Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee
- Boat Ramps
- 5
- Access Points
- 6
- Species
- 22
Lake Jocassee is a pristine 7,565-acre reservoir nestled in the northwesternmost corner of South Carolina, where it borders North Carolina. Created in 1973, this exceptionally clear, deep lake is fed by multiple rivers and streams that cascade down from the Blue Ridge Escarpment. With a maximum depth of 326 feet and steep, cliff-like banks where depths can reach 75 feet within casting distance of shore, Lake Jocassee offers a unique fishing environment unlike any other in South Carolina. The lake was formed by the impoundment of the Keowee River at the confluence of the Whitewater and Toxaway rivers. Its pristine waters, spectacular mountain scenery, and diverse fish populations make it not only one of South Carolina's premier fishing destinations but also one of its most beautiful lakes.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Lake Jocassee and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Lake Jocassee. 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 Lake Jocassee
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.
North Carolina Fishing License
Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirements of any fishing license and trout privilege license.
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.
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.
Take Lake Jocassee 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 Lake Jocassee to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Jocassee 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.
Get the onWater Fish app
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Lake Jocassee and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
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