City Lakes

Children kayaking on the lake

Lake Michie and Little River Lake in northern Durham County offer recreational fishing and boating. 

2021 Season

  • Both lakes are open to the public Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from Friday, March 12 through Monday, November 8, 2021.
  • Lake hours are from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Fees will be charged at each lake during the 2021 season. Fee information can be found on the Lake Michie page and the Little River Lake page.

The lakes will also be open on the following holidays:

  • Good Friday
  • Easter Sunday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day

COVID-19 Lake Operations

City Lakes will open on Friday, March 12, 2021 with limited operations and capacities in order to meet state and local social distancing requirements. A lottery system is in place to access permits at each lake. Please read all of the following information if you plan to visit our lakes.

The health and safety of our patrons and staff are our top priority. Please do your part and practice social distancing at the lakes by remaining at least 6 feet away from others. Additionally, a face-covering is required at all times, when social distancing is not possible.

Lake Michie 

  • Only open for personal boat launches and bank fishing. 
  • Non-motorized boat launches and bank fishing will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. 
  • The first-come, first-serve canoe and kayak launches are car top only. The trailered canoes and kayaks will need to go through the lottery.
  • Personal motorized boat launches will require a permit through a lottery system.
  • No rentals will be available.

Little River

  • Only open for bank fishing. 
  • Bank fishing will require a permit through a lottery system.
  • No rentals will be available.

Lottery System

You MUST use the lottery system in order to be entered for the chance to obtain a permit.

Lotteries will run from 12 a.m.-6 p.m. the day before your desired launch or bank fishing day. For example, if you would like to enter for a chance to obtain a permit on Sunday, text the number on Saturday between 12 a.m.-6 p.m. Winners will be notified via text once the lottery closes at 6 p.m.

  • Text "LM Launch" to 833-497-0004 to be entered for a personal motorized boat launch permit at Lake Michie.
  • Text "LR Bank Fish" to 833-497-0004 to be entered for a bank fishing permit at Little River Lake.

Permits are good only for the date and location at which they were issued.

Lakes will be open during their normal seasonal operating hours, Friday through Monday from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.