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RANDLEMAN, N.C. – After much anticipation, the Randleman Regional Reservoir is open for boating and fishing.

Anglers and boaters were out early Monday, and officials expect the reservoir to be a big draw.

The parking lot was full of trucks and trailers, and fishing lines were in the water, signs that the long awaited day got off to a big start.

"We've got about 55 outboard engines here, got some trolling motorboats, got some paddle boats, canoes kayaks, several people fishing off the pier and a lot of spectators," said Randy Howard, lake warden.

The small marina sports a floating boat dock and a pier.

Some people wanted to be first out on the water.

“We got here about 5:30 yesterday evening and we slept in the truck last night,” said Jeffrey McDonald, a boater. “It got a little cold but it, it was worth the wait."

The reservoir was stocked with largemouth bass and channel catfish.

Other fish, including bream and crappie, spilled into the reservoir from nearby farm ponds that flooded.

Fishermen were hopeful.

“They say they got several species of fish, so, I'm just looking for maybe crappie, a small bass or, you know, smaller fish,” said Brian McManamon. “That's why I'm doing pier fishing today."

Opening day also drew people like Jimmy Blake, mayor of the town of Biscoe in Montgomery County.

Blake says the reservoir will prove to be a huge asset.

“I think it will be for central North Carolina as well as folks from all parts of the state and southeast,” said Blake. “It can be used for a lot of different things and I'm just going to get some exercise."

Howard wanted boaters and fisherman to enjoy themselves, but also to remember that the reservoir is a precious resource.

“Follow our rules, because this reservoir was set up for drinking water and we want to keep it as clean as possible for that purpose," Howard said.

The reservoir will be open Wednesdays through Sundays through the end of November,

The hours for now are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the reservoir will open earlier and stay open later as the days get longer.

Pier fishing is $2. Gas-powered boating is $15 for up to three people.

Meanwhile, about 200 yards from the pier, construction continues on a water treatment plant.

Officials with the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority said the facility would begin supplying drinking water this summer, eventually to thousands of people in Guilford and Randolph counties.