I have spent the last 4 days at the sleepy Nationally recognized Fontana village which is part of Fontana dam and Fontana Marina.

I took a 1.5 hour tour yesterday and this lake is spectacularly beautiful with the Smokies as a backdrop. Clear water and virtually very little in human development the lake boasts of over 200+ miles of shoreline. Long and narrow with numerous fingers and campsites it is an overlooked gem of a place.

I am already planning on a return visit minus the missus and adding a boat of some sort. Fishing possibilities are very good with spotted, smallmouth, largemouth bass and walleye to be had. I would assume platter size crappie would also be around. My understanding is the fall topwater bite in this very deep and steep lake is amazing.

Just a thought.......something to consider should anyone venture this way.

FWIW fishing from the shoreline is very tough and not especially practical.

Check out Chilhowee lake, upriver from Fontana, in Tennessee. Beautiful lake, beautiful area. Camped just north of Chilhowee at Adams creek campground in May.

I paddled this lake in 2013. I was on a road trip to the smokies. I always bring my kayak. I saw Fontana from Klingons dome, and decided I HAD to paddle it. Beautiful lake. I couldn't find the fish. I recommend it for the views alone.

I've canoed and camped on Fontana Lake a couple times.
One time it was really windy, and that is some big water.

LindenTree3: "I've canoed and camped on Fontana Lake a couple times.
One time it was really windy, and that is some big water."

Interesting Linden as I thought it rather protected and long but narrow. But as with any steep sided lake with a long narrow corridor if the wind gets going from the wrong direction I am imagining some hefty waves. But for the most part I am envisioning rather placid conditions.

But my hopes have been dashed rather abruptly. I typically make a fall run from Florida to Michigan along the I 75 interstate and envisioned a few days on Fontana on the way back. Unfortunately it is about 2 hours off my travel route including the infamous "Dragons tail" motorcycle run (over 300 turns in 11 miles) at Deal's Gap on hwy 129. I ran the Dragons tail yesterday with an oversized van and trailer. We did fine, but not something I would choose to do with my rig again......whew!

I am now looking at Norris Lake in Tennessee which is right off my travel route and boasts hybrid striped bass up to 40lbs.......I wonder if those fish have seen any Shadzillas ;-)