ARDEN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Anglers looking for a place to cast a line over the Memorial Day weekend may find plenty of action at Lake Julian after state wildlife officials added more than 1,300 catfish to the popular Buncombe County lake.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently completed its spring stocking of Lake Julian, releasing 1,333 channel catfish into the 300-acre lake, according to Buncombe County Parks & Recreation.
The twice-yearly stocking helps maintain one of Western North Carolina’s most accessible fishing destinations, where anglers can fish from shoreline areas, public piers or boats.
Lake Julian Park in Arden is known for channel catfish as well as largemouth bass, bream and crappie. The periodic stocking program is designed to improve fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Anyone age 16 or older must have a valid North Carolina fishing license to fish at the lake. In addition, anglers are required to purchase a local Lake Julian fishing permit, available at the park office for $4 per day or $25 annually. Discounts are available for senior citizens and veterans.
Boat anglers have several options. Private boats equipped with electric trolling motors are permitted on the lake, while jon boats, canoes and paddle boats can be rented at the park. A boat launch is available for private watercraft for a daily or annual fee.
For visitors planning to make a day of it, the park offers more than fishing. Amenities include picnic shelters and grills, a playground, walking trails, horseshoe pits, outdoor exercise equipment and an 18-basket disc golf course that winds around the lake.
Lake Julian Park is open year-round, seven days a week, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Summer hours, which begin Memorial Day weekend, are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Park officials remind visitors that swimming is prohibited in the lake, dogs must remain on leashes and alcohol is not allowed on park property.
With fresh catfish in the water and a long holiday weekend ahead, park officials say the timing is ideal for anglers hoping to reel in a catch close to home.