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Graham-Mebane Lake Tournaments & Events
Fishing Tournaments
Introduction to Kayaking
Paddle Tour on the Lake
Lake Cruises on the Pontoon
For the Kids & Family
Volunteer Opportunities at the Lake
Fishing Tournaments
2023 Season-Long Big Bass Tournament
Season-Long Dates: March 1 – September 30, 2023
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 (issued at the BBT Fish-Off) valid for one year and qualifies for the Fish-Off held in October. 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 14, 2023 from 8:00am – 3:00pm
| 2023 Big Bass Tournament Results | ||
Month | Winner | Winning Weight |
| March | Charles Foust | 9.27 lbs. |
| April | Brian Fisher | 8.32 lbs. |
| May | Eddie Hawk | 8.10 lbs. |
| June | Mark Martin | 7.02 lbs. |
| July | Kurt Krone | 7.95 lbs. |
| August | Curtis Rippey | 6.85 lbs. |
| September | ||
| 2nd Chance | ||
2022 Big Bass Tournament Fish-Off Results
1st Place – Curtis Rippey – 7.16 lbs.
2nd Place – Chris Mundy – 5.84 lbs.
3rd Place – Kurt Krone – 5.02 lbs.
2023 BBT Second Chance Tournament
Season-Long Dates: March 1 – September 30, 2023
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 2023 Season-Long Big Bass Tournament to enter. The Second Chance Tournament is on October 7, 2023, from 8:00am – 3:00pm
Graham-Mebane Lake Bass Tournament
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023
Times: The gate opens at 7:00am, the mandatory meeting at 7:30am, and the launch will follow. The tournament begins at 8:00am, all boats return by 3:00pm for weigh-in.
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 11) 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. Tournament Rules
2023 Graham-Mebane Lake Bass Tournament Results
1st Place: Robbie Mayton & Brian Stamps • 25.55 lbs.
2nd Place: Keith Patterson • 22.01 lbs.
3rd Place: Zach Smith & Alden Patterson • 20.94 lbs.
Big Fish Contest: 7.97 lbs.
Bank Fishing Catfish Tournaments
Dates: Saturdays – May 20, June 17, July 15, August 12, 2023
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. For more information, please call (919) 563-6544.
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.
2023 Catfish Tournaments Results
May 20 • 1st Place: 4.15 lbs., 2nd Place: 3.49 lbs., 3rd Place: 1.73 lbs.
June 17 • 1st Place: 3.23 lbs., 2nd Place: 3.02 lbs., 3rd Place: 2.19 lbs.
July 15 • 1st Place: 4.16 lbs., 2nd Place 3.79 lbs., 3rd Place 3.46 lbs.
August 12 • 1st Place: 4.54 lbs., 2nd Place 3.08 lbs., 3rd Place 2.85 lbs.
Introduction to Kayaking
Introduction to Kayaking: Basics & Balance
Dates: Saturday & Sunday, August 19-20 (2-Session Instruction)
Time: Session 1 – Saturday, August 19 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm • Session 2 – Sunday, August 20 from 11:00am – 1:00pm OR Sunday, August 20 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm (classes start promptly, participants must check-in 30 minutes before the start of Session 2)
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 a guide at the helm, you will attend a detailed 2-session instruction program in one weekend to prepare you for adventuring out on the water. Session 1 will be an outdoor classroom based at our lake shelter to prepare you for your first foray on the water in Session 2. Be it with old friends or new, you will bask in the tranquility of the lake while exploring the freedom that kayaking can offer. 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 reservations are 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.
Paddle Tour on the Lake
Paddle Tour on the Lake
4 Dates to Choose From:
• Sunday, September 3 from 10:00am – 12:00pm
• Saturday, September 23 from 10:00am – 12:00pm
• Saturday, October 21 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm
• Sunday, October 29 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm
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 cooler weather with us on the water. Graham Recreation & Parks invites you to join us on a guided, two-hour paddle tour. 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. 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 waiver
- Must wear properly fitted PFD (for paddling) while on water
- Bring water 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)
Suggested Additional Items:
- Sunscreen (leave in a dry sack or in a vehicle once applied)
- Hat/Sunglasses (with a strap to secure to you)
- Dry Sack and/or Waterproof phone case
- Towel
Cancelation Policy: Must cancel by 5:00pm the day before the paddle tour date. No refunds will be issued for cancelations after this time.
Inclement Weather Updates: All Paddle Tours are subject to cancelation 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.
Lake Cruises on the Pontoon
Lake Cruises on the Pontoon
The pontoon boat is currently going through a few upgrades. We hope to have dates for the upcoming “Lake Cruises on the Pontoon” in the near future!
2023 Dates: TBD
Choose a Time (please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time, approx. 45-minute ride): TBD
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
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to 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.
Details: Graham Recreation & Parks invites you to experience a Lake Cruise on the Pontoon boat at Graham-Mebane Lake. Enjoy the view, catch a glimpse of the wildlife, and experience a boat ride around the lake.
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 30lbs, 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. Pontoon rides will not operate in the case of rain or thunder/lightning. No rain date.
For more information, please call Graham-Mebane Lake at (919) 563-6544. Space is limited. Registration will close at 12:00noon on the Friday before scheduled pontoon rides or when full. If space allows, walk-ups will be accepted on the day of the program. No refunds, unless canceled due to inclement weather.
For the Kids & Family
Youth Fishing Day
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
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 • Register Online
Details: Youth ages 4 to 15 are invited to participate in a FREE, non-competitive Youth Fishing Day with Graham Recreation & Parks! Enjoy fishing, raffles, and yard games at the Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van. 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 30 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 opens on April 17 (at 8:00am) and runs through May 12 (at 12:00noon) or until full. Must register by April 30 to receive an event t-shirt.
Need a fishing rod? Be sure to sign up to borrow a loaner rod during registration, supply is limited to approx. 40 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 re-opens. If this program is canceled (due to inclement weather, etc.), there is no rain date and the program will take place next year.
Family Day at the Lake
Date: Saturday, June 3, 2023
Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
For All Ages (certain activities may have age & weight requirements)
Cost: Free, registration is required, and space is limited
Register Online – Registration will open on May 15 (at 8:00am) through May 31 (at 11:59pm) or until full.
Join Graham Recreation & Parks for a fun-filled family afternoon at Graham-Mebane Lake. Come out and bank fish for free or head out on the water for a paddling adventure with the options of kayaking or canoeing, and pontoon boat tours as space allows (tentative). The Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van will also be available to provide family fun with a variety of yard games. Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy under the shade by the water.
Every participant must wear a PFD/life jacket while participating in water activities. The smallest PFD available at the lake is rated for youth 30lbs-50lbs. If your child wishes to participate in water activities but weighs less than 30 lbs., you must bring an appropriately sized Type I, II, or III, Coast Guard approved PFD.
We encourage you to bring your own fishing rods as we have limited supplies for loaning. Live bait will be available to purchase. 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. Persons must be of walking age to enter any rental boat. Persons aged 8 and under must be in a canoe or tandem kayak with a parent or legal guardian. Persons 9 to 15 years of age may be allowed to launch or operate a solo kayak/watercraft if they are accompanied on the lake by a parent or legal guardian. For the pontoon boat tours, all persons under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please arrive early to guarantee a time on the water. Please no smoking/vaping, no pets, and no drones. If this program is canceled (due to inclement weather, etc.), there is no rain date and the program will take place next year.
Volunteer Opportunities at the Lake
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
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 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?
1. Anglers are invited to stop by the Graham-Mebane Lake office to participate in an interactive map to provide direct input to biologists on beneficial sites for habitat enhancement, by contributing to where to place artificial and natural structures as well as where to initiate native vegetation efforts.
2. Volunteer this summer to help biologists plant aquatic vegetation during the Work Dates (see work dates below). NCWRC will supply the boat needs, so no one needs to have a boat in order to assist with the project. Please contact NCWRC for more information (contact information on the flyer).
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)