Fontana Lake

Boat Ramps: 6
Access Points: 9
Species: 22

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Fontana Lake is a premier fishing destination in western North Carolina. This 10,230-acre reservoir stretches 17 miles from the 480-foot Fontana Dam to Bryson City, offering 238 miles of scenic shoreline. With emerald green waters surrounded by both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest, Fontana is not only a fishing paradise but also a place of stunning natural beauty. At 440 feet deep in places, it holds the distinction of being the deepest lake in North Carolina and the fourth deepest man-made lake in the United States, creating unique fishing opportunities that attract anglers from across the region.

North Carolina licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

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

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Fontana 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 Fontana 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.

North Carolina licenses and regulations

North Carolina 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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North Carolina Fishing License

Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirements of any fishing license and trout privilege license.

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North Carolina Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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North Carolina Stream Access Laws

If a boater can float the water, it is navigable and can be used for recreation. Navigable waters are in the public trust, including streambeds. If the navigable water is tidal, public use extends to all waters that cover an average high tide.

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Take Fontana 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 Fontana Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Fontana 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.