Rhodhiss Lake is a 3,060-acre impoundment on the Catawba River located between Hickory and Morganton in North Carolina, featuring 90 miles of shoreline. Created in 1925 when Duke Energy built the Rhodhiss Dam (65 feet high and 1,500 feet long), the lake is known for its crystal clear blue waters due to its sandy bottom. Unlike many reservoirs, Rhodhiss maintains a relatively constant water level year-round as it serves as a drinking water source for several nearby communities including Granite Falls, Lenoir, Morganton, and Valdese. The lake remains cooler throughout most of the year compared to downstream reservoirs due to the cool water flowing from the depths of Lake James. This unique thermal characteristic makes it an excellent habitat for various fish species and contributes to it being considered one of the best trophy striped bass lakes in North Carolina.