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Little River Lake
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Little River Lake
Little River Lake was completed in 1987. When full, it is 549 acres and the average depth is approximately 25 feet. The facility is located at the intersection of Orange Factory and Blalock Roads in northern Durham County. Little River Lake offers bank fishing. Fishing licenses are required. Little River Lake is a primary water supply for the City of Durham. For this reason, we must limit and control recreational activities at the lake. Please adhere to guidelines and instructions to protect our water source.
2021 Season
- Little River is 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 for the 2021 season. Please see the Little River Lake Fees chart below for details.
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
COVID-19 Little River Operations
- Only open for bank fishing.
- Bank fishing will require a permit through a lottery system.
- No rentals will be available.
Little River will open with limited operations and capacities in order to meet state and local social distancing requirements. A lottery system is in place to access permits. Please read all of the following information if you plan to visit.
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.
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 "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.
Little River Lake Fees
| Activity |
City Resident with Play More Card |
City Resident without Play more Card |
Non-City Resident with Play More Card |
Non-City Resident without Play More Card |
| Bank Fishing (per day) Youth / Teen (0-18) |
$0 | $0 | $4.50 | $5 |
| Bank Fishing (per day) Adults (19-54) |
$2.70 | $3 | $7.20 | $8 |
| Bank Fishing (per day) Seniors (55+) |
$1.80 | $2 | $6.30 | $7 |
| Bank Fishing (seasonal) Youth / Teen (0-18) |
$0 | $0 | $15 | $15 |
| Bank Fishing (seasonal) Adults (19-54) |
$48 | $48 | $63 | $63 |
| Bank Fishing (seasonal) Seniors (55+) |
$32 | $32 | $47 | $47 |
To receive the Play More Card discount, you must show your Play More Card to the attendant. Visit our Play More Card page for more information on the benefits program.
Little River Lake Rules
- There is no swimming in Little River Lake.
- Dogs are not permitted in or on the water.
- Personal boats, motors, and batteries are not allowed on Little River Lake.
- Persons renting canoes, kayaks or Jon boats must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times.
- No smoking, alcohol, or weapons are permitted.
- Lakes may only be accessed during operating hours, Friday through Monday mid-March to mid-November and with a permit purchased at the boathouse.
Underground Weather Station
Contact Little River Lake
For more information about Little River Lake, please call:- 919-477-7889, Friday-Monday and mid-March to mid-November
- 919-560-4405, Tuesday-Thursday and mid-November to mid-March