The last known mountain lion (Felis concolor) in the Smokies was killed near Fontana Village, though unconfirmed sightings are periodically reported within the park boundaries. This 10,230-acre finger lake has 238 miles of shoreline and is 31 miles long from 480-ft-high Fontana Dam to Bryson City. As with any trip, booking in advance is always ideal. Fontana Lake is known for being the go-to spot for smallmouth bass fishing. Species Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Kentucky Spotted Bass, Walleye, Muskie, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Yellow Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Carp. Lake excursions are available, with knowledgable guides relating the history of the region and the dam. Recreation The 29-mile long, 11,700-acre Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA Fontana Lake is known for being the go-to spot for smallmouth bass fishing. “It is not uncommon to see a 5-pound largemouth and a 5-pound smallmouth caught there, and if you catch a 2 1/2- to 3-pound spot, you have really caught a good one,” Roy said. Fontana lake holds an amazing smallmouth fishery and 40 plus days are not uncommon. And its deep, cold waters provide the ideal habitat for a variety of fish. Those nearer to Fontana Lake NC and can drive going to Bryson City, your only problem would involve booking cabins you like. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Fontana Reservoir provides 238 miles of shoreline and 10,230 acres of water surface for recreational activities. On Fontana Lake, water temperatures in June and July cement the summer fishing season. We offer half day (4 hour) trips on Fontana Lake. 210 Main Street Launch: Lemmons Branch Boat Launch. Lake Fontana is surrounded by pure wilderness, with the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on the north shore and the Nantahala National Forest to the south. Bass species include largemouth, smallmouth, and Kentucky spotted bass. "James seems to be about 10 years behind Fontana," said biologist Scott Loftis. Lake Fontana Smallmouth Bass Fishing. Required fields are marked *. Fontana lake holds an amazing smallmouth fishery and 40 plus days are not uncommon. Fly fishing opportunities on the lake are seasonal and limited to proficient fly anglers only. Details: Fontana Lake is the deepest lake in NC and arguably the clearest water.With a dense population of threadfin shad, gizzard shad, bream and trout are the food sources for bass! This Lake is my Hidden Jewel and is located in the Nantahala National Forest, with 1,605 acres and 42 miles of shoreline. If your kids are up for it, there are even zip line adventures for the younger crowd. Fontana Lake, North Carolina 09/18/19 Fishing Report for Fontana Lake (Reservoir) North Carolina: (See Fishing Report Archive at bottom of page) Bass, spotted, smallmouth and largemouth are being caught early and late in the day Over 230 miles of shoreline allow plenty of space for fishing in or out of a boat. This overflow is separate from the main lake preventing motorboats form entering. Fontana Lake is a reservoir impounded by Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River located in Graham and Swain counties in North Carolina.The lake forms part of the southern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the northern border of part of the Nantahala National Forest.Depending on water levels, the lake is about 17 miles (27 km) long. In addition to that tempting information, many anglers say that Fontana Lake is one of the best smallmouth bass fishing lakes in the entire nation. If you’re going to stay in the state for a week or so, you can explore other beaches North Carolina has to offer. Fontana Lake is part of the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means you can explore the National Park if you want to. Nantahala Lake is the clearest lake I guide on and there are some houses and boat docks. Fontana’s deep, cold waters are perfect for multiple species of fish to thrive in, and it is known as one of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing lakes in the nation. This 10,230 acre scenic lake with 230 miles of shoreline is nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest on the Little Tennessee River in the mountains of western North Carolina. ... Smallmouth bass are widely regarded as one the hardest fighting game fish in freshwater. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events in the Bryson City area. Fontana Lake: provides 238 miles of shoreline and 10,230 acres of water surface for fishing and recreation activities. Fed by the Nantahala and Little Tennessee Rivers, the cool waters host a variety of species, from muskie to walleye to smallmouth bass, and more! The lake contains large creeks and numerous pockets for largemouth habitat and deep-water havens for smallmouth and spotted bass. These bass are big and aggressive, but they’re also old. If you’re worried about rain or extreme weather ruining your trip, the best months to visit Fontana Lake are between late April and early October. This 10,230 acre scenic lake with 230 miles of shoreline is nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest on the Little Tennessee River in the mountains of western North Carolina. What times of year are best for visiting? We primarily target smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, and trout, but occasionally target and encounter other lake species as well. Walleye, three kinds of bass—smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieui), largemouth (M. Here in Fontana, we have one of the most beautiful lakes anywhere in the world. This moderately trafficked, out-and-back section of the A.T. is located near Fontana Dam features beautiful wild flowers or fall colors, lake and wildlife views. For example, 75 percent of 50 smallmouth sampled contained Alabama bass genes at Fontana Lake. Planning a good 2-3 months in advance would probably do. What’s great about this lake is that even if you’re not interested in fishing or swimming, you can still get closer to nature by sightseeing. Fontana Lake Swain - North Carolina 11 catches 309 followers 9 spots Brush has been cleared at each fishing access point along the full pool elevation of the lake. The casual angler may employ a variety of tactics to target these fish, but guide James McManus of 153 Charters Fishing spends most of the summer trolling the lake’s depths, trying to convince a number of different species to bite. Black bass species including smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass are all feeding heavily on crawdads and shad. What kinds of cabins or rental cabins are available in Fontana Lake? Several catfish are caught each year on Fontana weighing in excess of 50 lbs. If you’re on the hunt for the best fishing spots in the country, bring your gear when visiting. Bryson City, NC. Read a family’s account of a day at Fontana and Cheoah dams . Emerging from the Lake Emory Dam, the Little Tennesee River tumbles and turns through Macon and Swain County all the way down to the Fontana Lake. The best techniques for catching fish on Lake Nantahala are small jigs, shaky head, crankbaits, dropshot and top water. The smallmouth on Fontana Lake are making a rebound from last year, and it's time to get after them. Bryson City - Swain County What local anglers at Fontana Lake are calling the best late fall/early winter bass fishing in their memory continues at the reservoir in the Great Smoky Mountains. Fontana holds a variety of fish, ranging from smallmouth bass to rainbow trout, white bass and even walleye. If possible, book your cabin first (especially if you’re not fond of camping). Learn more about camping at Fontana Lake. P.O. Nantahala lake is about 12 miles from Andrews, North Carolina. This means if you book around this time, expect rentals to be a LOT higher. Stay right on 28 towards Almond. On the other hand, the cool months produce the best fishing of the year on Fontana Lake, which many mountain anglers consider North Carolina's premier smallmouth bass lake. Some say that Fontana Lake offers the best smallmouth bass fishing in the United States. Guided Trips on Fontana Lake. There’s no doubt that Gettysburg is steeped in history and has played a huge role in shaping the United States…. Lake houses (when they become available) sell for $500,000 or more as people discover what an treasure Lake Santeetlah is. With a lake the size of Fontana there is bound to be an apex predator and Fontana has such river monsters: Muskie. The Lake is very deep with a max depth of 440 feet and average depth of 135 feet. Fontana Lake may be one of the best kept secrets of Western North Carolina offering opportunities for recreation like boating, fishing, camping, and more. This part of the A.T. is … To get here, drive near the US 74 / Hwy 28 intersection. I … Great fishing all year for smallmouth and largemouth bass; and catfish can be found throughout spring into fall. The Fisherman's Bass Tournament Circuit agrees: in 2001, they held their annual Hall of Fame Classic at Fontana Lake. Of the lake’s available shoreline, only 10% have been developed commercially. The lake provides 238 miles of rocky steep shoreline, bordering the Great Smokey National Park , which is ideal for the sought after bronze backs. Fontana Lake offers several activities for its residents to enjoy. Lake Fontana Smallmouth Bass Fishing Full Day Fishing Guides (up to 8 hours) $350 for up to two people $ 50 for each additional adult * Kids under 14 fish free More about our Lake Fontana Smallmouth … The clear, cool waters of Fontana Lake make the perfect home for big smallies Fontana Reservoir provides 238 miles of shoreline and 10,230 acres of water surface for recreational activities. The shoreline drops off quickly. Access West of Bryson City on NC 28 (off US 19/74). Spring also brings fantastic fishing for crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. Take One of These 12 Best Train Rides in the US, For those who subscribe to the adage “the journey matters more than the destination” and want to decrease their carbon footprint, train trips are the perfect vacations. salmoides ), and white ( Morone chrysops )—as well as channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ), flathead catfish ( Pylodictis olivaris ), and bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ) are abundant. It is in the middle of nowhere – so pack whatever you need before going here. Fishing, skiing and kayaking are all activities easily enjoyed on the wide open waters of Lake Because of the cold deep water, Fontana was stocked in the 1970s with walleye, and the population has thrived. Deep-Water havens for smallmouth bass, smallmouth bass, smallmouth, and steelhead look for the smallmouth. Of a day at Fontana lake is home to largemouth, spotted bass are all activities enjoyed... Ponds, Fly Shops, Bait & tackle, trout and Muskie are some houses and boat docks 10,230-acre lake. 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