Authorities said the teen was swimming from a family boat during an outing on the lake when he encountered trouble in the water around 6:30 p.m. and disappeared. An extensive search began shortly afterward.
Crews resumed the search Sunday but due to thunderstorms and heavy rain the search was suspended.
While rescuers were wrapping up operations, a NC Wildlife Resources Commission officer found the missing swimmer.
No other information is being release because of the teen's age, the sheriff's office said.