Excellent local lakes open

On Saturday, March 21st, University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir in Orange County reopened for boating, fishing, picnicking, sunbathing and other recreation. Both lakes are full due to winter rains. The lakes are operated by Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA).

For Triangle residents who don't own boats, these lakes (along with others in Durham and Wake counties) represent a chance to get on the water and fish, free from contraints of the shore or piers.

University Lake will be open Fridays through Mondays, 6 a.m - 6 p.m. and for the
Memorial Day holiday. Cane Creek Reservoir will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. (Lake recreation hours after July 1, 2009 will be further evaluated as part of the budget process this spring.)

University Lake is on the west side of Carrboro near Jones Ferry Road. The recreation area is at the end University Lake Road, which can be reached via Old Fayetteville Road south of Jones Ferry Road.

The Cane Creek Reservoir is about 8 miles west of Carrboro on the north side of NC 54, just west of Stanford Road.

OWASA's lakes are alcohol-free, and lifejackets are generally available for adults and children. OWASA does not charge for use of its lifejackets. Some people may need to use their own life jackets due to
unusual size or other special conditions. Lake users are required to use life jackets under safety rules.

University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir are stocked with bass, crappie, catfish,
bluegills and other fish. A State fishing license is necessary except on July 4th. OWASA offers canoes and flat-bottomed boats for rent. Citizens may use small private boats if they are brought on a car or in a truck. (Trailers are not allowed.)

To help protect water quality, OWASA allows only electric motors, which are also inspected. Citizens with disabilities will receive assistance from OWASA staff as needed in order to enjoy boating and using the recreation area at the lake. University Lake has a fishing pier for use by people with disabilities.

The normal fees for renting an OWASA boat or using a private boat are: For OWASA customers and Orange County residents: $8.00 for the first person and $4.00 for each additional adult. Children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over: $2.00.
Electric trolling motor rentals: additional $14.00. (Boats, canoes and electric motors are rented by the half-day.) For private boats, a launch fee of $3.00 as well as lake use fees apply. For Orange County residents and OWASA customers, OWASA also offers season passes with discounts.

Non-Orange County residents: $12.00 for the first person and $5.00 for each additional adult. Children and seniors: $2.00. Electric trolling motors: $20.00. For private boats, a launch fee of $6.00 and lake use fees apply.

For more informationEric Barnhardt, Lakes Warden, 942-5790 or ccreek@owasa.org
Bob Glosson, Senior Assistant Lake Warden, 942-8007 or ulake@owasa.org