By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS — Standing on the bank of Lake Corriher watching the birds fly overhead and hearing the geese honking nearby, you could swear you were somewhere in the Great Smoky Mountains.
But this is an oasis right here in Rowan County, and one some have yet to discover.
Beginning Monday, fishing permits will be available at the Landis town hall. Anyone who wants to fish must have a permit or face a $50 fine.
Right now, fishing is catch- and-release until the N.C. Wildlife Commission sets regulations and limits.
Fishing’s not all you can do here.
The Lake Corriher Wilderness area — nearly 100 acres of forest, trails and terrain — is also available for anyone who wants to mountain bike, hike, camp or just take a stroll around the lake.
Boat rentals will eventually be available, including paddle, canoe and kayak. No motorized boats will be allowed on the lake in an effort to preserve the environment.
“We want to make sure it remains a wilderness area,” said Landis Parks Director Andrew Morgan.
Not only is there no place to launch a boat, tent campers and anglers must also carry their equipment from the lower parking lot of the South Rowan YMCA. A bridge from the parking lot provides access to campsites.
For now, the Y will allow campers to use its bathroom facilities until the parks department is able to provide them.
The town and the YMCA collaborated on developing the Lake Corriher wilderness area, and they’ll work together to make use of it. In September, the Y and the town will host an adventure run where individuals and teams will complete a nearly 4-mile obstacle course.
“The town board is very excited. We’ve received numerous calls of support,” Morgan said.
Morgan and many volunteers have been working to clear trails and clean some areas that had become a dumping ground for trash.
There’s still a need to clear some trails of debris.
There is a plan to have a bait and tackle shop, Morgan said.
Town Manager Reed Linn said he too has fielded numerous inquiries about when the area will be open to the public.
“The trails are already being used,” he said.
Linn said town officials also hope to construct new piers for people to use for fishing.
He likened the Lake Corriher Wilderness area to a national park.
Law enforcement will patrol the wilderness area four to six times a day.
Fishing details
Fishing permits available beginning Monday.
Permits can be purchased at Landis town hall, 312 S. Main St., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Daily passes
Adults 16 and older, $5
Children 5-15, $3
Children younger, free
• Annual passes
Adults 16 and older, $100
Children 5-15, $40
Family (two adults and up to six immediate members), $200
*Fish are catch and release until the state wildlife commission sets regulations/limits.
Upcoming events at Lake Corriher
Lake Corriher Fishing Challenge, Sept. 3-Sept. 23
More than $1,000 in cash and prizes, 100 tagged crappie will be released into Lake Corriher.
• Entry fee, $40. Price includes fishing permit for the duration of the event. All proceeds benefit the maintenance and improvements to the Lake Corriher Wilderness area.
For more information, contact Parks Director Andrew Morgan at 704-857-4114.
Down & Dirty Adventure Run, Sept. 24
• Landis, South Rowan Y and REI, present a muddy race through an obstacle course that covers nearly four miles through the woods, across creeks and up hills.
• Entry fees, by Sept. 17
Individual, $25
Two-person team, $50
Four-person team, $100
JROTC, $40
• Entry fees, race day
Individual, $35
Two-person team, $70
Four-person team, $140
JROTC, $80
REI Dirt Dobber Kid Fun Run, Sept. 24
• A half-mile run for children 12 and younger who will complete several obstacles on the Y sports fields.
• Entry fee, by Sept. 17
Children, $10
• Entry fee, race day
Children, $15
For more information, contact Aaron Crowe at 704-857-7011 or acrowe@rowanymca. com.
Event sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, GU, Great Wolf Lodge AND Bar CLIF.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.