Catawba River Flow Update

Citing the on-going drought, Duke Energy suspended recreational water releases on the Catawba River below Lake James on May 1st, 2026. Currently, outdoor enthusiasts who want to access the river with flow need to check Duke's three day outlook for hydroelectric generation releases at the Bridgewater Access. These late day releases have been a boon to fisherpersons, naturalists, and boaters this summer. Plan your trip using Duke Energy's page that provides the times when the water will arrive and recede from access points along the river. With some careful planning, the jewel of Burke County can still be enjoyed this summer.