Lake Fontana in North Carolina is a picturesque reservoir known for its diverse fish population and scenic surroundings. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Fontana offers a variety of fishing opportunities due to its clear waters and abundant aquatic habitat. Here’s an overview of the fish species you can target at Lake Fontana:

Fish Species in Lake Fontana

1. Largemouth Bass

• Description: Largemouth bass are a popular target at Lake Fontana. They are known for their aggressive behavior and are a favorite among bass anglers.
• Best Techniques:
  • Spring: Bass move into shallow waters to spawn. Use soft plastics (e.g., worms, creature baits), crankbaits, and spinnerbaits around vegetation and spawning flats.
  • Summer: Target deeper structures such as submerged points and brush piles with deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and Texas rigs.
  • Fall: Bass become more active as water cools. Focus on shallower areas and use a variety of moving baits to match the feeding patterns of bass.
  • Winter: Bass fishing slows down. Use slow-moving baits like jigs and deep-diving crankbaits in deeper waters.

2. Smallmouth Bass

• Description: Smallmouth bass are present in Lake Fontana, especially in the deeper, rocky areas.
• Best Techniques:
  • Spring and Fall: Smallmouths are active in rocky and deeper areas. Use drop-shot rigs, tube baits, and jerkbaits.
  • Summer: Focus on deeper, cooler water with deep-diving crankbaits or soft plastic grubs.
  • Winter: Use slow presentations with small jigs or live bait in deeper water.

3. Crappie

• Description: Both black and white crappie can be found in Lake Fontana, typically around submerged structures and brush piles.
• Best Techniques:
  • Spring: Crappie move into shallow water to spawn. Use small jigs, live minnows, and fish around submerged brush and fallen trees.
  • Summer: Crappie retreat to deeper waters. Use vertical jigging techniques or spider rigging with small jigs or live minnows.
  • Fall: Crappie move back towards shallow water. Use similar techniques as in spring but adjust for cooler water temperatures.
  • Winter: Crappie fishing can be slow but can be productive in deeper waters. Use slow-moving jigs or live minnows.

4. Trout

• Description: Although not as abundant, trout can occasionally be found in Lake Fontana, particularly in cooler, deeper areas.
• Best Techniques:
  • Spring and Fall: Use small spinners, live bait, or soft plastics. Focus on cooler, deeper parts of the lake.
  • Summer: Trout may be less active due to warmer water temperatures. Fish during the cooler parts of the day with small lures or live bait.
  • Winter: Trout can still be caught in deeper, warmer areas of the lake. Use small lures or live bait and fish slowly.

5. Walleye

• Description: Walleye are present in Lake Fontana and provide a challenging catch for anglers.
• Best Techniques:
  • Spring and Fall: Walleye are more active and can be caught around structures and drop-offs. Use live bait like minnows or jigging with soft plastics and crankbaits.
  • Summer: Walleye move to deeper waters. Use deep-diving crankbaits or live bait.
  • Winter: Fishing for walleye can be slow but can be productive in deeper areas. Use slow-moving baits and focus on drop-offs.

Fishing Tips and Techniques

1. Seasonal Patterns:
   • Spring: Look for bass and crappie in shallow waters for spawning. Trout and walleye might be in cooler, deeper areas.
   • Summer: Fish deeper waters for bass, crappie, and walleye. Trout might be less active due to warmer temperatures.
   • Fall: Fish become more active as water cools. Focus on shallow waters for bass and crappie, and deeper waters for trout and walleye.
   • Winter: Fishing slows down but can still be productive. Focus on deep waters and use slow-moving baits.
2. Techniques:
   • Bass Fishing: Use a mix of lures and baits. Focus on submerged structures, points, and vegetation. Adjust your techniques based on seasonal patterns.
   • Crappie Fishing: Use small jigs or live minnows. Fish around submerged brush and structures, and adjust your depth based on water temperature.
   • Trout Fishing: Use small lures or live bait. Fish in cooler, deeper parts of the lake.
   • Walleye Fishing: Use live bait or deep-diving lures. Focus on structures, drop-offs, and deeper areas.
3. Local Advice:
   • Consult Local Sources: Visit local bait shops or consult with local anglers for current fishing conditions and tips.
   • Check Regulations: Ensure you follow all local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits for different species.

Access and Facilities

• Boat Ramps: There are several public boat ramps around Lake Fontana providing access for boating and fishing.
• Camping: The surrounding Nantahala National Forest offers camping options for those who wish to stay overnight. Check availability and make reservations if necessary.
• Parking: Be sure to use designated parking areas to avoid fines and ensure access to the lake.

Safety and Environmental Stewardship

• Safety: Always wear a life jacket when boating. Be aware of changing weather conditions and ensure your boat is in good working order.
• Environmental Stewardship: Practice “Leave No Trace” principles. Dispose of trash properly and respect wildlife and natural habitats.

Fishing at Lake Fontana offers a diverse and enjoyable experience for anglers. Whether you’re targeting bass, crappie, trout, or walleye, the lake’s clear waters and abundant fish make it a great destination. Enjoy your time on the water and take in the stunning natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains!

For more fishing tips and advice and to find the very best fishing guides in America visit us at www.usfishingguides.com. At USFG we bring only the very best guides in the United States together under one roof to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible.

Check us out, tell a friend and get out and go fishing. To learn more visit www.usfishingguides.com

How to fish Lake Fontana in North Carolina