Overview
Lake Hickory is a reservoir in NC. Primary inflow is Catawba River. It is managed by Duke Energy.
The basin is characterized by about 4,110 acres of surface area. Shoreline and bottom character vary from protected coves and flats to deeper water, supporting a mix of open-water and nearshore habitats.
Lake Hickory supports recreational boating and fishing. Public access is through area ramps, parks, and shoreline facilities where provided by the operator. Fishing and boating regulations are set by the relevant state wildlife agency.
Pool elevations are managed against conservation or full-pool elevation near 93 feet. Monitoring current levels matters for ramp usability, shoreline access, and understanding storage relative to the published operating range.
Current Conditions
- Drought conditionsAbnormally Dry
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Lake Hickory is a 4,110-acre reservoir on the Catawba River managed by Duke Energy.





