Lake Michael Park
Information, rentals, fees and reservations (closed November through March) (919) 563-4573 or (919)563-3629, ext. 8
Lake Michael Park is located one mile east of Mebane in Orange County at 7300 Lebanon Road.

It is a beautiful 59 acre lake consisting of bass, crappie and bream fishing with 2 piers and boat access (not to exceed 17 1/2 feet in length). Mebane City residents and Orange County residents do not have to have fishing licenses if they are using live bait. All residents outside Orange County and Mebane city limits must have fishing licenses.

The park area is 200 acres with nature trails, picnic areas, restroom facilities, paddle boat and john boat rentals, as well as pontoon boat rides around the lake, overnight group camping, sand volleyball, special areas for tots, 3 large covered shelters and 1 small covered shelter (please make reservations). Snacks are available at the information center. Weather pending, the park is open from mid-March until the end of October. March hours are Monday - Saturday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or dark), and Sunday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. (or dark). The hours of operation between April through the end of October are Monday - Saturday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or dark) and Sunday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. (or dark). No pets or alcoholic beverages are allowed.

ABSOLUTELY NO PETS AND NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED

The following is a list of fees for Lake Michael: Rental of a john boat: $4.00 Launching your own boat: $4.00 Fishing (all day): $2.00 Pontoon boat rides: $1.00 per person Paddle boats: $1.00 per person (1 hour limit) Shelter fees: $10.00 (4 hour limit) ***Children under 6 years old, Seniors 60 yrs. and older, and handicapped persons are FREE.

The fishing regulations for Lake Michael Park are as follows:

1. A fishing license is needed unless you live inside the city limits of Mebane or you live in Orange County. This is with use of live bait only.
   
2. Bass Creel limit of 3, size of at least 14"; 2 of any size total creel limit of 5 (adopted 7-1-91).
3. Creel limit for catfish is 6 per day.
   
4. NO size limit or creel limit on Bream, Crappie, Goggle-Eye or Robin. These species of fish are very prolific and many times over-populate. This causes stunting of growth size. (adopted 6-5-89)
   
5. It is unlawful to take out the Grass Carp (adopted 6-5-89)

NEW FISHING LICENSE REQUIREMENT

Beginning January 1, 2007, anglers ages 16 years and older using any type of bait or gear to catch finfish while fishing North Carolina's public waters must possess a valid North Carolina fishing license.

Anglers who receive Food Stamps, Medicaid or Work First Family Assistance may obtain a written waiver from this new fishing license requirement through their county Department of Social Services.

Licenses may be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org , by telephone at 1-888-2HUNTFISH (1-888-248-6834) or from any license agent.