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The 2024 Lake Recreation Season has ended.

The 2024 lake recreation season ended on Sunday, October 27.

 

Registration will open again next spring. We will be using the same lottery registration system. See you next year!

Boating, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching — there’s plenty to do at our lakes! Spring through fall, our reservoirs are open to the public every weekend.

 

However, our lakes supply water to the public, therefore swimming and other body contact with lake water is not allowed. We do not permit float tubes, paddleboards and sailboards, or carrying boats into the water.

 

Also, to protect water quality, no pets are allowed in our boats, and domestic animals are not allowed within 50 feet of the water. Pets are required to be on a leash at all times at our lakes.

 

Birdwatching is permitted at Cane Creek Reservoir during lake hours during the recreation season. During the off-season, birdwatching is permitted each Wednesday between 7 and 11 a.m.

Schedules

Weather permitting, our lakes are open 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the following days during the recreation season:

University Lake: Fridays through Sundays

Cane Creek Reservoir: Fridays and Saturdays

The sun is shining, waves are lapping gently on the hull — a leisurely weekend boat ride is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Following inspection by our lake staff, you may use small private boats — clean of mud and vegetation — brought in on a car or truck. We do not permit boats on trailers, nor do we allow gas motors. You may use your own electric motor after a quick inspection. No pets are allowed on boats.

We enforce limits and standards on private boats to protect water quality. For example, if your boat isn’t squeaky clean, it could spread aquatic weeds and algae, causing problems for fish and difficulties in water treatment.

There’s no feeling like a bite on the end of your line. Fishing is a rewarding hobby for people of all ages. Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, a variety of sunfish, and more can be found in both our lakes!

You may bring your own boat (see our restrictions on the “Boating” slide) to fish in either lake. Bank fishing is permitted in certain designated areas, and both Cane Creek and University Lake have fishing docks that are accessible to those with a disability.

Per state law, a fishing license is necessary for anyone 16 or older, except on the Fourth of July. You can purchase a state fishing license by mail, through the N.C. Wildlife Commission’s website, or at many sporting goods stores. For more information on licenses, please contact the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission at 888-248-6834 or licenses@ncwildlife.org.

Cane Creek Reservoir and the nearby woodlands are home to over 200 unique species of birds, from songbirds and waterfowl to raptors like ospreys and bald eagles. During recreation season, birdwatching is permitted at Cane Creek Reservoir during lake hours, free of charge. Outside of recreation season, you’re invited to partake in birdwatching between 7 and 11 a.m. every Wednesday.

Shore Activities

For the landlovers, we have free picnicking and sunbathing areas at both lakes. Cane Creek Reservoir also has a quarter-mile nature trail.

Lake Safety

While we encourage you to have fun at our lakes, we urge all visitors to put safety first. Read our full list of lake rules and regulations below.

Under Federal and State rules, all lake users are required to use a properly fitted flotation device suitable for the person’s height and weight. Life jackets are available in various sizes for adults and children at no charge, and we have a few life jackets available for infants. However, people with special size requirements or other special circumstances should bring their own life jackets. Anyone using a kayak or canoe must wear an approved flotation device at all times.

We prohibit the flight of unmanned aircraft, including drones and other model aircraft, in the airspace over the facilities and the control of unmanned aircraft from the property.

For People with Disabilities

Visitors with disabilities can receive assistance from OWASA staff as needed to enjoy boating and other recreation at our lakes. University Lake has a fishing dock for use by people with disabilities.

Lake Recreation Fees

For all of our recreation fees, we accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and checks with proper identification. An identification card with a photo is required for renting a boat; we accept identification cards from the Faith ID Network. The minimum age for renting a boat is 16.

ServiceOWASA Customer or Orange County ResidentOther Residents
Lake Use Fee: Ages 13-64$4.50 per person$5.50 per person
Lake Use Fee: Child (under 13)$2 per person$2.50 per person
Lake Use Fee: Senior Citizen (65+)Free$2.50 per person
Boat Rental (Flat-Bottom or Canoe)$4.50 + lake use fee$8 + lake use fee
Kayak Rental$15 + lake use fee$20 + lake use fee
Private Boat Launch Fee (for inspection by OWASA)$3.50 + lake use fee$7 + lake use fee
Individual Season Pass for Boat Rental$82Not Offered
Individual Season Lake Use Pass: Ages 13-64$46Not Offered
GROUP Season Boat Rental Pass (Three People)$163Not Offered
Individual Kayak Season Pass$176Not Offered

Directions

To University Lake

Address: 130 University Lake Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

From the east: Follow Main St. west through Carrboro to Jones Ferry Rd. Turn left onto South Old Fayetteville Rd. Go 400 feet and turn right onto University Lake Rd.

From the west: Driving east on NC-54 or Jones Ferry Rd., turn right onto South Old Fayetteville Rd. Follow Old Fayetteville to University Lake Rd.

To Cane Creek Reservoir

Address: 6205 NC 54 West, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

From the east: Follow NC-54 west of Carrboro for about eight miles from Carrboro Plaza. The Cane Creek entrance is on the right side of NC-54, about a mile west of Stanford Rd.

From the west: Follow NC-54 east and go about one mile past Mebane Oaks Rd. to the Cane Creek entrance on the left side of NC-54.

Contact

University Lake
Phone: (919) 942-8007
Email: ulake@owasa.org

Cane Creek Reservoir
Phone: (919) 942-5790
Email: ccreek@owasa.org

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