Chatuge Lake

Boat Ramps: 11
Access Points: 19
Species: 24

Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains along the Georgia-North Carolina border, Chatuge Lake is a 7,000-acre man-made reservoir with 130 miles of shoreline. Created in the 1940s by the Tennessee Valley Authority for flood control and power generation, this picturesque lake reaches a maximum depth of 144 feet and offers clear waters due to its natural infertility. The crystal-clear waters against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains create a stunning setting for anglers of all skill levels, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking both beauty and abundant catches.

Georgia licenses and regulations5 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Chatuge Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Chatuge Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Chatuge Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Georgia licenses and regulations

Georgia Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Georgia Delayed Harvest Streams

Anglers fishing delayed harvest streams must release all trout immediately and use and possess only artificial lures with one single hook per lure from Nov. 1–May 14 annually. The use of additional “dropper” lures on one line is permitted as long as each lure contains one single hook. These restrictions do not apply from May 15–Oct. 31 of each year.

Georgia Fishing License

Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in fresh or salt water in Georgia. Additionally, a free SIP is required to fish in saltwater. A temporary authorization number obtained by telephone or internet sale may be used for seven days until the paper copy is received or printed. Game Wardens may require photo identification when checking fishing licenses. Exception: A fishing license is not required to fish in private ponds (does not include ponds owned by governments—city, county, state, or federal) nor by a resident and their immediate family when fishing on their land.

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Georgia Fishing Regulations

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Georgia Stream Access Laws

Navigable waters are those capable of regular barge traffic. The public may boat and fish to the low water mark only where the streambed is owned by the state. If the streambeds are private, you need permission to wade and fish.

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Take Chatuge Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Chatuge Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Chatuge Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.