In addition to being an 800-acre lake known as a boating and fishing destination, Oak Hollow Lake (highpointnc.gov) also serves as the main water supply for the city of High Point. Fishing and hunting licenses can be obtained at the lake’s marina. Fishing on the bank as well as from a boat are allowed at the lake, and a crappie tournament is held there each spring. Visitors can rent sailboats and purchase fishing supplies at the marina, which also holds sailing, hunting and boat safety classes. Oak Hollow Lake participates in the NC Wildlife Loaner Rod program which allows youths to borrow fishing rods for free in an effort to introduce them to fishing.
Located in nearby Jamestown, High Point Lake is part of High Point City Lake Park (highpointnc.gov). Visitors can fish on the lakeshore or rent a pedal boat for a trip around the 340-acre lake. Fishing boats and supplies can also be rented, and the required fishing licenses can be obtained at the lake’s marina. The surrounding park has a pool, picnic areas and an excursion boat ride. Kids can play on one of two playgrounds, ride the carousel or take a miniature train tour of the park. The park, which dates back to 1935, has several historic buildings on site including a Quaker Friends meeting house. It is about 10 miles northwest of High Point.
Named for the two cities that flank it, Lake Thom-A-Lex (co.davidson.nc.us) sits between Thomasville and Lexington, about 15 miles southwest of High Point. Open during daylight hours, the lake and its surrounding park attract fishers. For visitors wishing to fish on Lake Thom-A-Lex, a North Carolina fishing license is required. Fishing from a boat, pier or the bank is allowed. The bait shop is open from April 1 to Oct. 31 and sells refreshments and fishing supplies. Since the lake serves as a water supply for Lexington and Thomasville, swimming, pleasure boating and water skiing are not allowed. The park also has four picnic shelters that can be reserved from April 1 through Oct.31.
Randleman Lake (ptrwa.org) is about 16 miles southeast of High Point and is a reservoir on the Deep River. The lake encompasses slightly more than 3,000 acres and has more than 100 miles of shoreline. In addition to fishing, visitors can also boat on the lake. Swimming is not allowed, and fishing is only allowed from boats or from the designated piers as the lake serves as the surrounding area’s water supply. The marina rents certain watercraft and has snacks and restroom facilities. The lake is open to visitors during daylight hours and admission is based on the type of boat used on the lake. Accepted vessels are kayaks, canoes, motorized or sailboats and paddleboats.
