Boating and Fishing

Boating

  • Boats are rented seven days a week, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, subject to adequate staffing and weather conditions. Boat rental reservations can be made online or through the RecPass app.
  • Boat rentals begin at 9 a.m. and end two hours before sunset.
  • No personal watercraft of any type is allowed on Bass Lake.
  • Small children and dogs count toward seating limits.

Reserve a Boat

Boating Prices

  • Non-motorized boat $10/hour
    • Canoe (seats a maximum of 3 adults) 
    • Jon boat (seats a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child)
  • Motorized boat $15/hour
    • Gheenoe boat (seats a maximum of 3 adults) 

Boating & Safety Information Video

Choose below from the following safety videos for each boat type. This video must be watched prior to or during the online rental process.

Fishing

  • Fishing is free to the public as long as you have a valid fishing license.
  • The lake is stocked with 1500 lbs. of catfish every other month mid-Spring - mid-Fall.
  • Live and packaged bait as well as basic tackle can be purchased within the Nature Center.
  • If you need a pole, sign up for the Tackle Loaner Program on your next visit to the Nature Center to borrow equipment for free.
  • People ages 16 and older need a North Carolina Inland fishing license which can be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org

Fishing Limits

  • Bass – No more than 5 per person, per day, with a minimum size of 14 inches.
  • Sunfish and crappie – No limits.
  • Catfish – No more than 6 per person, per day, with a minimum size of 12 inches.
Bass Lake Fishing Pier

Lake Water Quality Information

Bass Lake is classified as a lake for recreational boating and fishing and does not allow contact activities such as swimming.  Holly Springs works closely with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Water Resources Division and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to monitor and test the water quality for recreational use periodically throughout the year.

On occasion, depending on lake conditions, algal blooms can occur on the lake. Holly Springs follows the notification guidance provided by the state. For more information on algal blooms and updates on any fish advisories throughout the state, please see:

Facts and information about algae in North Carolina waterways:

  • Algae are responsive to the physical and chemical conditions in the aquatic environment.
  • Their rapid reproduction may cause blooms.
  • Most blooms occur when favorable environmental conditions exist, such as an extended photoperiod (sunlight) during summer, sufficient nutrients, and slow moving or stagnant waters.
  • Less than one percent of algal blooms actually produce toxins.
  • Not all algal blooms are harmful, and some can actually be beneficial. Phytoplankton are found at the base of the marine food chain therefore, all other life in the ocean relies on phytoplankton.
  • Blooms may be particularly beneficial to certain fish species found in Bass Lake.