Guide To Fishing At Nantahala Lake

AKA: Nantahala Lake, Nantahala Reservoir

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and striped bass at Nantahala Lake in North Carolina.

As the only lake in the South with a population of kokanee salmon, Lake Nantahala is a unique fishery in these parts. However, salmon is not the only attraction for anglers here. This 1,600-acre lake in the south eastern section of the state, has a wide range of fish species to pursue. Bass, catfish, crappie, trout, stripers and sunfish reside here. Local fishing guides can provide all the gear and spend a day showing you how to catch fish on Lake Nantahala. Bring your boat or rent one at the marina. Canoe and kayak fishing are popular here and there is thirty miles of shoreline, some of which can be accessed for shoreline fishing. This scenic lake provides opportunities for all types of angling, from shallow water techniques to deep-water ledge and structure fishing.

Primary fish species residing in Nantahala Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Nantahala Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats
828 557-0408

Marinas

Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals
13 Old Faber Road
Topton, NC 28781
828 557-0408

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Nantahala Lake Boat Ramp
This small, but efficient, one-lane boat ramp has a dock and limited, paved parking. Access this launch area via Big Choga Road

Nantahala Lake Rocky Branch Access Area
Centrally located, on the south side of the lake, this is a two-lane boat ramp with a dock and gravel parking. Access is via Wayah Road.

Click here for a North Carolina Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Appletree Campground - 828 524-6441

Appletree Group Camp Campground - 828 321-3610

Nelson's Nantahala Hideaway Campground - 828 321-4407

Brookside Campground & Rafting - 828 321-5209

Lake Nantahala NC Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Lake Video

Contact Information

Nantahala Lake
Franklin Chamber of Commerce
425 Porter Street
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
866 372-5546

Fishing lakes in each state.