Salem Lake is the largest lake in Winston-Salem and absolutely worth a visit – or even multiple visits. It boasts breathtaking views, great fishing, and some of the best-wooded trails in the city. Once you are there, it feels like a natural wonderland, and it’s hard to believe it’s merely minutes away from downtown Winston-Salem! In addition to its water’s gleaming beauty and the surrounding park, Salem Lake serves an essential purpose in our city.
History & Purpose of Salem Lake
When you visit Salem Lake, it’s hard to believe it’s more than just a beautiful place for residents and visitors to enjoy. But did you know that Salem Lake is a major municipal water source reservoir for the city of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County?
In 1911, the original dam was built across Salem Creek, creating the Salem Lake reservoir. A third dam was built in 1931 and is still in operation. It holds back 1 billion gallons of water. This equates to 30% of Winston-Salem’s drinking water.
The dam created the 365-acre lake we now know as Salem Lake. Additionally, the lake is surrounded by 1,400 acres, known as Salem Lake Park.
What Does Salem Lake Offer?
There is plenty to do at Salem Lake for individuals, families, couples, residents, and visitors. Salem Lake offers:
- Boating – Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Jon Boats, and Canoes
- Fishing – Fish population includes:
- Bream
- Carp
- Catfish
- Crappie
- Hybrid bass
- Largemouth bass
- White perch
- Trails
- Public Restrooms (One by the Marina, one near the playground, and another on the north side of the lake before the Linville Rd. bridge)
- Playground
- Ample, covered space (currently under construction)
- Marina Building – This building serves multiple purposes:
- Rental space for weddings or events (includes 2,500 sq. ft. great room, 1,000 sq. ft. lobby, and catering kitchen
- Porch with seating and picturesque views of the lake
- Fishing Station & Bait Shop – which offers the following services:
- Fishing supplies for sale
- Snacks and drinks for sale
- Boat rentals
- Collecting boat-launching and fishing fees
- Issue state fishing licenses
- Pier for fishing or viewing the lake
Do’s and Don’ts at Salem Lake
As the lake’s primary purposes are fishing and providing the city’s water, there are some strict do’s and don’ts at Salem Lake.
Do’s
- Fish from the pier or boats
- Walk, bike, or run the trails
- To fish – Be 16 or older and have a North Carolina State Fishing License to fish at Salem Lake or Winston Lake
- Be off the path and lake 30 minutes before closing time
- Pay appropriate fishing and rental fees
- Take paddle canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards on the lake
- Rent Jon-boats or kayaks there from the city
- To rent a boat – Be 16 or older
- Wear a life vest on any city-rented boat
Don’ts
- Pleasure cruising in motorized boats
- Swimming
- Fish from the banks
- Feed the ducks or geese
- Operate a motorized boat above 60-horsepower
- Use inflatable rafts or tubes
Things to Know Before You Visit Salem Lake
The main entrance to Salem Lake, where the Marina, playground, and walking trail access are, is at 815 Salem Lake Road in Winston-Salem. There are two parking lots at this location. One is by the Marina and pier, and the other is by the playground.
However, there are two other Salem Lake access parking lots:
- New Greensboro Road Parking – located at the end of New Greensboro Rd.
- Linville Road Parking – located off Linville Rd. SE between Deermeadow Ln. SE and Old Linville Rd.
Salem Lake has strict operating hours. Those are:
- Monday through Friday – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pier fishing ends at 7 p.m., and the gates to the parking lot into the access for the Marina and pier usually close promptly at 7:30 p.m.
Now that you know everything you need about the pristine and stunning Salem Lake, head out for a fun day of fishing, walking, biking, boating, or all of the above!
