The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Mountain Island Lake
Gaston County, North Carolina · 3,280 acres (5.1 sq mi)
Calm this afternoon.
About Mountain Island Lake
Mountain Island Lake is a reservoir in Gaston County, North Carolina, covering 3,280 acres. It was made by Mountain Island Dam on the Catawba River. Provides drinking water for over a million residents of the Charlotte area.
From end to end it runs about 4.6 miles with roughly 29 miles of shoreline. At about 640 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Mount Holly, is about 2.9 miles southwest.
- Size
- 3,280 acres (5.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 29 miles
- End to end
- About 4.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 640 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Mountain Island Dam, Catawba River
- County
- Gaston County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual North Carolina mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake.
- Largemouth bass
- Crappie
- Catfish
- Bluegill and sunfish
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:57 am · sunset 5:18 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Mountain Island Lake
- Mount Hollyabout 2.9 mi southwest
- Lowesvilleabout 3 mi northwest
- Huntersvilleabout 5.5 mi northeast
- Stanleyabout 6 mi west
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Questions about Mountain Island Lake
What fish are in Mountain Island Lake?
Lakes like Mountain Island Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Mountain Island Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Mountain Island Lake?
3,280 acres, with about 29 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Mountain Island Lake?
Mount Holly is about 2.9 miles southwest; Lowesville is about 3 miles northwest.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Mountain Island Lake?
Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.
Mountain Island Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
