Fishing Lake Santeetlah

AKA: Santeetlah Lake

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Lake Santeetlah Fishing Video
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Santeetlah Lake, NC

Popular Fish Species Lake Santeetlah, NC

Largemouth Bass

Weekend and tournament anglers alike enjoy fishing Lake Santeetlah for largemouth bass. When the bite is good, bass are typically shallow and aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Lately the fishing has been better than usual. Big bass are thriving in Lake Santeetlah due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Santeetlah on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.

Crappie

Everyone loves to catch big slab crappies in Lake Santeetlah. Both black crappie and white crappie reside here, and crappie are running as big as ever this year. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Walleye

Thanks to good fisheries management by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, a thriving population of hefty walleye are thriving in the waters of Lake Santeetlah this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, bream and yellow perch at Santeetlah Lake in North Carolina.

Located amidst the North Carolina Smoky Mountains, Lake Santeetlah is a 2,880-acre gem for boating and fishing enthusiasts. In the western part of the state, at Santeetlah, NC, it has all the amenities for vacationing on and off the water. Runabouts, deck boats, pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks are for rent on the lake. Come fish for smallmouth and largemouth bass, trout and sunfish, where the entire family can enjoy fishing success. The lake has plenty of coves, creek channels and pockets for the fish to call home, and the anglers to seek out. Water ski the main lake areas or quietly fish the backs of the creeks during spring and fall.

Lake Santeetlah, located in the picturesque mountains of North Carolina, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and rewarding experience. This pristine lake spans approximately 2,800 acres and is nestled within the Nantahala National Forest, offering breathtaking natural scenery.

Anglers visiting Lake Santeetlah can expect a variety of fish species that populate its clear waters. The lake is known for its exceptional trout fishing, including both rainbow trout and brown trout. These elusive and prized game fish thrive in the cold, oxygen-rich waters of the lake, providing an exciting challenge for anglers. Fly fishing is particularly popular on Lake Santeetlah, with its numerous secluded coves and quiet stretches of shoreline offering ideal spots for casting lines.

Apart from trout, Lake Santeetlah is home to other sought-after species, including smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Bass fishing is popular in the lake, thanks to its rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and abundant vegetation that serve as ideal habitats for these feisty fighters. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques, such as casting lures, flipping jigs, or topwater fishing.

Lake Santeetlah in North Carolina is a haven for anglers seeking a serene and rewarding fishing experience. With its abundance of trout, bass, and other fish species, the lake offers ample opportunities for angling enthusiasts. Boating and camping options further enhance the outdoor experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Whether you're casting a line for trout, chasing bass, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, Lake Santeetlah is a must-visit destination for fishing and relaxation in North Carolina.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Santeetlah

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Santeetlah Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Santeetlah, and visitors can enjoy exploring its pristine waters in various watercraft. Whether it's a motorboat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, there are options for everyone to navigate the lake and find their favorite fishing spots. The calm and serene atmosphere of the lake enhances the boating experience, allowing anglers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Santeetlah Boat Rentals
Rentals: canoes, kayaks, deck boats and pontoons
828 479-7422

Santeetlah Marina
Rentals: canoes, kayaks, deck boats and pontoons
828 479-8180

Marinas

Santeetlah Marina
1 Marina Dr
Lake Santeetlah, NC 28771
828 479-8180

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Avey Branch Boat Ramp
This is a small concrete boat ramp with unimproved parking. It is located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Joyce Kilmer Road.

Blue Boar Boat Launch
This is a primitive launch ramp and parking. It does have a dock. It is located in the southwest corner of the lake off Blue Boar Road.

Cheoah Point Boating Access
This single-lane, concrete ramp has a dock and limited, paved parking. It is situated in the north-central portion of the lake, on Cheoah Point Road.

Massey Branch Boat Launch
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Cherohala Skyway Highway, this dual-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Santeetlah

Carolina Bound Adventures Fishing Guides - trout, bass, walleye, panfish

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Lake Santeetlah Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License.

Camping opportunities abound near Lake Santeetlah, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and enjoy the tranquility of the area. There are several campgrounds in the surrounding national forest, offering a range of amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Camping near Lake Santeetlah provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and fully appreciate the peaceful ambiance of the mountains.