Fishing Fontana Lake

AKA: Fontana Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Fontana Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
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Fontana Lake, NC

Popular Fish Species Fontana Lake, NC

Fontana Lake Popular Fish - Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass are often found in some of the same areas one would find largemouth bass, especially when in deeper water. They also tend to gather in small schools. Here at Fontana Lake, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a very strong battle. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, sunfish and bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use worms and jigs. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Fontana Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Fontana Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. The fishery is nicely managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Walleye Fishing

Considered by many to be the best walleye fishery in North Carolina, Fontana Lake has a healthy population of walleye this year. May and July 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, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, yellow perch, steelhead and muskie at Fontana Lake in North Carolina.

Fontana Lake Fishing Video

With over 230 miles of scenic shoreline, Fontana Lake offers a broad range of fishing opportunities. Well known as a bass tournament lake, it is home to bass over 10 pounds. Healthy populations crappie, perch, bluegill and walleye make this an excellent choice for fish-fry outings. If you like to fish for the big ones, the lake also boasts big catfish and muskie. If you prefer trout fishing, Fontana serves up both rainbow and brown trout. This 11,700-acre reservoir, located in the western part of the state, has a wide variety of camping and lodging choices. Public boat ramps and marinas make boating a pleasure, and boat rentals are available for varied types of boats. The lake has limited shoreline cover, but has a great deal of creek channels, coves, ledges and humps that hold fish - both deep and shallow, depending on time of year. There is limited shoreline access to much of the lake, but there are areas for fishing from shore. Boat, canoe, and kayak fishing are the preferred ways to fish these waters.

Primary fish species residing in Fontana Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Fontana Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Alarka Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
828 488-3841

Almond Boat and RV Park
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoons
828 488-6423

Fontana Village Resort Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoons
828 498-2017

Prince Boat Dock Parking Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
828 479-3704

Marinas

Alarka Marina
7230 Grassy Branch Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
828 488-3841

Fontana Village Resort Marina
40 Fontana Dam Rd
Fontana Dam, NC 28733
828 498-2017

Prince Boat Dock Parking Marina
Fontana Lake
Robbinsville, NC 28771
828 479-3704

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cable Cove Boating Access
County Rd 1287, Fontana Dam, NC 28733
This is a concrete ramp with primitive parking, just passed the Cable Cove Campground on Cable Cove Road.

Lemmons Branch Boat Launch
Conveniently located in the southwest sector of the lake, this two-lane concrete ramp has paved parking for over fifty vehicles. Take Highway 28 to Tsali Road to Lemons Branch Boatdock Road.

Prince Boat Dock Parking Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
This is a primitive ramp and parking, located on Thomas Park Road.

Tsali Boating Access Ramp
Located in the southwest sector of the lake, at the end of Tsali Road, this is a primitive launch area and parking.