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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Other places to paddle; Fontana lake N.C.
 
Author Message Text
07/15/2018 02:25AM
  
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.
 
LindenTree3
07/15/2018 07:35AM
  
I've canoed and camped on Fontana Lake a couple times.
One time it was really windy, and that is some big water.
 
mastertangler
07/15/2018 07:47AM
  
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 ;-)
 
mastertangler
07/13/2018 07:25PM
  
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.
 
Fried Fish
07/13/2018 08:14PM
  
Check out Chilhowee lake, upriver from Fontana, in Tennessee. Beautiful lake, beautiful area. Camped just north of Chilhowee at Adams creek campground in May.