Although extreme drought lingers in northern Georgia and western portions of the Carolinas, the central section of North Carolina has made a remarkable recovery. What a difference a year has made on Lake Norman. During the summer of 2007, lake shore residents were left high and dry when water levels dipped to some of its lowest levels. Fed mainly by the Catawba River, Lake Norman was created during the late 50s when Duke Power established a hydroelectric station at Cowans Ford. When completely filled, the lake created 520 miles of shoreline, producing a big lift to the area's economy.
      Here on the largest manmade lake in the North Carolina, you'll see pontoon boats, ski boats, sailboats, fishing boats, and even a few Mississippi Paddle Wheelers. Another big draw is the fishing, with game fish including catfish, crappie, bluegill and yellow perch, as well as popular members of the bass family. And somewhere, lurking in the 100 foot depths of the lake, is Normie the Lake Norman Monster.