Yes you can shore fish from cowans ford dam. Go to the boat launch and there are trails. Mountain island dam is also open.
With boat u can get pretty close to damn on lower side of cowans Ford damn top side weli it roped of of course do to water being let out. Mtg island damn is roped off as well so is water treatment plant over by latta plantation. Just safety reasons. But you can get up against the rope and cast out prett good. Best places to fish out on either lake. Just my personal opinion though.
I don't know of anywhere you can fish at Cowans Ford Dam. You can shore fish from the boat launch at the 73 bridge (1/4 mile away) but without a boat/kayak/etc. I don't know of where you can fish. I believe Mountain Island Dam is still open, I haven't heard otherwise, but I haven't been down there in some time.
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.