Like many of the USA's artificial lakes, it was the building of a dam and flooding of the area that caused Jordan Lake to swell into existence. The New Hope Dam was completed in 1974 and when the reservoir was flooded it prompted big changes to local infrastructure, including the moving of parts of the Durham and South Carolina Railroad! Other roads in the area (for automobiles) weren't so lucky and were submerged. When the water is at its lowest, some of these sunked roads can be seen and have even been used as launching ramps!

The lake was named for Benjamin Everett Jordan, North Carolina's US Senator until his death shortly prior to the dam's completion. After military service in the early 1920s, Jordan worked in the local textile industry before getting involved in politics through the Democratic Party. Outside of work he was a devout Methodist.

So what about the fish? Bass fishing has since become massively popular here, with local bass populations providing record catches at minor events in recent years. In 2019, Jordan Lake was declared the second-best fishery in North Carolina and after COVID it rose to the best with a 1st place ranking in 2021. This may be in part due to the significant efforts to clean the water since the 1980s and the implementation of 'Jordan Lake Rules'. Controlling algae, limiting pollution and the enforcement of restrictions on dog walking and litter all contribute to this, making for a healthier time on the water for humans and in the water for fish. Limits on catch size have also been imposed ensuring stock is kept healthy too.

During the mid-summer last year, anglers reporting on blogs, social media and YouTube, whilst hunting out spots at Jordan Lake, noted the merits of offshore structures, the use of crankbait and jigs and the lack of bites once the sun had gone down. Largemouth and Striped Bass around the 6 lb mark are common, but females up to 12 lbs might well bite in the often murky waters around the shoreline. Perhaps these tips might prove useful the virtual world of Bassmaster Fishing 2022 as well?

Though Bassmaster hasn't been to Jordan Lake in a little while, other major events continue to take place here, sometimes in conjuction with other nearby lakes. Beyond the competition, it's a popular spot for recreational fishing. So whether you're taking part in the upcoming Online event, or just kicking back with an hour or two offline, there's plenty of action to replicate between the real and virtual Jordan Lakes.