Lake Gaston’s aquatic vegetation management program has been a topic of significant interest for both property owners and anglers. While lakefront homeowners often view aquatic plants as a nuisance, these same plants can create prime fishing habitat.
Here’s what anglers need to know about Lake Gaston’s weed control efforts and how they affect fishing.
Common Aquatic Plants in Lake Gaston
Native Plants
- Willow Grass (Water Willow): Found in shallow areas along shorelines
- Pondweed: Common in creek mouths and coves
- Coontail: Provides excellent fish habitat in deeper water
- Spatterdock: Creates shade and cover in shallow areas
Non-Native Plants
- Hydrilla: An invasive species that has been a primary target of control efforts
- Lyngbya: A type of algae that forms dense mats
- Brazilian Elodea: Another invasive species under management
Weed Control Methods
Lake Gaston employs several methods to manage aquatic vegetation:
- Chemical Treatment
- Typically occurs May through July
- Targets specific areas based on surveys
- Uses EPA-approved herbicides
- Mechanical Removal
- Harvesting machines remove dense plant growth
- Primarily used in high-traffic areas
- Provides immediate but temporary relief
- Biological Control
- Grass carp have been stocked to control hydrilla
- Natural method with long-term effects
Impact on Fishing
Spring (March-May)
- Native vegetation begins growing
- Best fishing often found around emerging plants
- Early treatment areas may see reduced vegetation
Summer (June-August)
- Peak treatment period
- Focus fishing efforts on:
- Untreated areas
- Main lake points
- Deeper structure
- Bridge pilings
Fall (September-November)
- Vegetation dies back naturally
- Fish transition to other structure types
- Focus on creek channels and points
Winter (December-February)
- Minimal vegetation present
- Fish relate more to hard structure
- Plan for next season’s growth
Finding Fishable Vegetation
Despite management efforts, productive fishing areas with vegetation remain:
- Upper Lake Section
- Above Hawtree Creek
- Natural vegetation in shallow coves
- Less intensive treatment areas
- Mid-Lake Areas
- Protected coves
- Secondary points
- Areas away from developed shoreline
- Creek Arms
- Back sections of major creeks
- Areas with limited boat traffic
- Natural shoreline areas
Fishing Tips for Managed Areas
- Pre-Treatment
- Scout areas before May
- Note locations of early vegetation growth
- Mark productive spots on GPS
- During Treatment
- Check treatment schedules on Lake Gaston Association website
- Focus on untreated areas
- Look for remaining vegetation patches
- Post-Treatment
- Fish deeper structure near treated areas
- Focus on hard cover (docks, rocks, timber)
- Watch for bait fish movements
Alternative Structure
When vegetation is limited, focus on:
- Boat docks
- Bridge pilings
- Rock walls
- Brush piles
- Creek channel drops
- Main lake points
Conservation Tips
Help maintain lake health by:
- Using proper boat cleaning procedures
- Avoiding prop damage to vegetation
- Reporting unusual vegetation growth
- Supporting balanced management approaches
Resources
- Lake Gaston Association and Lake Gaston Weed Control Council websites for treatment information
- NC Wildlife Resources Commission updates
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources information
- Local marina and tackle shop reports
Remember that while weed control is necessary for lake management, plenty of productive fishing opportunities remain throughout the year. Success comes from adapting techniques and locations based on seasonal vegetation patterns and management activities.
