[Zman]

Thought I might try Wheeler for the first time, bright and early tomorrow. Does anyone have any tips? How bad are the pleasure boaters this time of year? I figure it's going to be ugly with the holiday weekend. I have a boat, but I hate the thought of launching alone and tying up the ramp, so I'm gonna rent and use my Trolling motor.

Don't feel like dealing with the craziness at Falls and Harris either. Figure I'd be off the water by 11 on those lakes.

Oh by the way, great looking forum, it's been very helpful!

 

[Jeffonc]

Hey Zman - welcome to the site. I like the way you think - avoid the holiday nuts if at all possible. I'm expecting a record-setting weekend for lunacy at Falls... I have been wondering about Wheeler - never tried it.

Tomorrow is booked with non-water activities but I think Lefty and I are looking to hit some paddle/elec-friendly water on Monday morning early. Have enjoyed fishing Weaver Creek at Jordan but its a haul from up here on the far northside. Wheeler's not much better in that respect.

Don't know what to tell you about your Wheeler plan, but I hope you'll let us know where you end up and how you do.

 

[Zman]

Well, I don't think I can say if it was worth it or not! I only spent 3 hours on the water, so it didn't get skunked all day! It was worth it just to learn a little. I actually had quite a few bites on Pop-Rs. I lost several fish, and had plenty of missed strikes and what appeared to be little blue gill or white bass nips.

Should have showed up at the crack of dawn for most likely the big topwater bite; they were still hitting the top at about 7:30-8. After that, no bites.

Looks like a nice lake, wish I had electronics, I'd definitely have spent more time there searching. I'll probably be back there soon, maybe even Monday!

 

[Jeffonc]

Should have showed up at the crack of dawn for most likely the big topwater bite; they were still hitting the top at about 7:30-8. After that, no bites.

The city parks website says wheeler is open "dawn to dusk", year round. I wonder what their definition of dawn is???

Anybody know if there's a spot to launch canoes/kayaks from the Penny Rd bridge area? Or if its posted not to do so?

 

[Zman]

The city parks website says wheeler is open "dawn to dusk", year round. I wonder what their definition of dawn is???

Anybody know if there's a spot to launch canoes/kayaks from the Penny Rd bridge area? Or if its posted not to do so?

Well I know it was at least open at around 6:15-6:30. I arrived then w/o cash and had to turn around and find an ATM. My guess is, they were probably open at 6, if not earlier. There were already several boats launching/lined up when I arrived the first time.

As far as canoe launch, all I know is there was a launching area for their rental canoes, not sure if you can launch personals from there, and that's at the boat house. I don't know if that's near Penny Rd. or a bridge or not!

By the way, thanks for the welcome prior post!

 

[Jeffonc]

Well I know it was at least open at around 6:15-6:30.

That's pretty good for gubbermint work - The City of Raleigh rules! State/County folks don't open up Hwy 50 & Beaverdam til 8:00am .

As far as canoe launch, all I know is there was a launching area for their rental canoes, not sure if you can launch personals from there, and that's at the boat house. I don't know if that's near Penny Rd. or a bridge or not!

Penny Rd would be a "back door", if its even a possibility. Penny crosses the uper end of the lake - can't tell if there's a bridge or just culvert(s) under the road from the google view. As far as I know there may be no parking available, no parking allowed, no primitive launch area available or posted no tresspassing back there (can't have folks launching without the $4 launch fee - happy to pay it if they're there to open up at 6:00). I figured there must be some east-Cary-ites who drive that way from time-to-time and could check it out for us. Doesn't seem to be an issue given their hours.

By the way, thanks for the welcome prior post!

You're very welcome for the welcome! Thanks for the info on this morning's trip.