Fishing Nantahala Lake

AKA: Nantahala Lake, Nantahala Reservoir

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

Popular Fish Species Nantahala Lake, NC

Nantahala Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Nantahala Lake. Without blueback herring or spotted bass in the lake, smallmouth tend to thrive. Fishing for smallmouth bass can be 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. Other bass to be caught here include largemouth bass and spotted bass.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, a growing population of walleye are now being caught in the waters of Nantahala Lake. 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 in Nantahala Lake is by 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.

Nantahala Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

The population of largemouth bass in Nantahala Lake is doing well. Excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass have created an environment for anglers to catch both quantity and quality here. 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 on deeper structure. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Nantahala Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to 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. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake. Local fishing guides can provide all the gear and spend a day showing you how to catch fish on Lake Nantahala. The lake is known for its populations of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, trout, and catfish. Smallmouth bass are a prized catch at Nantahala Lake. Largemouth bass are also plentiful. Walleye can be found in deeper parts of the lake. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, including rainbow trout and brown trout. Catfish can also be found in the deeper areas of the lake.

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.