pm
• Sunday, August 24 from 12:00pm – 2:30pm
• Saturday, September 13 from 10:30am – 1:00pm
• Sunday, September 21 from 12:00pm – 2:30pm
• Saturday, October 11 from 1:30pm – 4:00pm
• Sunday, October 19 from 11:00am – 1:30pm
Ages: 18 & older
Cost: (space is limited and registration is required)
• Reserve a kayak, paddle, PFD, & registration – $22.00 per person
• Bring your own kayak, paddle, PFD, & registration – $10.00 per person
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake • 3218 Bason Road, Mebane, NC 27302
Nestled between Graham and Mebane lies the gorgeous flat water of Graham-Mebane Lake. Come enjoy the sunshine with us on the water. Graham Recreation & Parks invites you to join us on a guided, two-hour paddle tour (30 minutes to prepare). With our tour guide at the helm, you will see firsthand what lake life is all about. Be it with old friends or new, you will bask in the tranquility of the lake while exploring this aquatic gem during the two-hour tour. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and unwind in a peaceful setting. Space is limited and registration is required. Online registration is currently open and closes at 5:00pm the day prior to the paddle tour date or when maximum attendance is reached. You will receive a confirmation receipt through email at the time of booking. For more information, please call Graham-Mebane Lake at (919) 563-6544.
Prerequisites
- Know how to swim
- Kayakers should be moderately fit for this trip
- Review and complete the waiver
- Must wear properly fitted PFD (for paddling) while on water
- Bring an attachable water bottle (attach to vest or kayak)
What to Wear
- Comfortable clothes (dress for the weather)
- Wicking or quick dry
- Synthetic instead of cotton
- Water shoes
- Hat/Sunglasses (with a strap to secure to you)
Suggested Additional Items:
- Sunscreen (leave in a dry sack or a vehicle once applied)
- Hat/Sunglasses (with a strap to secure to you)
- Dry Sack and/or Waterproof phone case
- Towel
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel by 5:00pm the day before the paddle tour date. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after this time.
Inclement Weather Updates: All Paddle Tours are subject to cancellation or postponement due to weather. In the event of inclement weather, all attendees will be offered the choice of a rain date for the tour or a refund. Please provide a valid email address during registration to ensure you receive confirmation and communication regarding your Paddle Tour.
Fishing Tournaments
2025 Season-Long Big Bass Tournament
Season-Long Dates: March 1 – September 30, 2025
Times: During Operational Hours
Ages: 16 & older
Cost: $25.00, which covers the entire tournament (normal lake user fees apply)
Details: Graham-Mebane Lake sponsors a Season-Long Big Bass Tournament (BBT). Join the tournament anytime during the season. Fish as often as you like each month, the heaviest Largemouth Bass caught and weighed in by an entrant during the current month wins that month. There will be seven monthly winners, with the exception of a tie. Each monthly winner and the Second Chance Tournament winner receives an Annual User Fee Permit ($50- $70 value) valid for one year and qualifies for the Fish-Off held in October. The top 3 finishers in the Fish-Off receive monetary prizes: Fish-Off payout is based on 75% of entry fees collected, divided as follows: First Place – 50%, Second Place – 30%, and Third Place – 20%. A tournament entry fee must be paid before catching and weighing a fish, normal lake user fees apply. Big Bass Tournament Fish-Off: Saturday, October 11, 2025 (tentative date) from 8:00am – 3:00pm
2025 Season-Long Big Bass Tournament Registration Form
| 2025 Big Bass Tournament Results | ||
Month | Winner | Winning Weight |
| March | 8.35 lbs. | Jeremy Blackwell |
| April | ||
| May | ||
| June | ||
| July | ||
| August | ||
| September | ||
| 2nd Chance | ||
2024 Big Bass Tournament Fish-Off Results
1st Place: Jeremy Blackwell – 6.90 lbs.
2nd Place: Curtis Rippey – 5.62 lbs.
3rd Place: Keith Patterson – 4.56 lbs.
2025 BBT Second Chance Tournament
Season-Long Dates: March 1 – September 30, 2025
Times: During Operational Hours
Ages: 16 & older
Cost: $10.00, in addition to the BBT entry fee (normal lake user fees apply)
Details: An option for Big Bass Tournament (BBT) entrants is the Second Chance Tournament, run in conjunction with the BBT. This tournament gives BBT entrants who do not win a month an opportunity to win an Annual Permit and participate in the BBT Fish-Off. To qualify, Second Chance entrants weigh in their largemouth bass caught during the BBT with the goal of making the tournament-long Top 8 heaviest largemouth bass (that do not win a BBT month) list. Lake Staff will compile and keep this list up-to-date. There will be a tournament for those Top 8 in early October, with the winner qualifying for the BBT Fish-Off Tournament and receiving an Annual Permit. Must be an entrant of the 2025 Season-Long Big Bass Tournament to enter. The Second Chance Tournament is on Saturday, October 4, 2025 (tentative date) from 8:00am – 3:00pm.
2024 Second Chance Tournament Results
1st Place: Jeremy Blackwell – 4.40 lbs.
2nd Place: Jeremy Stalker – 4.10 lbs.
3rd Place: Rodney Pickard – 2.93 lbs.
Graham-Mebane Lake Bass Tournament
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Times: The gate opens at 7:00am, the mandatory meeting at 7:30am, and the launch and tournament will follow the meeting. All boats return by the 3:00pm tournament end time, weigh-in follows.
Ages: 16 & older (at least one entrant per boat must be age 16 or older)
Cost: $100 per boat, 1 or 2 people (maximum of 2 people per boat) • $110 same-day registration
Details: Pre-registration begins in person on Date: Saturday, March 15 at the marina at 3:00pm. First come, first served. 75% Payout to the top three spots. 100% Big Fish Payout will cost an additional $10 per boat. All prizes/payouts will be awarded by check, mailed from Graham City Hall on the following Thursday. Space is limited, 20 boats maximum. For more information, please call (919) 563-6544.
2025 Graham-Mebane Lake Bass Tournament Results
1st Place: Christopher Privett/Jimmy Privett – 26.11 lbs.
2nd Place: Lucas Lobaugh Jr./Avery Marrs – 24.25 lbs.
3rd Place: Jeremy Moody/ Lucas Lobaugh Sr. – 22.04 lbs.
Legacy Bass Tournament at Graham-Mebane Lake (a tournament for adult/youth entries)
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Times: The gate opens at 6:00am, the mandatory meeting begins at 6:30am, with the boat launch and tournament to follow. All boats return by 3:00pm (tournament end time), and weigh-in follows.
Ages: One entrant 18 or older & one entrant 17 or younger are required per boat.
Cost: $40 per boat (2 people per boat); cost includes launch fees & $10 for Big Fish Contest
Details: Graham Recreation & Parks presents the second annual Legacy Bass Tournament for adult/youth entries at Graham-Mebane Lake. Registration begins in person on Monday, March 24 at the marina. First come, first served. 75% Payout to the top three spots (First Place – 50%, Second Place – 30%, and Third Place – 20%.). The Big Fish Contest payout is 100%. All prizes/payouts will be awarded by check, mailed from Graham City Hall on the following Friday. Space is limited, 20 boats maximum. For more information, please call (919) 563-6544. Legacy Bass Tournament Rules 2025
Bank Fishing Catfish Tournaments
Dates: Saturdays – May 17, June 14, July 12, August 9, 2025
Time: 8:00pm – Midnight (in August, times are 7:00pm – 11:00pm)
Ages: For all ages, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to cast, hook a fish, and reel it in by themselves. Adults may help net a fish.
Cost for Entrants: $15.00 per entrant in each tournament
Cost for Spectators: Free; but spectators shall identify themselves to Lake Staff during the sign-up period or when they arrive
Details: Graham-Mebane Lake sponsors several bank-fishing catfish tournaments each summer. Payout is for the three heaviest catfish caught and weighed at Graham-Mebane Lake during the tournament by three different entrants. (Entrants may weigh as many fish as they like, but only their heaviest fish will be considered.) All fish must be caught by rod, line, and hook at Graham-Mebane Lake during the tournament. There will be a 50/50 drawing during the tournament. This is an alcohol, tobacco, and vape-free event. Pets must be leashed with a leash in hand and remain under positive control. Same-day, in-person signups. Live bait will be available to purchase. Two rods per entrant. The tournament is weather permitting.
As a reminder, all people aged 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in North Carolina waters. Fishing licenses can be purchased from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website or from a local tackle shop or outdoor retailer that serves as a wildlife service agent.
Bait Rule: Only baits that are classified as legal for use in NC inland waters by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission are allowed.
Spectator Rules:
1. Spectators shall check in at the Marina office during sign-ups or as they arrive. Their vehicles will be inspected (for fish and alcohol) just the same as tournament entrants.
2. Spectators may come and go during the tournament, but each time they return they must stop at the Marina office to have their vehicle inspected.
3. Spectators may not cast, fish, hook, or reel in fish.
2024 Catfish Tournament Results
May 18 • Largest Catfish – 4.19 lbs.
June 15 • Largest Catfish – 4.6 lbs.
July 13 • Largest Catfish – 3.61 lbs.
August 10 • Largest Catfish – 3 lbs.
Challenge Paddle Tour
Challenge Paddle Tour
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Times: 10:30am – 3:00pm
Ages: 18 & older, experienced paddlers only
Cost: (space is limited and registration is required)
• Reserve a kayak, paddle, PFD, & registration – $25.00 per person
• Bring your own kayak, paddle, PFD, & registration – $13.00 per person
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake • 3218 Bason Road, Mebane, NC 27302
Embark on a New Adventure! Join Graham Recreation & Parks for the Challenge Paddle Tour, a 6-mile round-trip kayaking experience on the scenic Graham-Mebane Lake. This extended tour offers a unique opportunity to explore more of the stunning 650-acre lake than our typical 2-hour paddles allow.
We’ll paddle past the old 1940 reservoir, along the water plant, traverse the lake’s larger basin, and venture by the ski area. A relaxing break awaits at a quiet creek where we’ll raft up, enjoy snacks and water, share stories, and snap some photos. The journey continues through Otter Creek, a prime spot for observing local wildlife and capturing more great pictures, before we paddle the final mile back to the marina.
Due to the tour’s length and challenge, this experience is open to experienced paddlers ages 18 and up. Choose to bring your own kayak or reserve one of our sit-on-top kayaks. Online registration is currently open and closes at 5:00pm the day prior to the paddle tour date or when maximum attendance is reached. You will receive a confirmation receipt through email at the time of booking. For more information, please call Graham-Mebane Lake at (919) 563-6544.
Prerequisites
- Know how to swim
- Experienced paddler
- Kayakers should be experienced and moderately fit for this trip
- Review and complete the waiver
- Must wear a properly fitted PFD (for paddling) while on the water
- Water bottle (attach to vest or kayak)
What to Wear
- Comfortable clothes (dress for the weather)
- Wicking or quick dry
- Synthetic instead of cotton
- Water shoes
- Hat/Sunglasses (with a strap to secure to you)
Suggested Additional Items
- Sunscreen (leave in a dry sack or in a vehicle once applied)
- Dry Sack and/or Waterproof phone case
- Towel
- Snacks
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel by 5:00pm the day before the paddle program date. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after this time.
Inclement Weather Updates: All paddle programs are subject to cancellation or postponement due to weather. In the event of inclement weather, attendees will be offered the choice of a rain date, if possible, or a refund. Please provide a valid email address during registration to ensure you receive confirmation and communication regarding your paddle program.
Youth & Educational Lake Programs
Youth Fishing Day
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Check-In Time: 8:30am – 9:00am
Event Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 4 – 15
Cost: Free, online registration is required for participants, and space is limited to the first 100 registrants (REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL)
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake • 3218 Bason Road, Mebane, NC 27302
Youth ages 4 to 15 are invited to participate in a FREE, non-competitive Youth Fishing Day with Graham Recreation & Parks! Enjoy fishing, raffles, SnoBalls, and yard games at the Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission and Stormwater SMART will also be on-site with fun, educational opportunities as we kick off Alamance Creek Week!
Registration is online only, and the event is limited to the first 100 participants to register (ages 4 to 15). Those registered by April 27 will receive an event t-shirt. Please register in advance to guarantee your child’s participation. We encourage only immediate family members to attend to maximize space for youth participants; please carpool if possible. Bait (redworms) will be provided. Registration is now open and runs through May 9 (at 12:00noon) or until full. Must register by April 27 to receive an event t-shirt.
Register Online (REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL)
Need a fishing rod? Be sure to sign up to borrow a loaner rod during registration, the supply is limited to approximately 30 and provided by the NC Wildlife Tackle Loaner Program. As a reminder, all people aged 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in North Carolina waters. Fishing licenses can be purchased from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website or from a local tackle shop or outdoor retailer that serves as a wildlife service agent.
Please note: All children must have adult supervision at all times during this program. Please no smoking/vaping, no pets, and no drones. The Bank Fishing Area will be closed to all non-event anglers until 12:00noon. Event participants will need to clear the Bank Fishing Area at 11:00am and check in at the marina office to continue fishing when the Bank Fishing Area reopens. If this program is canceled (due to inclement weather, etc.), there is no rain date, and the program will take place next year.
For more information, please call Graham-Mebane Lake at (919) 563-6544.
Coffee & Conversation with Seth Mycko, NC Wildlife Resources Commission Fisheries Biologist
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
For Adults of All Ages
Cost: Free, but online registration is requested
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake – Outdoor Lake Shelter
Cost: Free, but online registration is requested
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake – Outdoor Lake Shelter
Join us for an evening with the featured guest speaker, Seth Mycko, NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Fisheries Biologist.
Seth Mycko is the current District 5 Fisheries Biologist II for the NCWRC. He and his counterpart biologist Daniel Morrill are responsible for sport fishery management within 23 reservoirs and 4 rivers within the Piedmont Triad area, east of Greensboro, west of Durham. NCWRC District 5 performs population assessments of Largemouth Bass, crappie, catfish, and many other fish species. He and Danny are also spearheading three fish habitat enhancement projects. They are working diligently to establish native vegetation at Graham-Mebane Lake, Oak Hollow Lake, and Hyco Lake. Seth is a native of South Carolina where he grew up Bass Fishing the large reservoirs of the upper Savannah River Basin like Hartwell and Clark’s Hill. He is a Collegiate Bass Fishing Alumni and double degree holder from Clemson University, where he completed both a Bachelor and Master of Science degree. Seth began working in the Piedmont of NC in 2017.
In this program, Seth will provide details on NCWRC initiatives at Graham-Mebane Lake, including the Aquatic Habitat Enhancement project, the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership grant awarded to the Alamance County Bassmasters, Tackle Loaner Program, Community Fishing Program, and the installation of Fishing Attractors.
Guests will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from local recreation and parks departments to discover park, trail, and lake destinations, as well as learn about outdoor programs available in the community. Enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and meaningful conversations. Whether you’re an educator, community leader, parent, or nature enthusiast, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Hosted by the Burlington and Graham Recreation & Parks Departments.
ecoEXPLORE HotSpot
Graham-Mebane Lake is also an ecoEXPLORE HotSpot with The North Carolina Arboretum. What is an ecoEXPLORE HotSpot? “ecoEXPLORE (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education) is an incentive-based citizen science program for children in grades K-8. Developed by The North Carolina Arboretum, this innovative program combines science exploration with kid-friendly technology to foster a fun learning environment for children while encouraging them to explore the outdoors and participate in citizen science.” Learn more, sign up online, and find ecoEXPLORE HotSpots in our area at ecoEXPLORE.
Introduction to Kayaking
Introduction to Kayaking: Basics & Balance
Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Time: 9:00am – 1:30pm (class starts promptly at 9:00am)
Difficulty Level: beginner, no experience required
Ages: 16 & above (participants under 18 must have parent/guardian supervision while at the lake)
Cost: $35.00 per person (includes all lake fees and rental costs: kayak, paddle, & PFD)
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake • 3218 Bason Road, Mebane, NC 27302
Nestled between Graham and Mebane lies the gorgeous flat water of the Graham-Mebane Lake. Graham Recreation & Parks invites you to come out and learn the basics of kayaking with on-land and on-water instruction. With a guide at the helm, you will attend a detailed instruction program to prepare you for adventuring out on the water. Be it with old friends or new, you will bask in the tranquility of the lake while exploring the freedom that kayaking can offer. There will be a 30-minute break for a light snack or to change clothes before the on-water section of the class. Online registration is currently open and closes at 5:00pm the day prior to the program date or when maximum attendance is reached. You will receive a confirmation receipt through email at the time of registering. For more information, please call Graham-Mebane Lake at (919) 563-6544. Space is limited and registration is required.
Prerequisites
- Know how to swim
- Review and complete the waiver
- Must wear properly fitted PFD (for paddling) while on water
- Bring water shoes or closed-toe shoes
- Bring an attachable water bottle (attach to vest or kayak)
What to Wear
- Comfortable clothes (dress for the weather)
- Wicking or quick dry
- Synthetic instead of cotton
- Water shoes
- Hat/Sunglasses (with a strap to secure to you)
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (leave in a dry sack or in a vehicle once applied)
- Dry Sack and/or Waterproof phone case
- Towel
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel by 5:00pm the day before the class date. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after this time.
Inclement Weather Policy: All Paddle Classes are subject to cancellation or postponement due to weather. In the event of inclement weather, all attendees will be offered a change of date for the class or a refund. Please provide a valid email address during registration to ensure you receive confirmation and communication regarding your paddle class.
Lake Cruise on the Pontoon
Fall Lake Cruise on the Pontoon – 2024
Choose Date & Time: (please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time, approx. 45-minute ride)
• Date: Saturday, August 31 • Time: 4:00pm or 5:30pm
• Date: Sunday, September 1 • Times: 3:30pm or 5:00pm
• Date: Saturday, September 21 • Times: 3:30pm or 5:00pm (canceled)
• Date: Sunday, September 22 • Times: 3:30pm or 5:00pm (canceled)
• Date: Saturday, September 28 • Times: 3:30pm or 5:00pm
• Date: Sunday, September 29 • Times: 3:30pm or 5:00pm
• Date: Saturday, October 19 • Times: 3:00pm or 4:30pm
• Date: Sunday, October 20 • Times: 3:00pm or 4:30pm
• Date: Saturday, October 26 • Time: 3:00pm or 4:30pm
• Date: Sunday, October 27 • Times: 3:00pm or 4:30pm
• Date: Saturday, November 2 • Times: 2:00pm or 3:30pm
• Date: Sunday, November 3 • Times: 2:00pm or 3:30pm
• Date: Saturday, November 9 • Times: 2:00pm or 3:30pm
• Date: Sunday, November 10 • Times: 2:00pm or 3:30pm
Ages: all persons under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Cost: $10.00 per participant per ride, online registration is recommended for participants to secure a space, space is limited to 10 riders
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake • 3218 Bason Road, Mebane, NC 27302
Graham Recreation & Parks is excited to invite you to experience a delightful Lake Cruise on our Pontoon boat at Graham-Mebane Lake. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the lake, catch a glimpse of local wildlife, and take in the fall vibes.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time, this will give you time to park, get checked in, sign waivers, and be fitted for a PFD/life jacket. Pontoon is scheduled to leave the dock promptly at the listed start time for an approx. 45-minute ride.
Every participant must wear a PFD/life jacket while participating in this program. The smallest PFD available at the lake is rated for youth 30lbs-50lbs. If your child wishes to participate in this program but weighs less than 30 lbs., you must bring an appropriately sized Type I, II, or III, Coast-Guard-approved PFD. All children must have adult supervision during this program. Please no smoking/vaping, alcohol, pets, drones, or fishing from the boat.
Inclement Weather Updates: Changes in the schedule and/or cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on the Graham Recreation & Parks Facebook page or you may call Graham-Mebane Lake at (919) 563-6544. Lake Cruises will not operate in the case of rain or thunder/lightning. There are no rain dates scheduled – only refunds or rescheduling for inclement weather cancellations.
To register online and secure your space, please visit www.GrahamRecreationAndParks.com. Space is limited. Online registration will close at 5:00pm on the day before the scheduled pontoon rides or when full. If space allows, walk-ups will be accepted on the day of the program. Please call the lake prior to walk-up to check on availability. No refunds, unless canceled due to inclement weather. For more information, please call Graham-Mebane Lake at (919) 563-6544.
Volunteer Opportunities at the Lake
Graham-Mebane Lake Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Plan
NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and Graham Recreation & Parks are partnering to establish native aquatic vegetation and deploy more fish attractors in Graham-Mebane Lake.
“The purpose of this 5-year plan is to enhance habitat for the fisheries of Graham-Mebane Lake, to improve angler satisfaction, and to activate the public to participate in habitat improvement efforts. To meet these objectives the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (Commission) proposes to seek angler input on habitat enhancement measures, establish native aquatic vegetation at 40 sites within the lake, add six new artificial habitat sites, and fell 15 shoreline trees to give anglers more opportunities during the short-term.” – North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Breakdown of what we have accomplished in Summer 2023 (as of 08/08/2023):
- 9 volunteers totaling 89 person-hours of effort
- 292 Wildlife Resources Commission person-hours of effort
- 20 protected vegetation sites totaling 12,984 square feet
- 46 unprotected Water Willow sites totaling 3,681 square feet of shoreline planted
- We planted the following species:
White Water Lily – 131
Spatterdock – 102
Pondweed – 62
Pickerelweed – 84
Water Willow – 1418
TOTAL: 1797
Want to be a part of the Graham-Mebane Lake Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Project?
Volunteer this summer to help biologists plant aquatic vegetation. NCWRC will supply the boat needs, so no one needs to have a boat to assist with the project. For more information about this project or to sign up to volunteer, please call Seth Mycko with the NCWRC at (336) 534-0019 or email.
Graham-Mebane Lake Fish Habitat Enhancement Workday
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Times: 8:00am – 1:30pm
Ages: 15 & older
Details: Come out to help the NCWRC and the Alamance County Bassmasters plant native aquatic vegetation at Graham-Mebane Lake. Please wear wading clothes, close-toed shoes such as old tennis shoes or water shoes, and a hat. Boats, gloves, planting tools, drinking water, and snacks will be provided. For more information about this project or to sign up to volunteer, please call Seth Mycko with the NCWRC at (336) 534-0019 or email.
Keep Graham-Mebane Lake Beautiful (a clean lake initiative)
Offered During Operational Hours
Trash. Yuck. Not something you want to see at the lake. Let’s keep Graham-Mebane Lake beautiful and clean! During your visit, if you are wanting to make a difference for our waterways and the birds, fish, and wildlife that call Graham-Mebane Lake home, consider borrowing a “Litter Pick-Up Kit” from the Lake Office consisting of a mesh bag, trash picker, & gloves to take on the water to collect litter you may come across. At times, trash (and old fishing line) finds its way into the lake and along the shoreline, but we all want to do our part to protect this picture-perfect scenery for all to enjoy. Please only pick up trash from your vessel or at the Lake’s Park & Marina, since the shoreline may be private property. For more information, please call (919) 563-6544.
How to Make A Difference at Graham-Mebane Lake:
- Please borrow a “Litter Pick-Up Kit” and help make a difference by collecting litter during your time on the water
- After disposing of the litter in the trash can (be aware of hooks in the fishing line), please return your mesh bag and trash picker to the Lake Office
- Please direct any questions to the Lake Office staff
FAQ's
What are the lake’s hours?
City ordinance requires that activities on the lake be limited to daylight hours. As these hours vary with the seasons, so do the lake’s operating hours. See Hours of Operation, Fees, & Directions for current hours.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid NC fishing license. Licenses may be purchased online from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission or at area sporting goods stores.
What’s it cost to bank fish?
For anglers ages 13-64 the fee is $3, senior citizens (age 65+) $1, children 12 and younger are free. See our Hours of Operation, Fees, & Directions page for boat launching and vessel rental rates. Please present proof of age.
Can I swim in the lake?
No, the primary purpose of the lake is for municipal water supply so swimming is not allowed.
What fish species are in the lake and what are the size limits?
Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the most sought after fish in the lake. Other species include bluegill, carp, and shad. An angler is allowed a limit of five (5) bass over 14 inches per day. There are no other size or number limits on fish.
Does the lake sell live bait?
Yes, the lake sells night crawlers, red worms, and crickets. We do not sell minnows. Hooks, weights, bobbers, and ice may also be purchased at the Marina.
City of Graham Drone Policy
NCWRC Boating Rules & Regulations
Special Use Form (for approved fire/rescue groups only)