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Graham-Mebane Lake
General Information
Fishing
Kayak, Canoe, & Jon Boat Rentals
Shelter Rentals
Ski Area Usage
General Information
Graham-Mebane Lake General Information
3218 Bason Road
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: (919) 563-6544
Visit this link for Hours of Operation, Fees, & Directions
Graham-Mebane Lake is a 650-acre municipal reservoir. Formerly known as Quaker Lake, the Lake was expanded from 150 acres to its’ present size in 1994. In addition to Quaker Creek, four other creeks (Otter, Mill, Stagg, and Back) feed into the Lake, covering a watershed area of approximately 66 square miles. The Lake’s primary purpose is a source of drinking water for the citizens of Graham, Mebane, Green Level, and Swepsonville.
As a source for recreation, Graham-Mebane Lake offers sport fishing, boating, skiing, paddle sports (stand-up paddleboards are welcomed), bank fishing, and picnicking. The facility features a marina office where sales of user permits, bait, fishing supplies, concessions, and paddle vessel rentals are performed. A seven-lane boat ramp offers ample space for loading and retrieving several boats at once. There are two docks for securing boats and a kayak launch with handrails and rollers for easy launching of kayaks and canoes. The bank fishing area features approximately 1000 feet of shoreline, two fishing piers, multiple fish attractors, picnic tables, and a shelter. The Lake offers several tournaments and family programs throughout the year; however, no swimming or wading is allowed.
As a source for recreation, Graham-Mebane Lake offers sport fishing, boating, skiing, paddle sports (stand-up paddleboards are welcomed), bank fishing, and picnicking. The facility features a marina office where sales of user permits, bait, fishing supplies, concessions, and paddle vessel rentals are performed. A seven-lane boat ramp offers ample space for loading and retrieving several boats at once. There are two docks for securing boats and a kayak launch with handrails and rollers for easy launching of kayaks and canoes. The bank fishing area features approximately 1000 feet of shoreline, two fishing piers, multiple fish attractors, picnic tables, and a shelter. The Lake offers several tournaments and family programs throughout the year; however, no swimming or wading is allowed.
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.
To ensure a safe trip, follow all NCWRC boating rules and regulations. Graham-Mebane Lake is an alcohol-free facility. Pets must be leashed with leash in hand and remain under positive control. Parking is limited, so please carpool if possible. Restrooms are available at the marina and along the bank fishing area.
Graham-Mebane Lake Aquatic Habitat Enhancement
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?
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).
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.
Lightning Policy
For safety, Graham-Mebane Lake restricts admittance during periods of lightning, heavy rain, and fog until safe boating/fishing is assured. The lake does not put boats on the water or anglers on the bank until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within 10 miles. Boaters already on the water and anglers already fishing in the bank area must use their own judgement as when to seek safety during lightning conditions.
Fishing
Fishing
Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the most sought after species in Graham-Mebane 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.
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.
The marina provides an assortment of live bait including crickets, red worms, and night crawlers. Fishing supplies (hooks, bobbers, weights, stringers) are also available. The marina offers refreshments to purchase (drink and snack machines). Take a break in the Lake office to discuss the best fishing spots with the marina staff and be sure to check out the Fish Photo Wall of Fame, all from the current year.
The lake hosts the year-round Big Bass Tournament and several Catfish Tournaments each year. Due to limited parking, we require that Club Tournaments register with us before planning a tournament at the lake.
NC Wildlife Resources Commission Fisheries Research Fact Sheet
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program
Graham-Mebane Lake participates in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) Tackle Loaner Program (TLP). The program is designed to introduce kids (ages 6 to 12) to fishing by allowing them to sign out fishing rods to use free of charge. Parental guidance is required. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program was started in the ’90s as a way to get people fishing and encourage novice anglers to develop their fishing skills. NCWRC collaborates with multiple city, county, and state agencies so anglers can loan fishing rods and reels for free. Please ask Lake Staff for more information.
Online TLP Registration • Printable TLP Registration
Community Fishing Program
The Graham Recreation and Parks Department has joined with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) Community Fishing Program to install a handicap-accessible fishing pier and solar-powered fish feeders to make fishing more enjoyable for all anglers. A second pier was installed to reduce crowding and allow bank anglers to fish areas that were previously out of reach.
There are four fish feeders near the shoreline to attract fish closer to the bank fishing area. These feeders, the two fishing piers, and the fish attractors combine to make bank fishing at the lake fun and productive. This makes our Bank Fishing Area ideal for families seeking enjoyable and economical fishing trips.
Fishing Attractor Map
“The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), along with several cooperators, have routinely placed fish attractors in public lakes and ponds throughout North Carolina. While many of these sites are marked with buoys, many are unmarked and can be hard to locate without GPS coordinates. The map (links below) contains information on more than 500 fish attractor sites deployed by NCWRC in over 50 water bodies. Also, GPS coordinates for each are provided.” – North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Club Tournaments
Club tournaments are welcome at Graham-Mebane Lake; but due to limited parking (maximum 45 boat trailers) we have several rules:
- Tournaments are limited to 20 boats per day. Whether it is one 20-boat, two 10-boat, or three 6-boat tournaments, the total cannot surpass 20 boats.
- Clubs must register their tournament and reserve their date, preferably at least one week beforehand.
- Give us the completed Check-In Form and collected User Fees when you arrive the day of your tournament to speed up launching.
- To protect the fishery from unnecessary loss, we do not allow tournaments in June, July, and August.
- All lake regulations, including size limits, apply.
Good luck and let us know your winning weights before you go – we’re always interested!
To Register:
- Come by the marina or call us at (919) 563-6544 during normal operating hours. Required information for reserving a tournament includes club name, contact name, phone number, and email, and expected number of boats. It’s first come, first served for tournament dates.
- Pick up or download the Club Tournament Check-In Form
Kayak, Canoe, & Jon Boat Rentals
Kayak, Canoe, & Jon Boat Rentals
Come relax on the water and enjoy the views that Graham-Mebane Lake has to offer. The lake offers 14 single kayaks, 3 fishing kayaks, 5 tandem kayaks, and 3 canoes, as well as 4 jon boats available to rent on a first-come basis. Renters have the option of “up to 4 hours” or “up to 8 hours” rental periods.
Kayaks & Canoes: Our top-tier kayak /canoe launch features a sturdy launch ramp and rollers, allowing for easy launch and recovery without scraping your boat on cement ramps. It’s equipped with launch and grab rails for added safety and to help keep you dry. Bring your own canoe/kayak out or rent one of ours!
Jon Boats: Jon Boat rentals are provided a 14-foot jon boat, paddles or oars, and PFDs. Renters can provide their own motors. Motors can be trolling motors or small gas motors (maximum of 10 horsepower).
Jon Boat rentals are available year-round.
Kayak & Canoe rentals are available from April – October.
Graham-Mebane Lake Vessel Rental Fees
Vessel Rental Program
To Rent a Kayak, Canoe, or Jon Boat:
• Renters must be age 16 or older
• Rentals are first come, first served; are non-refundable and non-transferable
• A valid, government-issued photo ID is required to rent
• Complete a rental agreement and liability waiver form at the Lake Office
• Personal flotation devices (PFD’s) and paddles are provided. PFD’s must be worn while on or near the water.
• No rental permits will be issued within 2 hours of closing time
• All rental boats must be returned 1 hour prior to closing time
• Persons must be of walking age to enter any rental vessel
Kayak Restrictions
• Renter and operator must be age 16 or older. Exception: Youth ages 14-15 may rent/operate a kayak if:
– A parent/grandparent/legal guardian signs the Waiver Release of Liability; or
– We receive parental/legal guardian permission via telephone conversation
• Youth ages 9-13 may operate a solo kayak with a parent/legal guardian-signed waiver and must be supervised on the water by said parent or legal guardian in an adjacent vessel
• Ages 8 and under must be on a tandem kayak with a parent or legal guardian
• One person allowed on a solo kayak at a time
• The solo kayak weight restriction is 350 pounds
Canoe Restrictions
• Renter and operator must be age 16 or older
• Maximum capacity is three persons age 16 and older, or two persons age 16 and older and two persons under age 16
• There must be a person age 16 or older in the canoe
• There must be an adult (age 18 or older) in the canoe for every person age 12 and under
• Ages 8 and under must be accompanied in a canoe by a parent or legal guardian
• The canoe weight restriction is 1,100 pounds
Jon Boat Restrictions
• Renter and operator must be age 16 or older
• Maximum capacity is three persons, the maximum weight capacity is 600 pounds
• There must be an adult (age 18 or older) in the boat if there are children aged 12 and under
• Ages 8 and under must be accompanied in the boat by a parent or legal guardian
Regulations
• Renters un-rack, launch, and re-rack kayaks by themselves
• All rental customers and passengers are REQUIRED TO WEAR THE PFD’s issued to them at all times while on or near the water
• Renters must return to the marina building to complete the checkout process. PFD’s and paddles must be returned to Lake Staff at this time
• No Swimming is allowed. If you fall in you must get out of the water immediately
• Rental boats and equipment must be returned in the same condition as when they were rented
• Vessel renters and passengers may not make contact with the shoreline or bank or exit the vessel anywhere on or along Graham-Mebane Lake other than the designated launch/return area
• Vessel renters and passengers must comply with all ordinances, regulations, and rules governing the use of Graham-Mebane Lake
• Boat rental operation may be suspended and/or canceled due to inclement weather; if in doubt call the Marina at (919) 563-6544 for possible closings
• Lake Staff reserves the right to deny rentals
• Pets on Rental Vessels: Pets are not allowed in the water under any circumstances, and renters must clean up after their pets so that no trace of the pet is left behind.
Shelter Rentals
Shelter Rentals
The lake features one large open-air park shelter with an outdoor grill located by the bank fishing area. Reservations are recommended for the use of the large picnic shelter for scheduled events. First come, first served if there is not a reservation. Shelter reservations are available from February – November, with times limited during February/March and October/November (see details below).
Shelter Reservations
Shelter Size: 20′ x 35′ (6 tables)
The maximum capacity is 35 persons. Parking is limited, carpooling is recommended.
Includes two grills (1 full size: 1088 sq. in. & 1 family size: 293 sq. in.), no electricity
Times: 9:00am – 1:00pm or 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Graham-Mebane Lake Shelter Reservations for February/March and October/November are not available 2:00pm – 6:00pm due to Operational Hours. During February, not available Monday – Thursday. During November, not available Monday – Friday. The lake is closed during January & December.
Fees:
City of Graham Resident $25 per reservation period
General Public $50 per reservation period
Please contact the Graham-Mebane Lake Office for more information about reservations at (919) 563-6544. There are also several other free-of-charge picnic areas with grills located throughout the marina area offered on a first come basis.
Ski Area Usage
Ski Area Usage
Due to Water Quality, Bank/Shoreline Erosion, and Safety Concerns a 6 ski boat, 4 jet ski daily limit has been implemented for the Ski Area. The lake allows motorized boats up to 24 ft long with a 35 mph speed limit on the water.
A reservation may be made beginning each Monday morning to use the designated ski area through that Sunday afternoon. Reservations are accepted on a first-call basis. Only 6 boat and 4 jet-ski reservations are allowed each day. Same-day reservations are accepted, however, we encourage ski area users to make their reservations early in the week. No other skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, etc. will be allowed.
If you need to make a reservation or are unable to use the reservation, please call the Marina at (919) 563-6544.
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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)