NIEHS Fishing Policy

Contacts

• Danny Sikes
  Tel (919) 541-3312
  sikes@niehs.nih.gov

Protected Fish

The lake's "Triploid" Carp and "Hybrid" Striped Bass are protected.

The NIEHS Operations and Security Branch oversees the use of the lake. Removal of "triploid" carp and "hybrid" striped bass from the lake is prohibited. The "triploid"carp are a non-reproducing strain introduced to control algae, and the "hybrid" striped bass were part of an NCSU research project. Violators will lose their fishing privileges. Other fish species are there for the taking as long as lake rules are observed.

Below are pictures of all the varieties you might encounter in the lake.

Prohibited Varieties

Carp

Striped Bass

Others that can be taken within specificed limits

Bluegill

Channel Catfish

Largemouth Bass

 Back to top

Lake Visitors/Users

NIEHS and EPA personnel, contractors, their families, and guests are welcome; however, in accordance with the NIEHS Security Policy (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/about/visiting/index.cfm), NIEHS or EPA government employees must accompany their fishing parties. In addition, all persons over 16 who fish must have in their possession a valid N.C. fishing license.

Access Hours

• Daylight hours only
• Weekends and Holidays 8:30 a.m. to Sunset
• Monday through Friday  5:00 p.m. to Sunset

Number Limits:

• 2 game fish per species of legal size (see below) per person per day. Game fish include Large-mouth bass and Channel catfish.
• 25 pan-fish (Bluegills) may be taken per day. Identification pictures are posted at the Security office.

Size Limits:

• Largemouth Bass: 14 inches or greater in length
• Catfish: 14 inches or greater in length
• Pan-fish: No limit

Undersized fish and illegal fish should be handled gently, the hook removed with as little injury as possible, and the fish returned to the water as quickly as possible. Do not put these fish on stringers.

 Back to top

Equipment

Rod and Reel, or cane pole only (one per person). No capture netting. No unattended fishing devices. (note: "unattended" means traps, trot lines, jug rigs, etc.)

Bait

No live minnows or any other non-resident fish species may be used. Crickets, worms and artificial bait are allowed.

Records

All those fishing must sign in with NIEHS Security, and sign out upon leaving, recording all catches in the fishing log maintained in the Security Office. An employee identification badge and fishing license will be required when signing in. Please write "not fishing" if person is not planning to fish. All members of party must sign in and out.

All anglers will be issued a special fishing badge which will be recognized by security forces at both NIEHS and EPA. This badge will be returned when signing out at the Rall Buiding (101) B-Lobby Security Office.

Sample Sign-in Sheet

 Back to top

Boats

Only boats which can be hand-carried from the parking lot to the lake are permitted. No gasoline engines are permitted; however, electric motors are allowed. Boats must comply with all N.C. and Federal regulations for safe equipment and registration markings. U. S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be provided for each person aboard. Boats may be launched on the NIEHS Campus near the A-Module, at the pass-through by the C-Module, or by the MRI building. Check with the EPA Security Guard (541-5386 or 541-2334) at the main entrance (Area C) for launch sites on the EPA side of the lake.

Access/Security, Parking/Maps

NIEHS Security and Access Policies apply to visitors to the lake. Cars can be temporarily moved to the boat launching points for unloading and loading boats, but then must be properly parked. Any parking lot can be used, but all vehicles must park in designated parking places and must not leave the road or paved parking areas.

Wildlife

The lake has become a haven to many species of wildlife. Nesting waterfowl are a common site at the lake's edge. Please give wide berth to any nests or creatures which appear to have staked-out a territory. Curb your curiosity, observer from a safe distance, and review the Humane Society instructions for Geese Management (http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/urban_wildlife_our_wild_neighbors/urban_canada_geese/humanely_resolving_conflicts_with_canada_geese_the_hsus_guide/part_3_tolerance_and_public_education.html) .

Behavior

• All Institutional/Agency Security and NIEHS Station Rules apply.
  • NIH Ethics Program (http://ethics.od.nih.gov/)
  • Standards of Conduct (http://www.usoge.gov/pages/forms_pubs_otherdocs/fpo_files/reference/rfsoc_02.pdf)  
• No alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs are allowed.
• Trash must be put in appropriate containers or carried away. Radios, stereos, or other amplifiers are not allowed, and loud, boisterous behavior is not allowed.
• Swimming is not allowed in the lake.

Emergencies

Life rings are provided and should be used only in emergencies. An emergency phone is located at A-module under the cafeteria; it shall be used only for emergencies.

Violations

Violators will have their fishing privileges suspended or taken away. First offense will result in a 30-day suspension. Two-time offenders lose all fishing privileges for the remaining calendar year. NIEHS/EPA personnel and contractors are responsible for their family and/or guests. Violations by family and/or guests result in a suspension or removal of fishing privileges for both the violator and the host.

 Back to top