Fishing Cheoah Lake

AKA: Lake Cheoah

Popular Fish Species
Cheoah Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Cheoah Lake, NC

Popular Fish Species Cheoah Lake, NC

Cheoah Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Cheoah Lake can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Annual stocking by the NC Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Cheoah Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Cheoah Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskellunge in Cheoah Lake could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, redbreast sunfish, white bass and muskie at Cheoah Lake in North Carolina.

Cheoah Lake Fishing Video

Located below Fontana Dam, Cheoah Lake is a 640-acre, cold-water fishery with several species of trout. One boat ramp and a fishing pier are open to the public. It is located on the western border of the state, at Tapaco. This wandering river lake is 29 miles long and has over 200 miles of shoreline. Because it is remote, and gets little fishing pressure, the fishing can often be very good for both quantity and quality. Trout are the main attraction, but the lake also supports populations of bass, sunfish and muskie.

Primary fish species residing in Cheoah Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Cheoah Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Rymers Ferry Lake Access
Use Meadow Branch Road (County Rd 1247) to reach this primitive ramp with limited parking.