The Lake Norman Monster
82Lake Norman
A Fresh-Water Cryptid Mystery
To say North Carolina's Lake Norman is the haunt of a monster or monsters is no understatement. Far too many people have reported encounters with "it" over the years for it, or them, to be anything other than something quite frightening and highly unusual. A good starting place for this anomaly in the water is the fact of a nuclear power plant at the top of the lake.
Science fiction has a habit of becoming science fact. Many of us have seen films from the 1950s such as "Them," or "The Amazing Colossal Man" to name just two movies about unrestrained growth due to radiation exposure.
Lake Norman was created in 1963 by damming the Catawba River at a place called Cowan's Ford. The water spread out well over 50 square miles forming a shoreline of some 520 miles, and in some spots going down well over 100 feet deep.
This area of the river had a long history with the Catawba Native Americans, the early settlers, along with many historical sites from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras. Unfortunately, all underwater now.
The Nuclear Power Plant went commercially operational in 1981. Stories of gigantic fish in the lake go back farther in time though.
Living in a nearby town during the 1970s, it was common scuttlebutt to hear about divers going to the bottom of the dam for repairs and vowing never to return after sighting fish bigger than themselves swimming about. However, it does appear the largest number of sightings of a surface monster date to after the power plant's debut.
So, could the creature[s] possibly be radiated mutants of some type? There can be little doubt that at least some radioactive material, in some form, has leaked into the lake over time. I know for a fact some sewage, treated or other-wise, found its way into the smaller Lake Wylie which is below Lake Norman.
Once, immediately after water-skiing in it, my throat swelled up like a frog's in addition to contracting a high fever. This is not to say that there's been any negligence on the part of the power company, no, just rationality saying its a likely scenario. Probably applies to all of them near large bodies of water.
Speculations & Sightings
Speculations on what the monster could be include an Alligator, Alligator Gar fish, Catfish, Lake Sturgeon, fresh-water Eel, and Snakehead fish.
Despite a video of an alligator sunning itself on the banks of the smaller Lake Wylie, many think it couldn't be one of those because being cold-blooded they could never survive the chilly winters. But the winters have gotten milder over time.
The fish then are a much likelier explanation as its common knowledge around the lake they can grow to a very large size. Something I can attest to again.
Once in the early 1990s, during a drought, I was fishing off a friend's pier with no luck, when to relieve the boredom I walked on over to an area next to the pier that was maybe an acre of shallow water no more than 2 or 3 foot deep.
Almost at once I noticed a big fish lazily coming close to shore. It was soon obvious this was an exceptionally bulky Large-mouthed Bass. Excited, I went back and grabbed my pole off the pier which had a worm on it, then repeatedly tossed the bait right in front of the bass, all to no avail.
Suddenly realizing Henry had some crayfish in a cage hanging off the pier, I ran back and placed one on the hook. The second the bait was thrown in front of it, the bass hit it like no tomorrow and headed for deep water.
Turned out to be the biggest fresh-water fish I'd ever caught by far- well over 20 pounds, possibly even a state record. The temptation to keep him was strong, but in the end he went back in the water as I wasn't prepared for one this size and just couldn't bring myself to kill him.
So, here are some descriptions from eye-witnesses over the last couple of years: a large long neck emerges 5 feet in the air some distance away after flinging a man off his inner-tube; other witnesses to that event: two brothers fishing hear splashes behind them that turn into a creature as big as a shark with an enormous black tail.
"Its Normieee!"- the nickname given to the cryptid phenomena- shout two women who watch it traverse the lake one snowy winter's day: two girls night fishing hook something monstrous that pulls a rod into the water and then breaks the surface revealing its massive self; attested to by the parents and family members.
A number of friends were floating off a boat when suddenly one goes under only to reappear nearly frightened to death by something long and slimy with prickly skin. On and on go these- what I believe are largely sincere- testimonials.
Atomic Monster?
Other descriptions & encounters run the gamut from being bumped in the water by something huge, to big snake looking things with gator-ish looking faces. Some have even reported seeing a beast well over 20 feet long on Google Earth through the satellite imagery.
Its also interesting to note a very rare species of jelly-fish thrives in the waters of Lake Norman, proving that non-indigenous species can indeed find a home there.
Dozens of more sightings and encounters could be added to the above, most of them with multiple witnesses. To see more or report a sighting one need only go to www.LakeNormanMonster.com, a website put out by the Lake for these purposes.
If the penultimate Lake Monster investigator Jan Ove Sunberg of the Global Underwater Search Team, or GUST for short, expresses an interest in the creature[s], then surely he sees something worth a serious look-see.
So, is The Lake Norman monster an atomic monster like all those giant mutated ants, grasshoppers and men from the1950s sci-fi movies? Remember, yesterdays sci-fi is today's reality in many cases. I have my intuition on the subject. How about you?
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Mysteries of the unknown. Amazing.
Yes, yes an Atomic Monster! It's possible you know! Ha ha how are you ahorseback, good I hope. My man, don't worry about the keeping up, you just get to the great writers on the HP when you can. It can get hard to keep up, lord knows. A monster in every big lake you say; hey, if there's fish in the water then there's a monster in the water! Be over your way on the morrow my friend.
An atomic Monster !&$@"1?, Alastar , im sorry I havent kept up with many great hubbers you for one , you have some amazing historical hubs !.....awesome write , you know I believe every big lake has a monster !....:-}
That's possible stessily although I wonder if they have the capability to have secrets they're not ready to share yet. But, stranger things have happened I suppose. The film and photos in many of the Nessie longitude lake cryptids appear to be dinosaur like and some experts speculate they may even have underwater outlets as well. There was a big siting recently in British Columbia too. Thanks stessily, it's very pleasing to know you have an interest and good knowledge on these.
Alastar, I've read about the theory of the sightings of these mysterious cryptids appearing on the same line of longitude and therefore are possibly survivors of the last glacial retreat. They are elusive creatures who apparently want us to know about them but are not ready to share their secrets.
You definitely have an in-depth understanding of your topics, which adds the necessary dose of credibility to your presentations, both fictional and nonfictional.
Thanks again for an informative, enjoyable hub.
stessily, here's the thing about these fresh water cryptids, or at least a good many of them. If you look at the longitude of say the Loch Ness Monster, and then follow that around the earth you'll find numerous unknown so-called water monsters all round the world on the same longitude. Especially in Canada. That tells me maybe these creatures were caught there during the last glacial retreat 10 to 15 thousand years ago. Just a speculation but others with far more knowledge than me have posited on that possibility. Thanks again stessily for reading and commenting so fine on these hubs today, it's greatly appreciated. Mysterious lures rock!
Alastar, Interesting, very interesting indeed! It seems to me that with all these strange sightings of mysterious creatures in lakes and in the oceans, there has to be some element of truth to at least some of the tales and descriptions.
I'm with markbennis about a possible Nessie connection.
You've increased dramatically the mysterious allure of the Lake Norman Monster with your tale.
Nessie migrating to warmer climes, good one Mark! Messing around on the web the other day I saw some Google Earth pics of Nessie that looked quite intriguing. Folks have apparently got them of Normie as well. Thank you Mark, having a beeeep beeeep device is probably a good idea near any large water creature skulking round' a nuclear power plant!
Wow what an experience to have does sound like a huge one, I wonder if ‘Nessy’ the loch ness monster of the Scottish highlands has decided to go to warmer waters, also it would make sense if those radioactive fish were getting big, because old ‘Nessy’ couldn’t survive on those little morsels of the loch ness for long. LOL...
On a serious note better to have a ‘Geiger’ counter on stand by when fishing because if those monsters of the deep are all radioactive up to the max, you will probably here them coming? beep, beep, beep, Beeeeeeeep! Oh boy!
Great hub Alastar voted up, all the way…
Some awesome mountain lakes over this way John are Fontana Lake which is in the Great Smokies and goes down 900 feet, plus Claytor Lake in Virgina. Both clean, crystal clear, and undeveloped. Super fishing in both at the right times.
Awesome hub. Glad to see we have the love of fishing something in common. I do love the South. I think lakes, streams and rivers are among the most beautiful of God's creations....
Voted up
John
Wow Sannel, you've swum with some awesome Mediterranean sea creatures. The Lake Norman mystery, whatever it is, hasn't physically harmed anyone yet, just scared and amazed them. But still, it is creepy and I don't blame you for not wanting to put your feet in it. Will probably think twice about swimming far off shore myself from now on. Yes! That big Bass got lucky with the fisherman that day, he certainly did. Thank you for the congrats and kind sentiments on everything, you know they mean a great deal to me. Well, Skoal Sannel! May you have a Beautiful 2012!
Many times have I jumped off the boat for a swim in the Mediterranean sea. Swimming next to huge sea turtles, dolphins, sword fish, whales and god know what else. . . but this is entirely different. I would not dip my feet into that lake, even if they paid me. This is really creepy!
However, if I could, I would love to give you a big hug for letting that fish go! I'm so glad to hear you have such a warm and caring heart.
I'm so happy that you are on the list of the HubPages top new hubbers. You deserve this recognition of great achievement. Congrats and Skoal!
Sannel
It does make a story of this type more immediate when your familiar with the place. Thank you Ethereal, its nice to meet you. This was written for Halloween and it was a bit of a surprise to find out how extensive the encounters and sightings actually are. Hard to imagine in this day and time with a residential lake like Norman, but there it is. Glad you loved it Ethereal!
I am from this area. Lived there up until about 3 yrs ago. I love this Hub. It is interesting. Especially when you're reading about your home town. Thanks.
Most single attacks are mistakes but ones like the USS Indianapolis 'shark frenzy' massacre are something altogether different. Lets hope the lake monster never acquires a taste for arm candy.
technically sharks don't like the taste of human flesh, but that doesn't mean a lot when they've eaten your arm
Wise choice PDX. Ones hungry for your money and ones hungry for you. Pick the small-toothed one every time my friend.
id' rather fight a pool hall junkie then a real shark
Okay PDX, no more mocking your fear of pool sharks. Just stay outta those cue-ball joints and go swimming in Lake Norman...late at night...and alone!
do not mock my fear of pool sharks (oh wait. pool sharks are real)
Ah thanks again Frank, same here with yours. The monster is a bit unusual in that the lake is just about all residential; but is pretty big at over 500 miles of shore-line. Haha- yeah, better to play bullet tag than have whatever it is come after you with bad intent while in the water!
I think I'm going to love reading your Hubs.. I've never even heard of The Lake Norman Monster .. damn I love the city even more now.. I'd rather dodge bullets then meet up with any type of sea creatures.. I'm going to enjoy reading your hubs :)
PDX are you saying all those eye-witnesses just have over- active imaginations? Hmm, be honest now, would you not be the lest bit anxious swimming alone far out in that lake at night..LOL?! I'm with you on the sharks. Unless a place has a reputation for attacks the undertows more likely to get ya than Jaws!
LOL. Sometimes having an active imagination is a bad thing! Oddly enough, when I surf in the ocean, where sharks actually live, I'm more scared of stingrays and jellyfish then I am of sharks. Maybe that's because I've been stung by stingray, but I've never been bitten by a shark...
Grow up and face the ocean music KaraokeGuy! There aren't any sharks in the swimmimng pools! Shoot, I'm only afraid of all the scorpions and cobras that come up out of the drains myself..LOL!
alastar, I occasionally still have a healthy fear of sharks when I'm in the swimming pool
Yes there are Gail. You never know how close one could be, thats right. Had heard about this but kinda pooh-poohed it like it was just a big fish or something, and then to see all the reports got me to wondering. Haha- can't blame you for thinking twice about going out on the lake, shoot, might think twice about swimming in the deep water meself!
wow Alastar, this story was great, I have never heard of the Lake Norman monster until I read this. It seems as though there are a lot of unexplained monsters in lakes all over the world! I just didn't imagine one being so close to home. Thanks for the info. It makes me think twice now about going out on the lake! lol
Some things that can't be explained away is putting it lightly. Theres a most remarkable new book out called "The Source Field Investigations" that may have many answers to what we perceive as the paranormal right now. I agree with you Thomas, Jersey Devil, Bigfoot, And Ghosts are realities whose secrets are just now coming into the light where we may at last know at least something of they're origins. Thank you my friend! PS- Did you happen to see that infrared taken of the Jersey Devil recently? Amazing!
We've watched documentaries on various creatures..the New Jersey Devil, Bigfoot, and the like. There are just some things that can't be explained away. We also are into the paranormal...Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, and the like. I do believe we aren't alone in that arena either. :)TR
Thank you Thomas, so very true about the cat-fish. 7 to 8 feet is one massive fish, can you imagine the barbs on them. Fish adapt to their environment like everything else but there must be something else going on for a lot of these cryptid sightings and encounters. Did you see the video the gentleman just took from British Columbia? Its been on the news last couple of days. Huge wake, from whatever it was. There are some decent shows out there about this topic but if one really wants to know its best to research it through books or the internet I believe. TR, appreciate the interest and vote my friend!
Fascinating stuff, my friend. I myself can attest to how gigantic catfish can get. We have a lake/power plant back home where there have been catfish 7 to 8 feet long dragged out. Just regular ol' channel cats-just bigger. Who knows what radiation poisoning could do? Many species have been known to evolve and change according to their environment, thriving when it would seem they should die. I WANT to believe stuff like this exists. My wife and I watch all kinds of shows that investigate phenomenon...ghosts, bigfoot, etc. Superb job, Alastar, and voted up as such :)TR
Indeed. A child in a pool, alone and at night; suddenly the drain holds terrors of a slithering fright. Far out in the surf, in water dark blue; suddenly frightened of being ripped in two.- Inspired by a real master tonight- saddlerider1. Your pretty good too PDQ.
yes, very interesting indeed. Water holds many many mysteries
Saw in another comment where you said you were a man of few words on the comments because it forced you to get your replies right..believe you've got something there PDX. Appreciate your interest on this one. PDX, the lakes almost in my back-yard and though I'd heard about the monster, had no idea of how many people have reported encounters with it; so it got the ole noggin wondering, how come its there?
Good hub. Interesting. I've never heard of this creature.
You bring up a good point there Admiral. What if it just keeps on growing; might cause some real mayhem then eh. But on the other hand there wouldn't be any doubt about its existence then. Thank you Admiral. You've got some cool looking hubs with the dinosaur and animal battles.
Wow!, if this creature is really existing. It must be investigated thoroughly. He might grow into uncontrollable size and presents inconceivable danger to people. Great Topic here Alastar. 1 vote up, awesome and interesting.=)
Agree with you 100% on the something strange Seeker. As far as the nuclear power plant goes, there just doesn't seem to be any other reason for the lakes monster and reputation for huge fish. Maybe there is another explanation but I sure haven't heard about one if there is. The lake is fairly clean being feed by mountain water and as far as I know pretty stringent pollution safe-guards; but your right about not eating any fish from it..lol! Awww, 'Them' is a great movie. The 50s really had some super sci-fi and monster flicks. There was a show called Shock Theater that came on every Friday night at 11:30 in the sixties; thats where I learned to love em too as a kid. Thank you Seeker, have you ever seen the English film 'X-the unknown?'
Hi Alastar,
What a fabulous and fascinating hub! There is obviously something very strange going on in this lake and given the near proximity of a nuclear plant it seems this might indeed be the cause for a mutant(s) of some sort.
It would be fascinating to know if this large creature, if affected by radiation, is able to breed etc. On the other hand you have to feel sorry for the creatures that may have been created due to the effects of radiation. I wouldn't be eating fish from there I don't think, just incase I started glowing in the dark or something!! LOL!
I remember watching the black and white movie "Them" when I was a kid - it terrified me! But I loved the movie and still do!
Another great hub Alastar. Voted up + awesome!
stricktlydating are you calling me a tall-tale fisherman..lol! The fish in that lake really do get extraordinarily big for some reason; and that bass was the biggest fish I've ever pulled out of fresh-water. No regrets on not keeping him either. Thank you strickly!
Besides the mystery about this creature, that's got to be one of the best, and most interesting fishing tales I've heard.
You would ah. Right next to the china huh. Ha-ha your a lady cougar and I don't mean datin younger men either. Gosh Kelly, whats one suppose to do: didn't have any ice or camera, didn't really know where an official weigh station was near-by, and the friend wasn't home. Besides, he'd given an extraordinary thrill and had obviously been around a long time. Just couldn't watch the ole boy gasp for oxygen and die. But I wouldn't blame anyone else for mounting that guy. Tell me sometime what the biggest fish you've ever caught was.
If I caught a monster - I'd hang it on the dining room wall - right next to the 'good China' lol. What else?
They sure are Dim. From Loch Ness through North America, then Asia and back. There have been some good theories put forward as to why that's so...can't think of them off the top of my head but will look em up again soon. Adds credence to they're reality in my humble opinion. Yes, very interesting!
YIKES!!!! l didn´t know that Loch ness was on same longitude as more of these spooky lakes.
That´s really interesting........
Ha-hah. Shouldn't let any ole monster keep you from enjoying the water quality girl. Your not alone in feeling anxious about Lake Norman though. Its pretty deep in spots and despite the cryptid[s] never hurting anyone you never know. Thanks quality, is good to hear from you.
oh my, you just re-inforced my feelings about never swimming in a lake or river. I have been to Lake Norman quite a few times but would never go in to swim because I had a fear of what was "lurking" in there! And the thought of the Nuclear power plant near by didn't help. This was a great informative story! thanks!
Heres what makes this one a bit different: the lake is pretty much covered with residential housing and near a metro area. Plus its got the nuclear power plant at the top. Without those factors it'd probably be a back-water for lake cryptids. I'm not completely up on the Loch Ness Monster but the evidence I have seen says its no myth. Its really intriguing if you look at the longitude- the one that goes 'round the earth- you'll find that Loch Ness is on the same one as quite a few other lake cryptids. Glad it was fascinating Dim, thank you.
Those were some eerie-bizarre incidents Augustine had for real. Especially that first one. My goodness. The Lake Monster would be a frightening one to bump into in the water but AA's, whew. Nurse Mar I do thank you and am glad 'Normie' was a lotta spooky for ya. PS- Delivered!
Fascinating ..... Puts our Loch Ness Monster in Scotland on the back burner for a while
Ooohh, Alastar, between your and Augustine's latest paranormal tales, these are most fabulous and spellbinding...
Voted UP, Awesome, Interesting and a lotta Spooky, mar!
Hi Polly. So Helgramites are ugly bugs,eh. Wonder what they look like exactly. Oh yeah, stocked ponds are where one can pull the trout out one after the other. To me thats no fun; but I bet that was a sight your 8 year old self getting that many so quickly. Very touching with your dad. An older lady relative loved to watch the Wheel too. Its fortunate you have those good memories with your pop Polly.
Wow how did that happen? Sheee. Helgramite are the ugliest bug in the world. I have only seen them in bait shops, glad I will probably never run into one. It was just a small pond that had been stocked. Trout were just liking worms that morning. It makes me wish now I had asked Dad a few years ago when I was caring for him if he remembered that. We watched wheel of fortune every evening and he loved that I was so good at it. I never saw him smile so much as then. He was in a wheel chair from stroke and his speech was real weak but I fixed him a treat and we had that time together every night. Nice memory.
Wow how did that happen? Sheee. Helgramite are the ugliest bug in the world. I have only seen them in bait shops, glad I will probably never run into one. It was just a small pond that had been stocked. Trout were just liking worms that morning. It makes me wish now I had asked him a few years ago when I was caring for him if he remembered that. We watched wheel of fortune every evening and he loved that I was so good at it. I never saw him smile so much as then. He was in a wheel chair from stroke and his speech was real weak bit I fixed him a treat and we had that time together every night. Nice memory.
Those sturgeon do get mighty big. It could very well be one. Ha-hah..like that Nell, 'glowing nuclear 20 foot monster.' You know on the Lake Norman website site people have put links to Google Earth or something where you can supposedly see it; and they say its well over 20 feet. Triple tack Ms. Nell- that's so right, you never know! PS- Got an intuition that shows on the up n up. Hope so!
Hi, sounds like a huge sturgeon, I only saw them on tv the other night, what monsters! but could be a glowing nuclear 20 foot monster! you never know! lol
Hi Canook! It certainly is here. I'm excited about your readings, hope everyone gets a little Halloween fright, but not too frightened. Let me know how the campfire stories and all else went. Witch Hazel's murder has been solved! Got to check that out on the Halloween and Duct Tape Hub pronto! Thank you Angie, have yourself a good time to-night.~:) Tarheel.
Hi! Tarheel Halloween is here....we will enjoy your stories. Canook P.S. Witch Hazel murder has been solved..check out Halloween and Duct Tape.
If Johnnys up on the monster then he should know about this one habee. Its next door to Belmont in McAdenville and known as Old Adam's light or something similar.
Oh, I'll ask Johnny about the Belmont Lights!
Double awesome! A dear friend of over twenty years is from Belmont too. Belmonts right on the Catawba River between Lakes Norman and Wylie so the monster stories are well known round n about. Hey habee, there's a ghost story from near Belmont about a man named Adams who loved nothing better than to catch people messin with his fish-traps. So he had it in his will to be buried standing up facing the river, and by gosh his lantern lights have been seen going from the grave down to the river where the fish-traps used to be for over 200 hundred years!
Your quite welcome htodd! Thanks for your interest & comment here.
Awesome! My hubby is from Belmont, and he had told me about this lake monster. I love stuff like this! Voted up.
Thanks for the nice post....
Forgot all about the crappies Polly, by gosh that's probably what your dad was frying, no kidding. Ha-ha you had beginners luck showing up all those fellows. Pretty impressive for an 8 year old girl. Great story there; whats a helgramite and where were you fishing Polly?
Maybe it was crappy, are those round? Could because those were the main two he caught if trout weren't being stocked. I wrote a story about going trout fishing with him when I was really small and there was just all men there at the fish hole, still dark out, catching nothing and I threw in my pole and yanked out four in a row (limit was 8 so that was my share) and they were all wanting what I was fishing with which it was a rule,,only worms. I didn't kill baby minnows and I didn't touch helgramites or any of those monsters, ew. They started turning over rocks and logs...lol... So I went and slept in the car til dad got his.
Maybe it was crappy, are those round? Could because those were the main two he caught if trout weren't being stocked. I wrote a story about going trout fishing with him when I was really small and there was just all men there at the fish hole, still dark out, catching nothing and I threw in my pole and yanked out four in a row (limit was 8 so that was my share) and they were all wanting what I was fishing with which it was a rule,,only worms. I didn't kill baby minnows and I didn't touch helgramites or any of those monsters, ew. They started turning over rocks and logs...lol... So I went and slept in the car til dad got his.
Hah-hah! Yes they do CM. During the summer months it can get pretty crowded on the water there. Its just to the NW of metro Charlotte, N.C. There's some convincing evidence out there for lake cryptids, but your probably right about many of them being just myths. An interesting fact is whatever longitude or latitude-the one that is horizontal- Loch Ness is on is the same one for quite a number of other lake monsters like Lake Champlain in New York state for example. I dunno, to me, when enough people report something over time there must be something out of the ordinary going on. Hopefully one day we'll have absolute definitive proof and proceed on from that point. Thank you much for the interest and comment CM. Very happy we're following now!
Hi Polly! Bass fish round? Hmm, they get pretty big bellies; but not really roundish. Maybe your Pop was frying perch or cat-fish or even trout like you say. As far as photos go with the cryptid, people are surprised when something happens and the encounters or sightings can be quick, so generally you could say folks just aren't prepared to get a perfect pic on it or them. Hmm, the chem-trails or whatever they're called are admitted to be for the atmosphere but not positive about that. Analysis of them has turned up some potentially harmful stuff. Unless you have lung or breathing probs your probably ok out-side but I can't say for sure. Glad you've got a new one on the old North State, will check it out asap. Thanks Ms. Polly!
Thomas, thank you. Good comparison there with the scene from Apocalypse Now and Norman. That's right, no condemnation; the nuclear plant has a good record and so far as I know never had any problems. But still, there must be a reason for the monster and extraordinarily large fish in the lake. Perhaps the latters no mystery but the former most certainly is. Hah, yes, usually did catch and release except for cat-fish once n awhile that i'd give to folk that wanted them. Grateful for the plaudits and fine comment my friend, thanks again.
And people still go near the water???? Very interesting hub Alastar, and I hope that concrete evidence is found to positively identify this creature(s). We have plenty of lake monster legends here in the UK, but most of them go back centuries and are probably just legends
Wow, now if I remember my fish a 20 pound bass would really be something because I don't remember those being a really big fish, aren't they sort of round? Seem that is what my dad fried up so buttery and good but never very big. I can't even imagine one 20 pounds. Maybe a trout. The main thing about the monster is that all pictures seem so far away and bobbing up and down. Strange how no one who has a camera for all these mysterious things know how to take a decent picture isn't it? lol Great story though but I certainly would eat no fish from these places. Such a shame what our government has done and still does I am sure. I was watching chem clouds just a few days ago that so many claim are jets and there was at least five crossings in one spot and I have a picture, just haven't come across it yet. That sure would be some brave or idiotic jet flyers. I went home and stayed indoors the rest of the day. Hope it wasn't too late. There's another NC one coming out today. We have a lot of good stuff here to write about, huh? Keep em coming. Lot of fun.
Alastar...
So where to start...well... OK...awesome...
I'm reminded of that scene from "Apocalypse Now" when 'Cookie" gets out of the boat to get mangoes...after his travails he's back in the boat saying..."never get out of the boat...never get out of the boat!"
Lake Norman seems to be similar situation. (less tigers and more mysterious fish...still)
I was impressed by your reasoned accounting of the likely role of the power company but not condemning.
I like that you threw that big bastard fish back.
I like that you shared this story. I am never disappointed when I rummage through your writings my friend, regardless of the subject you seek to tackle. Sign of the true professional.
Thomas
Peggy your a very well traveled lady but if you were going to say you'd been to Lake Norman too...lol. Just kidding a bit, forgive please. Small world sometimes, how about that with the relatives living on Norman. Yes, by all means ask them about it and comment back on their thoughts if you would. I knew about the monster but had no idea the extent of the sightings and spooky encounters till researching the story. So, it was rather interesting here as well. Thank you Peggy. jotting down to check out Chattanooga tomorrow!
I actually have some relatives who live on the shores of Lake Norman. Will have to query them as to their ever seeing such a monster. Thanks for an interesting hub!
That's right about finding new creatures lyricwriter. Read not long ago about some dinosaur fish recently discovered in Asia I believe. There must be near countless numbers of undiscovered species in the deepest depths of the oceans too. You could be correct about it coming up the river, there's just no way to know for sure. Going on the reports and the extremely large size fish get in the lake, the chemical and/or radiation angle is what my best guess would be but who knows. Have yourself a good Halloween and week-end too lyric, appreciate ya.
up, useful, awesome, and interesting Alastar. I am pretty sure I have seen a documentary on this lake. I believe it is very possible for these creatures to exist. With the Earth covered in 70% water, it is very possible. We are finding new creatures everyday. It is possible that it is one that hasn't been found. It may have managed to make its way up the river when the dam was being built. Very interesting though. It is hard telling what is out there. Have a good weekend.
Hi Canook! Thanks! Are you still going to have your Halloween reading? It should be a lot of fun. We get to find out about Witch Hazel too. Your friends liked Lizard man eh, its a spooky one also, very creepy. Happy Halloween Angie!~Tarheel
Good day Eiddwen! Still thinking on your beautiful market day poem & pics! There are some very fine programmes about cryptids, some of them never seem to get any evidence though. Theres a lady hubber named tipoague whose husband is head of a Bigfoot org. and she says that the bigfeet watch them put out the trail cameras. So, it would appear at least some of the cryptids are pretty intelligent. Thank you very kindly my Welsh friend, very pleasing to know you liked this one. Indeed, many more to share Eiddwen!
Wrote it with Halloween in mind but wasn't sure the lake monster story would be scary like a ghost story or something similar. Guess maybe it is. The thing about animal remains is that in the forest or water the remains go back into the cycle of nature very, very quickly. In all the many years I've tramped about woodlands and such I've never come upon any large mammal remains and rarely any small ones; but your absolutely right Bobbi, it would be nice to have some on the cryptids, then we'd have some definitive answers. Very fine to know you enjoyed it Bobbi, thank you.
Augustine, did you hear about the lab results and recent announcement on the Chupacabra tooth found in an animal carcass out west? No Known Species. Oh my, those feral hogs do get gigantic. That's very exciting about the real-life ghost stories AA, eagerly anticipating whats bound to be some superb writing and encounters!
Aww, just joshin you about the fun hub Kelly. It is fun, scardy ones can be a bit like riding the Big Bad Wolf or something like it at the theme parks in a way. Oh so you'd love to go fishing and catch a monster would you- what on earth would you do with it? or for that matter how would you REALLY deal with it..LOL! Thanks for the enjoyable comment n all Kelly!
Hi! Tarheel A good Halloween story. I have had some friends read Lizard man and they like it. Happy Halloween Canook
Hi Alaster,
Another great read,I loved it!!
I agree a great story just in time for Halloween;Brilliant!!
There are many programmes on Quest on this theme and I love them all.
As well as voting this one up up and away I have to bookmark also.
Here's to many more to share on here.
Take care and have a great day.
Eiddwen.
Nice and scary, just in time for Halloween. I want to see the remains of those mystical 'creatures' they must die someplace, right? Loved this story!
We have the Chupacabra, and monster hogs. That's about it. I will be sharing some real life ghost stories soon though.
Well come on now - it's near halloween and your bringing up all these scary monsters in the water! lol So yeah, I had fun with it - all except for you swelling up and getting a fever.
Plus - I would love to go fishing and catch a monster:) now wouldn't that be fun?
Hi Kelly! Glad he went back in the water too. He was such a magnificent fellow-just couldn't watch him go. It was tempting though. Oh well, whats a possible state record anyways. Sigh...Hey, believe your the first person to say fun hub...wondering about you now gal..lol!
Yep Ill be staying out of any lake now! I am so glad you threw the fish back Alastar:) I seriously love going fishing, but I have never seen anything bigger than a large mouth bass up close and personal. Fun hub!
Hi resspenser! Thank you my friend, the story took on a life of its own with the eye-opening encounters and such. Had no idea about how many there were. Got a new perspective on Norman now. Those massive cat-fish stories go back a ways for both dams then. That was common knowledge about the divers back then and your right, who really knows. The question might be why? Why do the fish get so extraordinarily large?
Oh brother Prasetio you always bring a smile. I will check out your mystery hubs, if you see this maybe leave some links. Ha! You wouldn't be running faster than me brother! Pleasure to share with you Pras.
It wouldn't surprise here either Gail. As a matter of fact I'm kinda leaning that way about it. Thank you and since there really wasn't any preparation for a fish that size the options were limited, well, non-existent really. In the end I figured he'd given such a thrill on top of being a grand-dad and surviving so long he needed to go back in. Appreciate you Gail.
Hah-hah! Good one sister Austinstar! I can't tell you how I'm dressing for Halloween cause then you'd know who I am when I come knocking at your door. Trick or Treat!
That's a great story, Alastar and well told. I've also heard a story about divers going down at the dam on the Catawba near Great Falls and coming out scared because of giant catfish. Who knows?
Hyph your right about that. A thousand years it may very well take to undo all the damage. Perhaps its wishful thinking but if human-kind would just make the right choices and suppressed technologies-according to many researchers- were wisely used, maybe the situation could be reversed for the betterment of the planet all the life on it. Merci Ms. B.
A very safe and wise strategy drbj. When the bigger critters swimming near, best go home and drink a beer! Glad you enjoyed this creepy tale..or should it be tail?
I love something mysterious. Brother, you can check my several hub related with mystery. But, this was totally awesome. You describe this monster so well. I can't imagine to see this creature personally. I'll run faster than you thought. Brother, you have done a great job here. Thanks for share with us. RATED UP!
Prasetio
I wouldn't be surprised if radiation has something to do with the size of the reported monster fish, but no matter what the truth, this was a great read and I loved your personal stories. What a big softie you are putting that prize fish back into the water! I liked that you had such a big heart for the big fish.
Voted up, awesome and interesting!
So, Alastar, are you dressing as a giant fish creature for Halloween?
Alastar, I believe in the New Jerusalem that we will spend the first thousand or so years cleaning up man's pollutions and depravities that were perpetuated upon out planet. You mention bees, frogs and other creatures in trouble. The most troubled of all may be human kind.
Science fiction becoming reality is right Silent Reed. It appears we are already seeing the mutants staring back as us in the mirror in many cases. This cryptid in the lake may or may not be one but all we need do is look at the smaller animals in trouble such as bees, frogs, bats on and on. In the scheme of things that is the real monstrosity. Appreciate your comment very much Silent, thank you.
Hah-ha! It is a Halloween tale of a different color now that you mention it. Really didn't expect it to be so eerie but the story kinda turned out that way. Thank ya Mike.
I make it a rule, Alastar, not to swim in any body of water that contains a fish or any other seafaring critter larger than me. So far, so good.
Enjoyed this interesting Normie tale - eerie, not Erie, and very creepy. Great graphics, too.
The really scary part is that science fiction becomes reality. Industrial pollution and wanton dumping of chemical waste into the natural habitat of the food chain may one day find a mutant in the mirror staring back at us.:)
Its not surprising your son maybe hasn't heard of it SusieQ. I over-looked it too when thinking on something for Halloween. But the idea came around and thought, Hey! That ones nearly in me back-yard! It certainly is creepy and I was a bit awed when researching the story by all the different sightings and encounters. Very strange and intriguing. Thanks SusieQ.
Well, this is a halloween tale of a different color. How eerie.
Interesting hub! I've not heard of this even with my son living in NC. I love a good mystery but this is pretty creepy. At least you didn't speak of anyone dieing like you do with sharks in the ocean.
Oh they've dove alright AA. The old river bed runs roughly down the middle of the lake and no doubt holds hidden archeological treasures. Its a fairly long body of water and from certain vantage points the opposite shore is a good piece away. The thing is like a lot of paranormal or cryptid history, encounters or sightings more often come as a surprise to people. You can go on the Lake Norman website though and see folks links to google earth or whatever its called and supposedly see the creature. Thanks a bunch Augustine. PS- if you see this- got any monster stories out your way?
Perfect rhyme from our 21st century bard Mentalist acer. Wary is the watchword! Thank you Byran.
Very cool! Since it's a lake, I wonder if anyone has attempted to dive and and explore. Maye not so much after this story? Awesome!
An atomic monster lives in Norman Lake,
Be wary for heaven's sake...
Great story Alaster!;)
Hello there in Florence John! Hah-ha! You can do it bro. You've published good eerie ones before, you know how to write em. Wonder if there's been any sea-serpents off the coast? These aren't monsters but what about that lantern the headless conductor swings back n forth up in Brunswick county. The Gray man down below Myrtle would be a good one too. If you can find another regional monster one down your way besides Bladenboro n Scape Ore please write it up. Appreciate ya John.
Geez Alastar, now I'll have to write a monster story better than yours! Good job.
Debby your very welcome. We who care must do what we can. I'll certainly take a look at the link. If fracking is going on in our states reservoirs then its news to me but will definitely study up on it. You take care too Debby, thank you.
Aha! Should have known you would Austinstar. Super, appreciate the link to it. Will eagerly read it tomorrow.- Its a done meet up for Normie hunting then. Tons of fun when we run into and get definitive proof of that sucker. Fun for it or us I'm not quite sure about though.
Hi AEvans. It really surprised me researching this to read about all the people that have been seriously spooked by this thing. eebie jeebies for sure. Its a pretty big lake but almost all of it is residential now. Here's something to ponder: Above it is a smaller lake with no monster; above that one is a large near pristine lake with no monster; and below it is a smaller lake with no monster. We may be right believing its a mutation AE. Can't blame you for not wanting to ever go in it, beginning to have second thoughts myself. Grateful for the comment and thumbs up, thank you.
Dear Alastar = Thanks for your response. I hope you are active in the local environmental communities such as http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org They recently called me about fracking in our state. Be well and looking forward to reading more stories.
Hello there in England molometer. Let me just say I've noticed some great looking Hubs of yours and will pounce on a few tomorrow. Sometimes it can be kinda hard to keep up with everyone like you'd like to. Awesome interesting about a catfish that size in a small shallow lake. Wonder if that was in the U.K. or elsewhere. Now that you mention it, the out-let pipes from the steam plant over here are know as one of the best fishing spots on Norman. Hah-hah! The crawdads here are a wee bit small for eatin molometer, but maybe that bass was on to something! Thank you my friend, appreciate you.
Of course I wrote a hub about it!
http://austinstar.hubpages.com/hub/Guanajuato-Mexi
I even had photos. Yes, it was one of the best trips I ever took to Mexico.
Normie hunting sounds like tons of fun. Maybe next summer.
Hello Debby. The big one hopefully approached the next crawdad cautiously. Didn't have any ice, wasn't sure where the closest weigh station was and no one was home at the friends house. Usually did catch and release anyways so it was okay. Your absolutely right about the animal anomalies occurring. If we continue to go against the natural order of things it will just continue to deteriorate for all living species on the planet. We won't have to look just in the lakes, swamps and forests for monsters, they'll be all around us. Thank you much for your interest and comment Debby.
Hi Austinstar. How very cool, swimming in a volcano crater down in Mexico. When you think about it, that would seem a likely place for something out of the ordinary. Red water, sulfurous smell, and demons. Methinks the kids may be right. That definitely sounds like an adventure to remember. If you've written on it with pics or plan to let us know. As far as the lake in this story goes for adventure- bring the beer n some sun-glasses and we'll go "Normie" huntin! Appreciate you Austinstar.
Gave me the eebie jeebies! I would not fish there, ski there or do anything there. I am glad you shared this story from a distance. lolo! Seriously, nuclear radiation could be the cause of mutation or many things big and small, but I honestly could not ever bring myself to get on that water. Thumbs up!
Hello Alastar,
I have seen giant catfish bigger than a man living in a tiny lake not 4 foot deep.
There are huge fish often caught near the outlet pipes of Nuclear power stations in the UK. Something to do with the water temperature.
And the Loch Ness is another story.
Great hub and very engaging.
Personally I would have eaten the crayfish lol
Dear Alastar ~ I admire you for throwing that, "BIG ONE THAT YOU CAUGHT" back into the water for the next fisherman. But, what concerns me the most here is the proliferation of nuclear power plants, emissions of radiation into our streams, lakes and into the aquifer. We're only harming ourselves with these actions.
Sure, kids can imagine some type of mystery and spooky creatures [BTW I love your illustrations] but in reality, kids today have a right to be fearful when reports of two headed frogs and other genetic anomalies become more frequent. What then of their own potential to produce healthy children? Blessings, Debby
When I went swimming in the volcano in Mexico, the locals also told me all the horror stories of the "monster" in the lake. Of course it was a demon from hell as this lake was in a crater. During the Mexico City earthquake several years ago, I heard the water in the crater turned red. The water already smelled sulfurus as it was. But what an adventure!
Looks like North Carolina's Lake Norman could be quite an adventure too.
Mr. Epi I believe you have read near all of em, quite a feat considering what one has to plow through. You know how much I appreciate it too. Hmm, better a poetry book full of epigrams from HPs very own Epigramman!
Now Martie you know whats just around the corner and should prepare yourself for these scarifying tales..lol. Just keep saying to yourself ...its thousands of miles away across the ocean, its thousands of miles away across the ocean. Alright my S. African friend , you got me taking this atomic monstrosity lightly and that will never do. Martie, the people who've seen it on google earth even have the coordinates and links were one can see it for themselves. You know I thank you very much and will try to remember the time differential in future when a spooky one is published.~:)
Hi Becky. Hey, speaking about atomic monsters, Nevada lakes should have one if anywhere does with all the nuclear bomb tests it used to have. You know, it wasn't an hour our so ago I was thinking about how the divers stories of huge fish wasn't limited to Lake Norman. I believe theres something to the reports by divers here and isn't just an urban legend or whatever. It sounds like yours was first hand. They certainly do get VERY big. Thanks for the great comment and telling us about that Becky!
....as a writer you are peerless; as a man you are king among men; and I am proud to say that I've done something with my life worthwhile and read almost every hub you have put together - now all we're waiting for is an ALASTAR PACKER ANTHOLOGY!
lake erie time 6:51pm
Ain't it the truth about the big catfish though. Thank you Hyph. Supposedly a near record breaking Arkansas Blue was caught near the dam once. The Alligator Garfish can get up to ten feet and several hundred pounds as well. But if you go on the site there's just one report after another with some pretty freaky scary descriptions. Ha! Swim close to the dock for real! And thanks again for the sentiment my lady. A princess would be fine, unfortunately, it usually takes a good deal more than croaking Rib-bit to get a kiss or anything else from them. Nice thought though. Merci Hyph
Half past midnight in SA - and you've given me the creeps of all creeps. Really, Alastar, I'm all goose-flesh. This sentences of yours take the cake: ".... Some have even reported seeing a beast well over 20 feet long on google earth through the satellite imagery...." Shivering with the horrors I've crawled this up, interesting, well-written, and Lake Normans Monster not to be read in the middle of the night :))
Hi there Faithful Daughter. Well, I wanted to do a spooky one for Halloween but no matter which one was considered something just didn't feel right. Then it dawned on me there was this one almost in my back-yard, Bingo! Could also write some first person experience on it too. LOL, glad you're just joshing cause whatever it is nobodies been hurt by it or them, just scared to death. But theres always a first time, so beware! At least till after the fright night. Thanks a bunch for the wonderful comment n all Faithful!
Very interesting hub. I was raised in NV and went to a large reservoir often during the summer to camp and swim. We heard stories of divers going down to check the dam after earthquakes. They saw some huge catfish down there, estimated at 12 feet long(twice as long as the divers). Some of them said they wouldn't go back down there because they didn't want to be lunch.
This is one reason I do not swim in water where I cannot see my feet. I know some great big catfish grow in those coves. Some can be as large as a shark. But Normie is more than that. I think the power plant pollution helps him grow but he was there before. Could be an anomaly from radiation contamination I suppose. In any regard, I hope you do not swim there anymore. It is not in your best interests. We would like to keep you around a while dude. On the other hand you might pick up a desperate princess or two and get a kiss. Wonder what they would say when that frog throat just keeps saying Rib-bit? laugh
Great story Alastar and a scary one too.
Scary stuff! How do you find these stories? (lol) I was afraid to go back into the water after Jaws, then Jaws II and III came out, and that did it for me. Then I thought lakes and ponds were the safest place, but thanks to your hub, now I can't even swim in a lake afraid that Normie's cousin may appear swimming next to me (you know I'm just kidding with you, but still scary stuff though).
Good one bro! Just glad the throat swelled up right after leaving the water, not in it..ha-ha! Its also distinctly distasteful to realize you've be floating in contaminated water you know. Appreciate you Irish; and your most heartily welcome.
I have visions of you Dixie water skiing with a frog's throat and may well have been mistaken for one of monsters LOL! You have written another great hub thank you.
Hi Lady T. You know from many of the descriptions thats exactly what it sounds like. Those fish are huge with an alligator like snout. But then again, one reads numerous reports about it looking like a pile of flotsam or garbage from which a long head and neck suddenly emerges. So, while it certainly could be an alligator gar, it just as well could be something else. Its got plenty of room to roam as Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in the state. Hey Lady T, thanks for the one up on the outta place drug ads. Normie is hear-by retired from the Hub to be replaced by Normieee!...lol. Normie and Nessie, perfect! how very astute of you J'aime. Thanks for the great comment n read my lady!
Oooh! I love it! I love anything mysterious and especially cryptozoology! I wonder if it is an oversized sturgeon as I have seen them on tv being rather enormous and they have been known to swallow people whole. Perhaps it is a huge alligator as well. Who knows...maybe it is Nessie's long lost love...Norman!
--- On another note: I find it interesting that the google ads attached to this hub is about drug rehab and the monster's nick name is "Normie" lol. As that is what people from NA like to call those of us who aren't recovering addicts. I guess the HubPages machine did that on its own!
Alastar Packer Hub Author 11 days ago
The Lake Norman monster certainly is amazing and still quite the unknown, thank you for commenting QudsiaP1!